A normal day..?

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Starburst awoke to birds chirping, opening her eyes to be greeted by the morning light. She liked to think of herself as an early bird, after all why waste a perfectly good morning sleeping? The earlier she rose the more training she could complete, so she half brushed her mane and headed out the door to do so.

The morning was her favorite time to practice her flight maneuvers, mostly on weather duty, although, nopony ever asked her to participate, being a princess and all. But she was a pegasus and lived in Ponyville, so she may as well help out. And if it was good training she wouldn’t complain.

Today called for mostly clear skies which wouldn’t be that hard to accomplish since the wind had already brought on a good few clouds. A bit too many it looked like to her. She took off to break them up.

She could have done it all herself pretty easily, but the last time she did she got scolded by Rainbow Dash, the leader of the weather teams, so reluctantly she left the job half done and changed her course, rather than going through the clouds she started going around them.

It was so easy for her to get lost in her training. She couldn’t understand how other ponies could just sit around all day and do the minimal, or nothing. Or worse, she cringed at the thought 'Sleep all day.' She couldn’t believe the thought crossed her mind.

‘How can a pony do that..? Well not all ponies.’ She rolled her eyes at the colt that came to mind. She didn’t understand how ponies could have no goal in life, or meaningless goals. She looked down, not realizing she had been practicing for hours already.

She was very proud to admit her wings were easily the strongest thing on her. She could fly anywhere in Equestria without hardly getting winded. She landed, momentarily wondering what to do next.

'I wonder if Dels busy.' She hoped so. He was very good at helping her train. Before she could think any further on the matter, a small beautiful voice caught her attention.

“Starburst?” Said pony turned to see her friend, a cute light pink unicorn named Anthea, who was nearly blind.

“I thought it was you.” She smiled. “Are you heading to Sugarcube corner?” Starburst gave her a confused look, not understanding why she would assume her to be heading there of all places?

“No, I was going to Sweet Apple Acres…” Anthea giggled at her response, causing Starburst even more confusion.

“You forgot didn’t you?” Starburst thought for a second. Her memory wasn’t bad, but it was entirely possible for something to easily slip her mind.

“Forgot what?” She asked, giving up on trying to figure it out herself.

“Candy’s party. Its been a year since you moved to Ponyville. We’re celebrating.” The unicorn smiled again, the opposite of what Starburst expressed, sighing.

“That’s today? I have to train.” She looked up to see Anthea giving her a look between disappointed and disapproving.

“... but it is your party, and everypony will be there.” Starburst sighed again, knowing it would be rude and unbecoming not to go. And also knowing everypony meant Del would in all likeliness be there as well.

“Ok, I get it. I’ll go, but I cant stay for too long. I really have to train.” Anthea smiled at her change of heart.

“Alright, I’ll follow you.” At this, Starburst did an about face, heading to Sugarcube corner.

She was glad Anthea caught her. She would have hated to get all the way to Sweet Apple Acres to just have to go clear back. Although the run would’ve been good stamina training, she really wanted to focus on strength today.

She was also glad Candy hadn’t made the party a surprise one. She wasn’t one for surprises. Hay, she wasn’t one for parties. A bunch of ponies in a crowded room full of loud happy music.

‘I could name ten better things to do easy, but..’ she wouldn't admit it made her happy they were doing all of this for her. They came up on Sugarcube Corner, which was expectedly bustling. Starburst could already hear the music coming from the building. She noticed Anthea had passed her and was heading in, so she followed.

Yep. Crowded. She looked around, taking in the scene… everypony really was there. She saw Claire, a dragon/pony hybrid, over by the snack bar for a second before another pony blocked her view.

She also spotted Prism, a rainbow maned colt that knew good ways to get on her nerves, and his best friend/ex Whirlwind, a purple mare, who Starburst thought was actually pretty alright, on the dance floor, and promptly rolled her eyes at them.

She also had time to see a pink maned, blue mare bouncing into and out of the crowd, immediately knowing it was Candy, who was carrying a tray of her special concoction of blue punch, which was defying logic by not spilling. Even Starburst had to admit that was some good punch.

She was so busy looking around she hadn’t noticed Anthea had already left and was coming back over with her very special somepony/dragon, and Claire’s younger brother Turquoise Blitz. Most everypony called him T though.

“Hello Starburst. Nice to see you.” He greeted her warmly. She nodded at his greeting, resuming looking around.

“You too, but unfortunately I wont be able to stay long.”

“Starburst!!!” Anything Starburst was going to say was cut off by Candy popping up between them. “You came! Yay!” She held out the punch tray to her.

“Have some punch!” She put a glass of the blue substance in Starbursts hoof, handing one to Anthea and T as well. Starburst mentally rolled her eyes at the pony’s enthusiasm. It was endearing, but also confusing to her.

“Hi Candy.” Her response was a bit delayed since Candy’s greeting took her a bit by surprise.

“Can you believe its already been a year since you moved here!? Time sure flies when you’re having fun.” Candy said with a bright smile. Starburst never really understood that saying.

“I’m not sure about that, but I do wish there were more time in the day.” Candy giggled at her response, Starburst in turn, giving her a confused look.

“Well,” She started. “Maybe if there were more time in the day you’d have time for fun.” She bounced off to handle other guests at that, leaving Starburst even more confused.

What did fun have to do with anything..? She turned to ask Anthea and T, only to find they had left in the middle of her conversation with Candy. She sighed, turning to look for Del.

“Yo Star!” Great. She was spotted again.

“Decided ta show eh?” Prism, the pony who had spotted her, moved through the crowd to stop in front of her.

She sighed. Another pony she didn’t understand. Prism was nice enough most of the time, but she couldn’t understand how he could sleep his life away the way he did. She was surprised to see him up now, honestly.

Since he got no response he kept talking, “Finally deciding to loosen up a bit huh?” He gave her a half smirk, bumping her in the shoulder. She lifted her hoof, moving back a little.

“Why wouldn’t I show for a party for me?” She didn’t have to say that she completely forgot about it. Still looking around for Del, she noticed Candy had started a game of pin the tail on the on the pony.

“Well,“ Prism started, getting her attention back. “I wouldn’t put it past ya. You did miss Annie’s birthday party last month.” That was another time her memory failed her. She felt bad about that.

“I got her a present later. Besides I was busy.”

“You’re always busy.” She rolled her eyes at his thoughtful rebuttal.

“I try to be. If you aren’t busy you’re wasting your day.” It looked like her words stabbed Prism right through the heart, she arched an eyebrow at his pained expression. “What?”

“I didn’t think a pony could say something like that.” She rolled her eyes, knowing very well how lazy this colt was. He only did weather duty because his mother forced him somehow. Such a waste of talent.

“ But then I remembered who I was talkin to.” he continued, she didn’t really hear him, her thoughts going elsewhere.

“What’s the weather schedule for tomorrow?” She voiced said thoughts. Prism gave a thoughtful look, obviously trying to remember what his mother had told him.

“Mm, well, ma said we need more clouds brought in since the suns getting hotter.” He shifted his look back to her. “Why?”

“Why do I ever ask? Nopony ever asks me to help,” She resumed looking around the room. “and its good training.” Since she was looking around, she didn’t see the mischievous glint in Prism’s eye.

“K,” He smirked. “ Each pegasus on weather duty is supposed to bring in twelve clouds over Ponyville tomorrow.” Starburst turned her attention back to him in shock.

“Twelve? Isn’t that rather excessive?” It wasn’t that she had a problem with gathering that many, she just couldn’t imagine Ponyville covered in that many clouds.

“Nope.” He smiled in reply. “It’ll be a real scorcher.” She didn’t think much on it after his reassurance, the main reason being she had spotted the pony shed been looking for since she arrived.

Del, her working buddy, was over by the refreshments, getting a popper to the face from Candy’s eccentric mother, Pinkie Pie. She walked over, half smiling at his expression towards the popper, leaving Prism to Whirlwind.

“Del?” She got his attention, along with a smile.

“Star, How’s it goin’? Glad ta see ya here.” She mentally wondered for a second if she really was that bad at missing parties, but shoved the thought away, focusing back on Del.

“Right, well, what are your plans after this party?” He gave her a somewhat questioning look, then smiled in understanding.

“Got the whole east orchard ta buck. Gonna hafta leave early ta get it done afore dark. Ya gonna get in on it?” She liked how he always seemed to know what she was thinking. She nodded.

“It would be great strength training.”

“Ah don mind a bit, but ain’t yer hind hooves already stronger than yer front?” She swore he was as good as a personal trainer…

“Yeah,” She affirmed his assumption with a nod, “But I walked on my front hooves all day yesterday and I think it helped.” It was true. She got a few odd looks from the other ponies, but she felt it was worth it.

She flexed her front right to extenuate her statement. “So, Wanna hoof wrestle?” Del gave another questioning look, bordering confusion.

“Here..?” Surely he knew her better than that.

“No, when we leave.”

“ Oh.” He nodded. “Ok” They sat there in silence for a minute.

“Ready to go?” She broke the silence, turning to him. He replied with an “Ok” through chuckles, and they left for Sweet Apple Acres.

Not long after they left the party, they stopped for a quick usual hoof wrestle. Which, as usual, Del won.

“Darn...” Starburst voiced her disappointment for the fifth or so time as they came up to the apple farm.

“I can’t believe you still beat me.” Starburst was a good sport and all, but being as competitive as she was, there were only a few complete blackouts she could take.

“ I know, Its amazin’ a whole day a trainin didn’t hardly help a bit.” She had the nagging feeling he was slightly patronizing her, but was too upset to think on it fully.

“I really thought I’d gotten better…” She didn’t catch the sideways glance he gave her before he smiled a little.

“Star, “ he started, “Ya need ta give it time. You're young an your muscles need time ta catch up ta what you're puttin 'em through.” He walked into the barn as he spoke.

Starburst followed, thinking on what he said, watching him start to load the wagon with bushel baskets. She helped, going over to the stack, bumping it, one of the empty ones falling off.

She helped rather often and, though she wasn’t one to toot her own horn, she was rather good at it. She caught the basket on her back, going over to put it in the wagon, thinking of what he had said.

“I guess that does make sense.” She broke the silence, getting Del’s attention.

“Huh?” She hadn’t realized shed been thinking that long, he obviously didn’t know what she was talking about.

“What you said. About giving it time. It makes since.” She clarified, getting a chuckle as a response, Del going back to the wagon, which was now fully loaded.

“Ah, that. Glad ya think so.” She followed him over to the wagon. “And since your trainin didn’t do what ya wanted,” He moved around, hitching her up to the wagon. “Ya’ll can pull the wagon ta the east orchard an back. That oughtta put some muscle in them hooves.” He gave her a bit of a playful nudge, then led the way out the door.

She followed without a complaint, but did notice he took the full-sized wagon instead of the half one. ‘Must be a lot of apples.’ The thought didn’t linger long, and the wagon wasn’t heavy to pull to the field, but coming back was another story.

Del was a great apple bucker, and though Starburst wasn’t as good as him, She was better than some true Apples. Apple Bloom to name one. June too, probably, but only because she was better with cherries.

So between the both of them they had harvested nearly half a ton of apples, which was stuffed in the wagon, which was hitched to Starburst. Now, she wasn’t one to complain, but to say she was having issues would be a poor understatement.

“This wagon…. Has to weigh a ton…” She was pulling, albeit slowly, but there was no way shed let a dumb wagon get the best of her. Del chuckled, obviously amused and keeping pace next to her.

“Little over half probly. Ya complainin?” She frowned at his accusation.

“Of course not!” She turned back to her task of pulling the wagon, though she had lagged a bit to talk to him, she got it going again, about halfway to the barn now. “Ugh… just wishing I could… use my wings…”

“If ya use your wings, your hooves won’t get worked out.” She hated when he had a point. And he had them more often than she’d like to admit.

“I know, I know…gah, how much farther?” She wanted to look up but was too focused on putting one hoof in front of the other. She never knew it could be this hard.

“Bout half.” That helped. Half down. She was so focused, she didn’t even see Del’s mother coming up to them until she spoke.

“What… oh.” She looked up a bit, not stopping for fear of being unable to get the wagon rolling again. Applejack giggled, about as amused at Starburst’s plight as her son. “Ah was gonna ask what was takin ya so long.” She addressed Del, who gave a smile in response.

“Yep. She wanted ta work out her legs.” He explained rather plainly, still walking with Starburst…. Slowly.

“Oh, Ah see.” She moved up next to both of them, taking pace with Starburst. “So ya havin dinner with us, sugarcube?”

“Ugh….Nah… no thanks…. Gotta get back home soon…” Starburst answered promptly, not looking up. The wagon seemed to be getting heavier, but she chalked it up to her muscles getting more tired.

“How bout Ah fix ya up a little doggie bag? Ah don think Twi’d be too happy with us if we let ya starve yerself.” She left at that, to go make the doggie bag that would in all likeliness end up with Candy.

‘Well,’ She thought, the barn coming into view. ‘I might eat some of it.’ It was a few more good minutes before she stopped in front of the barn. Del did most of the unloading. She helped as best she could, but she couldn’t hardly feel her legs… She had pulled wagons before, but no matter how much she asked, Del would never let her pull the full-sized wagon.

‘I probably wouldn’t have been able to pull it.’ She wouldn’t admit it out loud, of course, but her legs were jelly, and the wagon wasn’t even full. Shed seen him pull it stuffed to the brim with bushels of apples.

She sat the bushel on her back down in front of the barn, where Del had started a pile. She didn’t know whether to feel admiration or envy towards the stallion. ‘At least it makes sense that I lost to him.’

“Ah can finish up here.” Del got her attention, She turned to see him still unloading the wagon. "Ya’ll can go on back home if ya want.”

"What are you talking about?” She walked back over, getting another bushel. “We aren’t finished yet, and I said I’d help. I’m staying till we’re done..” She sat it down next to the others, turning to head back, she ran into Del.

“Ok then, can ya do me a favor?” She arched an eyebrow questioningly, but said nothing. “Ma’s been working long an hard today, can ya save her the trip out here an go get that food she made fer ya?” She stopped or a second, slightly suspicious, but noodded.

“Ok. I’ll be back.” She turned, flying to the house, glad to be off her hooves for a bit. She landed, resulting in her legs throbbing, which she ignored, knocking on the door. June, Del’s cousin, answered.

“Oh, Starburst, come on in. Aunt AJ’s in the kitchen.” She walked in through the open door, going to the kitchen. She had been there many times, mostly to train with Del or June and ending up staying for dinner.

Applejack was where June had said she would be, stuffing some… fritters? Cakes? Starburst couldn’t really tell, into a brown bag. She cleared her throat to get her attention. It worked, Applejack turned to her.

“Oh, Star, just finishin up yer bag.” She looked around her. “Where’s mah boy?”

“He sent me to get the food so you wouldn’t have to come back out. I guess he’s still unloading the wagon. I’m going back out after I get the food.” She didn’t think much of Applejacks oddly big smile.

“That so?” She sat the bag on the table. Starburst nodded, taking it in her mouth, turning to leave.

She was out of the kitchen when she heard Applejack giggle lightly. She turned a bit, but when she heard nothing else and nothing happened she went back out, seeing Del coming up the road. He smiled at her.

“Hey, Star. Ah finished unloadin so ya can head on home now. Thanks a ton fer yer help.” The smile never left his muzzle. She wanted to be upset that he finished without her, but she was too tired. She sat down the bag.

“Ok. Thank you for helping me too. I’ll see you around.” She picked up the bag, flying off, unaware of the warmly admiring look that followed her.

Starburst sighed, flying to her tree home, about three feet off the ground, doggie bag in mouth. She liked the type of exhaustion the came with farm work, but it did tucker her out quite a bit. Especially when she tailed Del. The trunk of the library was coming into view.

“Starburst!” She looked up, hearing her name, to see Candy. “Where’d you go? You left early. Claire didn’t get to see you.” Starburst landed at the front door of her home, her legs dully throbbing from their earlier torture, and sat the bag full of assorted apple dishes down so she could speak.

“Yeah, sorry, I had something to do.” She was sure she had greeted everypony there. She felt rather bad for missing one. “I’ll apologize to her tomorrow.” She pushed the door open, picking the bag back up off the ground, setting it on a small table. Candy followed her in with a smile.

“That wasn’t the only thing I came to talk about, though.” Starburst turned to her, rather interested.

“Then what else?” She made sure not to sound harsh, but it was getting quite late and she was very tired. Candy smiled again.

“We need to hang out! Me and Prism are going to go swimming tomorrow! Will you come!?” Candy looked at her expectantly, obviously excited. ‘Well,’ she thought, going to the bottom of the stairs, ‘My day isn’t that full tomorrow…’

“What time?” She was still busy. Maybe just not too busy to not go. Candy smiled happily, knowing Starburst only asked that when she was considering saying yes.

“We’re gonna meet there at noon, k?” Candy bounced with excitement, Starburst briefly wishing she had some of her energy.

“…. K. I’ll try to make it.” Candy, again bounced with a “yay”.

“Ok! We’re meeting at the northern lake. The one with no trees around?” Starburst nodded, letting Candy know she knew the one. “K, then see ya there!” Candy turned to leave, Starburst following her a way until her attention was caught by the brown bag.

“Oh, hey Candy?” Candy turned to her with a frequent smile.

“Yeah?” Starburst nodded towards the bag, getting Candy to look at it as well.

“Applejack gave me that, but I’m heading to bed. Do you want it?” Starburst didn’t even have to hear the word “yes”. Candy’s huge smile said it for her.

Candy did, however, still say it while Starburst was busy holding back an amused smile at the pink-maned mare’s lack of poker face. She watched her go over, pick the bag up in her mouth and trot happily out the door with a “mmmf!” She assumed to be bye.

Starburst rolled her eyes slightly, shutting the door behind her friend. She turned back to the empty room, stretching with a rather loud yawn. She flew up the stairs to the bedroom above, turning off the lights, landing right on the bed.

She was tired, but in the best of ways. Her body aching was just another way of knowing she was one day, one step closer to achieving her dream. Sleep came to her after that thought, bringing dreams of her own life ambitions.

*Clack… Clack… Clunk* “Ouch!”

Starburst rolled in her bed, hearing odd sounds. Or she thought she did… She cracked and eye open, seeing if she could chalk it up to her imagination. She saw a large, pony shaped figure by her window, and shot out of the bed, knowing this was no figmant of her imagination, she addressed it.

“Whose there!?” She got closer to the pony figure, about to attack when she heard a familiar voice.

“Star! Wait! Its me!” A faint pink light illuminated the room, the source of it being a lavender-shaded alicorn mare.
Starburst went agast, her jaw near hitting the floor.

“Lyla!?” She looked on at her friend in disbelief. Lyla, in response, smiled.

“Yes, its me. Its been a while huh? Oh, I missed you so!” Before Starburst could answer, Lyla was happily nuzzling her, her form of a hug, Starburst knew, but was currently too busy having a small panic attack to return the sentiment.

“What are you doing here? Why are you out of the Crystal Empire?” A hundred questions ran through Starburst’s head. She knew her friend hadn’t ever been out of the Crystal Empire, as far as she knew she rarely left the Crystal Palace.

In the middle of her thoughts, another, more pressing question took surface. “…. How’d you get here…?” Lyla, in the middle of answering her other questions, stopped, suddenly finding the wood fascinating, poking at it with her hoof. “Well?” Starburst pressed, finally getting a response.

“I flew…. Somewhat…” This brought even more questions to Starburst’s mind.

“You….. Flew….?… All the way here…? From the Crystal Empire!?” She gave a look between skepticism and worry, Lyla, either not noticing or not caring, smiled.

“Yes. And ran. And I only crashed six times.” Starburst felt her eye twitch, more questions building up by the second. Another thought crossed her mind, resulting in even more confusion gracing her face.

“Your parents let you fly all the way to Ponyville..?” She looked out the window, seeing the sun start to make itself known, but not seeing anything… anypony else.

“All by yourself?” Again, Lyla found a great deal of fascination with the floor, but looked up with a rather guilty smile before Starburst had to press any further.

“Well….” She started, averting her eyes to the window. “Not….. Really…?” She smiled back at Starburst, who was very unamused.

“Lyla..?” Her voice, while concerned, had a bit of a tone to it. It was obvious she wanted answers and wasn’t getting them fast enough.

Lyla sat there silent for a second, then sighed. A small pink heart floated from her horn to Starburst, hitting her in the forehead. Starburst was immediately overwhelmed with multiple feelings. Hurt, sadness, lonliness, frustration… hopelessness. She turned her attention back to Lyla.

“……I ran away…” Starburst didn’t quite know how to respond to that. She was shocked that Lyla would do something like that, for sure, but… She knew Lyla’s parents were very protective of her, with good reason, though.

Taking Starburst’s silence as an okay to continue, Lyla went on. “They don’t understand that I’ve gotten better…. I’m not the same bed ridden filly they raised! I haven’t had an episode in over seven months and they still won’t allow me out by myself… When I was younger, I understood…. But I am better…." She was shocked at the desperation in the elder mares voice, she'd never heard her speak like she was now.

"A month? Can I stay a month here in Ponyville? Where nopony knows me? Treats me different… or even knows I’m a princess…. Please Star…?”

Starburst didn’t know what to do. If she harbored the fugitive princess her whole family would be very angry with her… very angry. On the other hoof, her first, best and truest friend was asking… begging, for the first favor she’d ever asked of her in her life.

“…One month…?” She asked once more, a nod being Lyla's response. She couldn’t believe she was considering this...

“One month. 30 days. Then I’ll go back, take all the blame and never leave my room again.” Starburst sat there for a second. She knew she couldn’t say no… She sighed in defeat.

“I cant believe I’m agreeing to this.” Lyla smiled wide, eyes sparkling with joy.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I owe you so much!!!” Lyla spread her big, black tipped wings in excitement, nuzzling her friend rather enthusiastically. Starburst smiled lightly, reaching over to close the window.

“Ok, ok,” She turned back to Lyla after her task of closing the window was complete. “I’ve got some clouds to bring in.” Though the sun was up, its light was still rather weak, so Starburst reached over, flipping the lights on to give her eyes a break. She snickered, seeing Lyla fully now.

“What?” Lyla slightly cocked her head questioningly at Starbursts odd laugh.

“You need to look in a mirror.” Starburst pointed to the large mirror on top of the vanity in the corner of the room, watching Lyla walk over to it, then laugh at her reflection.

She had brown spots of dirt in her coat, and twigs and leaves sticking out from her turquoise and black-striped mane. Starburst truly wondered how she had made it to Ponyville in one piece. Her thought was interrupted by Lyla’s voice.

“I suppose I do have a few battle scars huh?” She giggled. “I’ll stay here and get cleaned up and get some sleep. Wake me when youre done ok?” She finished her statement with a shake, resulting in a dust cloud. Starburst smirked in amusement.

“K.” She flew down the stairs, leaving Lyla to her business, Going to round up the clouds Ponyville needed for the day.

Author's Notes:

Woot! First chapter of my first pony fic! I'm going to go back and forth between Starburst and Lyla's pov from here on, depending on whose thoughts I deem most important we hear at which part. Nice critiques are apreciated, for though I like to think of myself as a decent author, I am only human, and I'd like to learn more. chapters will be coming sparatically, but they will be coming. I write them on paper first before I type them, so I'm actuall writing ch.6. I'm typing ch3. If you want to see more pictures of Lyla or things that will be happening, go to my da account, http://cemfin.deviantart.com/ If you want to see more of the characters I did not create (Everypony but Lyla) Go to the wonderfully talented http://kilala97.deviantart.com/ she also did the cover art. So enjoy, post your thoughts, and hope ya stick with me :)

Meet Lyla

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Starburst returned to see Lyla all cleaned up in her bed, curled upand sleeping soundly. She must’ve tired herself out … flying? All the way to Ponyville.

‘I can’t believe she really ran away…’ Lyla was always the perfect child and princess growing up, sweet, polite, smart, Starburst had always thought highly of her. It wasn’t like her to go against her parent's wishes…

“Hey, Lyla. Lyla I’m done.” She called to her softly, causing Lyla to slowly stir.

“Mm… Huh?…. Oh, k…. How’d it go..?” Lyla groggily stretched, getting off the bed slowly.

“Bout as well as cloud gathering can go. What are you wanting to do today?” As she asked, she subconsciously started over to make the bed, Lyla, however, beating her to it, using her magic to fix it in seconds.

“Well,” She started, the glow dying around her horn. “What do you have planned? I’d hate to mess up your plans by arriving on such short notice.” Starburst had to think a second on that.

“I have to go by Carousel Boutique to talk to Claire, and I’m meeting Candy at the swimming hole around noon. Then, after that I was going to go to Sweet Apple Acres.” She nodded slightly, satisfied that she didn’t forget anything. She focused her attention back to Lyla, and was startled by her eager look.

“That sounds wonderful!” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. “May I come?”

“Of course. Its not like I’m going to leave you here all day.” She gave a half smile at Lyla’s enthusiasm. She didn’t quite understand it, but did at the same time. All these daily rituals of traveling Ponyville were so new to her friend.

“Yay! Let me get ready.” Lyla trotted happily over to the mirror, levitating off her tiara, necklace, and two of her three earrings in each ear, as she did, she also brushed out her mane and applied pink eyeshadow. Starburst watched, intrigued. She didn’t quite get magic, since she couldn’t use it, but it was still rather interesting to watch.

“Looks like you’re getting the hang of that horn pretty good.” She voiced her thoughts, getting Lyla’s attention.

“Yes,” She giggled, “Ever since I shattered mother’s teapot, I’ve been practicing regularly. Valiant helps when he can, and Nighty too, when he visits and you’re busy.” She turned to her. “Ready!” Starburst looked at her a second, an amused smile on her face.

“Lyla, you’re still an alicorn.” She shook her head at her friends scattered brain. Lyla looked back in the mirror and laughed.

“Oh, my.. I completely forgot. Hm… I suppose it would be easier to cast the spell on my horn, no?” She turned to Starburst, who shrugged in response. She had no idea. Lyla seemed to take it as a yes, though. She closed her eyes, her horn glowing pink for a few seconds, then vanishing right before Starburst’s eyes.

“What the hay?!” She accidentally voiced her surprise at the appendage’s disappearance, eliciting a giggle from Lyla.

“Invisibility spell.” Starburst, mentally smacking herself for not guessing that, missed Lyla kicking off her shoes and didn’t refocus until she spoke again. “So?” She looked up, seeing Lyla do a slight twirl. “Do I look normal?” Starburst looked her over.

“Yeah actually…” Starburst nodded, though even looking “normal” Lyla was a beautiful mare. “Its odd.”

Lyla smiled wide. "Well get used to it, this is the new me!” Starburst shook her head at the declaration, but didn’t say anything derogatory to it, opting to just fly down the stairs silently. She turned back, expecting to see Lyla walking down the same stairs, seeing her instead at the top of them, looking down. She saw her look back at her wings, giving them a small flap.

‘Oh no’ She knew that look. “You know," Her face fell when Lyla spoke. “I think I’m going to try that!” Starburst felt her heart drop. It wasn’t that she didn’t want her to. She was worried for her safety, and the safety of the library.

Before she could say anything, she saw Lyla leave the ground, rather wobbly, then lean forward, going down in a diagonal line, waah-ing and eep-ing, she hit the ground and slid into the door. Starburst went over in a slight hurry. She was rather worried, but she’d seen her crash worse. Sure enough, Lyla got up, shaking herself off.

“Well…..” Starburst had to think of a good way to word how…. Not good but not bad that was.” That… wasn’t your worse try.” She felt bad when she noticed her honesty revive a sigh from her cousin.

“Yeah… it was still pathetic….” She turned with another sigh. “Lets go.” Starburst followed Lyla out the door silently.

Ponyville was just starting to bustle, not quite crowded because of the rather early hour, but a good number of ponies were out. They trotted side by side, Starburst leading the way to Carousel Boutique. She decided to start up a conversation with a question that had been in her head.

“So, did your brother say anything about my capabilities the last time I was in town?” Lyla looked away from… whatever had her attention, turning it to Starburst.

“Brother? Hmm…” She looked up thoughtfully. “I do in fact remember him mentioning that you were improving greatly, but that’s all I can," She stopped for a second, an odd look on her face. “say for sure.” She finished. Starburst decided not to question it. “So how has little Night been?”

“Doing mom proud of course.” She rolled her eyes slightly, but smiled anyway. “but he’s doing good.” Lyla smiled back.

“That’s good to hear-ouch!” Lyla winced. Starburst gave her a confused look, shifting her eyes around to see what could be causing her discomfort, but saw nothing but a few ponies walking by. She saw others coming up, one colt stepping on Lyla’s mane, causing her to wince once more, the colt, unaware of his actions, kept walking.

“Hey! Watch it!” Starburst yelled after him, but got no reply. Lyla moved around, continuing on her way.

“Its ok, Star. Its not something to cause a fuss-” She winced again. “Over.” Starburst glared at the pony walking by, but kept on her way. She turned back to Lyla.

“Why did you let your mane grow so long anyway?” She looked back, seeing the three feet of mane dragging the ground…. And getting stepped on once more.

“Do you remember ten years ago? The haircut I had?” Starburst thought back. She did remember. She didn’t hardly recognize her when she saw her.

“Yeah, didn’t Val do that to you?”

“Yes.” Lyla nodded, “And I haven’t had the courage to cut it since.” She stopped suddenly. Starburst looked back at her questioningly, but before she could ask what the hold up was, Lyla turned to address a mare ogling the flowers at Rose’s flower stand.

“Excuse me, ma’am, you’re standing on my tail.” The mare turned her way, looking down, and jumping off immediately with an “oh! I’m so sorry!” Lyla replied with a “It’s ok.” and a warm smile, starting to walk again. Starburst looked back, seeing Lyla’s tail dragging farther behind them than her mane.

“Lyla?” Starburst had come to a decision.

“Yes?” She got the lavender mare’s attention.

“We have to do something about your mane.”

“I will not cut it.” Starburst sighed. Lyla was sweet and all, but when she plainly stated something like that there was no room for argument.

“Then we’ll go by the salon or something. You’ll pick up dirt like that anyway.” She seemed to make enough sense to get Lyla to think twice.

“Mm, Ok. As long as they don’t cut it.”

“Ok, ok.” Starburst rolled her eyes, continuing on her way

“Claire?” Lyla followed somewhat behind Starburst, as she was calling for her friend, into Carousel Boutique. She looked around at all the dresses in the store. She’d seen dresses before, never worn one, but they had clothing stores in the Crystal Empire, though none had attire with as much personality as the clothing she was seeing now.

She followed Starburst into a different, smaller room, showcasing jewelry, it seemed. “Claire?” Starburst called for her friend again. Lyla looked up from the pair of earrings she was inspecting in time to see the pink and purple pony/dragon come out of the back room.

“Oh. Welcome Starburst. Can I help you?” She spoke. Lyla watched her curiously, she'd never seen anything like her before….

“I wanted to apologize for not greeting you at my party yesterday.” ‘Starburst had a party yesterday?’ She hadn’t mentioned it. She continued, “It was rude of me.”

“Oh, you came all the way for that? How sweet, think nothing of it, darling.” Claire smiled, noticing Lyla, who was still somewhat watching her. “Starburst, who is this?” Attention turned to Lyla, whose thoughts were drifting. She remembered Starburst talking about a dragon/pony. Was this the same one?

“Oh, She’s my old friend from the Crystal Empire.” Lyla’s face lit up.

“So you’re Claire. Starburst has told me about you. Its nice to finally put a face to the name.” She smiled in what she hoped was a friendly manner.

“Oh? I’m sorry, I don’t believe Starburst had ever mentioned you. It could just be my memory, however. I’m not the best at details.” Lyla could tell she was just being polite and had no idea who she was.

“No,” She answered through giggles. “I’m sure Starburst has never mentioned me. It would surprise me if she did.” She looked the dragon/pony over again as she addressed Starburst.

She looked like a pony, but she had two horns instead of one, claws, and a long tail with a tuft of fur at the end. Not quite what she had expected of a mix species. Not that she’d seen a dragon… but she read about them and seen pictures in books.

Now, she was, fortunately or other, a pony who voiced her thoughts. She didn’t really mean to, it just happened, and it was happening again. “You’re a lot prettier than I thought a mix would be.” Now it was obvious she meant no harm.

“… Should I be complimented or insulted..?” She was shocked at the revelation that it wasn’t obvious to Claire. She had apparently offended her, and her face had said it loud and clear. The question was directed at Starburst, but Lyla cut her off, answering first.

“It was a compliment!” She took a bit of a deep breath, containing her… excitement. She smiled. “It was a compliment. I’m very sorry if I offended you. I meant no harm at all.”

She sighed in relief when the anger in the half-dragons face diminished… almost completely. She decided now was a good time to change the subject. “Do you run this shop all by yourself?”

“Well, this half of it.” Claire answered, moving around the counter. “My mother runs the dress shop you went through. She makes the dresses. I, however, make the jewelry that accents them.”

“Where is your mom, Claire?” All eyes turned to Starburst, who chose now to get her first word in in about ten minutes. Oops. She was so happy to meet a new pony, she forget to give Star a chance to talk… she’d have to work on that.

“Mm, upstairs I believe. Do you need her?” Claire was speaking as she was taking a necklace and earrings off a mannequin. She had no idea why she was doing it though. To her, the mannequin was beautiful the way it was, but she kept her comments to herself, opting to walk around while Claire and Starburst finished their conversation.

“Yeah, we have… a request of her.” That caught Lyla’s attention. Starburst didn’t mention having anything else to do here. Not that it wasn’t very surprising. She loved her little cousin, but she wasn’t the best at talking… or remembering.

“Very well. I’ll go fetch her.” Lyla looked up in time to see Claire disappear into the back room, leaving she and Starburst alone in the shop.

“She’s nice.” She initiated conversation while going around, looking at the wares. “Seemed like she has a small bit of anger issues though.” She didn’t see the confused look the little orange mare gave her, but she heard the slight confusion in her voice when she spoke.

“You can tell that?” She paused a second, thinking, Lyla assumed, before continuing. “You didn’t use your spell. Your horn didn’t glow.” It was a statement, but she heard the unasked question in it, and giggled.

“No, but my spell isn’t my only talent. We’ve only met four times since I got my cutie mark, so I suppose a situation hasn’t come up where I have had to explain it. Other ponies may as well be open books to me.” She continued walking around.

“These dresses are beautiful.” She giggled. “As to be expected of the pony who designed my mothers wedding dress.” It wasn’t that she didn’t know anypony at all. Her family had told her stories about a few of them, she had just never met them. She turned to face Starburst when she came up to study the dress she was looking at.

“I don’t know what the big deal is, really.” She watched her friend go back to the counter. “A dress is a dress. We don’t even really need them.” Lyla sighed, rolling her eyes. Leave it to Starburst to have the most practical opinion ever.

“Its not the necessity, it’s the aesthetic of it. It makes ponies feel better about themselves. Or at least from what I’ve seen.” She missed Starburst’s small shrug.

“I still don’t get it.”

“Did you need my assistance, Starburst, dear?” They both turned, seeing a middle aged white unicorn Lyla had never seen before coming through the door, followed by Claire.

“Oh, uh, yes.” Starburst replied. “This is my friend, Lyla.” Lyla smiled as the unicorns attention turned to her.

“Rarity.” The unicorn… Rarity, smiled back. “A pleasure.” She turned back to Starburst. “So what can I help you with?”

“Well…” Starburst seemed a bit uncertain. Lyla momentarily wondered why, but she continued before she could dwell on it more.

“I was wondering if you might be able to do anything with Lyla’s mane and tail?” Oh. That explained it. If Lyla remembered correctly, Rarity wasn’t a stylist, but she could be a very good one if the situation called for it. She was brought out of her thoughts when Rarity spoke again.

“Wouldn’t that be a job for the salon?” Starburst had mentioned a true high class salon was one of the few things Ponyville was still missing. She looked back at Starburst who, to her surprise was giving a slightly irritated look back at her.

“We tried that.” She started, turning back to Rarity. “They said they didn’t know what to do with it.” Lyla, feeling sheepish at the statement and looking away, didn’t see that said statement had perked Claire’s interest. The pink pony-dragon came out from behind the counter where she was working, walking over to Lyla.

“How can they not know what to do with……. Oh my….” Claire stopped, a shocked look on her face.

The look, apparently getting her mothers attention, had Rarity heading around the counter. She walked around to see Lyla’s seven foot river of mane, followed by seven and a half to eight feet of tail. She tried to conceal her amusement at the wide eyed look of the white unicorn.

“Oh my is right…… darling, why in Equestria would you let you mane get this long!?” Rarity was obviously shocked. She giggled guiltily at the question.

“A… foalhood trauma. I will not cut it. To be honest, I can't.” She looked away a bit. “It wouldn’t be so much a problem if it didn’t drag the ground. Ponies step on it and it picks up dirt.” Though she muttered the last part, everypony still heard it. Rarity went aghast, gasping loudly, in all honesty, spooking her a bit.

“There is no way I can turn aside a mare to get dirt in her mane!” she saw Claire roll her eyes at that. Rarity had apparently missed it and continued. “Allow me a few minutes to come up with…. Something…”

“I thought we weren’t going to be done in time to make it to the swimming hole.” Lyla was walking next to Starburst again, showing off her new double hanging bun look that had taken two hours to achieve. Her little cousin was muttering her thoughts under her breath. She felt bad. She was always so much trouble.

“I’m sorry, Star… I know I’m trouble.” She felt even worse, able to tell by her friend’s face that she'd just made Starburst feel… rather guilty.

“I didn’t mean it like that." Lyla smiled in hopes of assuaging Star’s guilt.

“I know, I’m just glad I have such a good friend. I know what I’m asking of you is very selfish.” Maybe she shouldn’t have ran away. She was having fun of course, but she truly had to think on if the trouble she was causing Starburst was worth it. Though, she didn’t really seem to mind.

‘There’s another one…’ That was the ninth pony she’d seen staring at them. She couldn’t tell if they were watching her or Starburst, but it was rather odd… She was glad when they left the bustle for a more secluded plain.

“Hey Star?” the orange mare turned to her. “Do ponies normally stare at each other here?” It confused her even more when Starburst let out one of her rare giggles.

“No. I’m pretty sure, if you’re talking about what I think you’re talking about, they were staring at you.” Now she was confused.

“Why would they be staring at me?” Starburst replied with a look. She obviously should’ve known, but she had no idea. She decided to change the subject, not wanting to let her ignorance show. “So, who are we meeting here?”

“Candy. Cotton Candy. She’s nice, but..." Starburst got an odd look on her face. It looked somewhat tired, but still happy? Lyla couldn’t place it. “She’s loud…. And way too energetic.”

“She sounds fun.” She answered a bit through a giggle. It was true. She’d never quite met anypony that was loud before. Except her brother, but he’d pretty much grown out of that.

There was a small period of quiet before Lyla herd a “cannonball!!!” then a splash. She looked up to see a good sized lake, and two ponies swimming in it, one a light blue, the other a dark purple. She followed Starburst over to the edge of the lake, hearing a sound that made her stop in her tracks. She looked around curiously, but continued walking, not wanting to get left behind.

She looked back at Star, noticing she was looking in a direction. Out of curiosity, she looked in the same direction and saw the cause of the odd sound. A dark colored, rainbow-maned pony in a lounge chair. She giggled, realizing the odd sound was his very loud snoring. She assumed it was a he.

He looked to be rather… brawny for a mare. She turned her attention back to the lake in shock when she stepped in it. She looked up, seeing Starburst heading out to the middle of the lake. She was rather hesitant, but followed her until she was about neck high in the water. To her relief, it seemed one of the swimming ponies, the blue one had spotted them and was heading over quickly.

“Starburst!!” She appeared rather excited at their arrival. “You came!” She smiled happily.

“You always seem so surprised.” Starburst said, not looking too amused at the statement she had made. Lyla, however, giggled. She could see being surprised at her little cousin doing anything that didn’t involve training. Her giggle seemed to get the attention of the blue pony.

“Oh! Whose this? I’ve never seen you around here before.” She, again was obviously excited, at meeting a new pony, Lyla assumed. Before she could answer, the other pony, the purple one, backstroked by through the water.

“I’m Whirlwind.” She sat up, about to say something else, the other pony cut her off.

“I’m Candy!” She giggled once more. These two were amusing.

“I’m Lyla.” She paused to see if Starburst wanted to take over, and continued when she didn’t speak. “I’m a friend of Star’s. From the Crystal Empire.” She added the last part as not to have to explain why they’d never seen her before. “Nice to meet you.” She smiled. Whirlwind turned to address Starburst.

“You never told me ya had a friend in the Crystal Empire.” It was more a statement than a question, luckily, and Candy spoke before anypony there could think more on it.

“You wanna swim?” Lyla looked away a little, hesitating before answering.

“I’d love to learn.” She smiled. Candy gave her an odd look, which changed when she realized what she’d implied.

“You can’t swim?” Whirlwind arched an eyebrow a bit before Starburst interjected.

“Could you teach her? I have to try to get 100 laps in. After that I’ll help.” Whirlwind shrugged laying back down, floating in the water. Candy’s answer was slightly more enthusiastic.

“Sure!” She smiled big, slipping out of the float tube she was in. “Here! Use this. Go through it.” Lyla did as commanded, though anxiously. She was surprised when she didn’t sink. The water was nice… it was an odd feeling of weightlessness she‘d yet to experience.

She looked around, noticing Starburst was starting her laps. She didn’t see Whirlwind around, though, but Candy got her attention back before she could scan the whole lake. “Now kick your back legs! Like this!” She demonstrated.

Lyla liked to think herself a quick learner, and though she got the idea of swimming within the hour, she was rather reluctant to let go of the inner tube. Starburst, having heard the commotion, Lyla guessed, came over.

“How’s it going?” She turned to her cousin, holding the inner tube.

“Really good! She’s a really fast learner! I think she’s ready to do it without the floatie, but…” Candy trailed off, turning to Lyla as she spoke. Lyla pouted a bit.

“Are you really sure..? Really?” Whirlwind, who had been floating around them giving words of encouragement here and there, floated by once more with a,

“You’re totally ready! Go for it.” She was now holding on to the float wit one hoof. She did second guess herself more than she should. Perhaps she was okay… she wasn’t sinking yet.

“ Just try.” The last bit from Starburst was all she needed. She let go, letting a small “ah!” When she sank a little, but regained it, floating back up.

“Yes! Look Star! Look! I’m swimming!” She smiled, full of happiness. Starburst giggled slightly at what Lyla could assume would be her over enthusiasm. She couldn’t help it, this was a real accomplishment.

Said over enthusiasm didn’t bother Candy one bit. She, in fact joined with a “Yay!!” and lifting her front hooves in the air, forgetting she needed them to tread water, resulting in her sinking, leaving a bit of bubbles behind…. She came back up shortly after though. Lyla decided not to question it, opting to giggle instead.

“Who’re you?” Lyla looked up, seeing the rainbow-maned colt from earlier… about half a foot away. She wasn’t a pony to startle easily, but having him so close so suddenly did the job. She “eeped” sinking a little before grabbing the tube again.

He was hovering about four inches above the water, and leaning down to get a better look at her. She blushed under such scrutiny, forgetting to introduce herself, receiving an arched eyebrow from the colt. He turned to Whirlwind.

“Hey, Wind, who’s the new girl?”

“Lyla. She’s Starburst’s friend.” Lyla noticed at this time that Starburst had resumed her laps, leaving her alone… She didn’t see the colt had turned back to her until he said her name.

“Lyla, huh? The names Prism Bolt,” He smirked a bit, leaning back, still hovering in one place. She momentarily wondered how he was able to do that before he continued. “I’m sure ya heard of me?” He put both hooves behind his head, hovering around her on his back. She watched him fly around, blush lingering.

“Um…” She thought for a second. “ Starburst might’ve mentioned you…” She did remember the name, but she couldn’t remember what she had said about him. The revelation that he was mentioned seemed to have a rather positive effect on… Prism as the smirk he was wearing grew more prominent. She smiled a bit in return.

“Heh, oh, she did, huh? So what’d she tell ya? Bout my awesome flying? My rugged good looks?” He ran a hoof through his mane to accentuate his statement.

Candy laughed, not the least bit shy at showing her amusement at the statement. Whirlwind rolled her eyes slightly, but bore a smile. Lyla, on the other hoof, felt the blush that was starting to leave her reappear. She looked away, for a reason she was unsure of.

“Something like that…. Perhaps…” She couldn’t conceal a smile at the thought of Starburst saying something like that about somepony. Candy and Whirlwind burst out laughing for what Lyla thought to be the same reason. Prism apparently didn’t get the joke.

“What’s so funny?” He looked to be more confused than offended. She let a small giggle at that. Before anypony could answer his question, however, Starburst came back over.

“Prism.” She greeted the pegasus with a nod. He lazily flipped a hoof in her direction. It wasn’t even a real wave. Starburst frowned a bit, rolling her eyes at the motion.

“Oh, you’re a pegasus pony?” He seemed to have noticed her wings. Most ponies with eyes could see she was one, ‘somewhat..’ but she understood since they hadn’t seen her out of the water. She wondered what it mattered, but didn’t get to ask. Whirlwind sat up again with a smile.

“You fly?” She asked, definitely excited. Starburst looked away from her newly formed conversation with Candy. Lyla wasn’t the best at coming up with fibs on the spot, but she could handle this… or she could try.

“Not… really.” She subconsciously started heading to the shore, following Candy and Starburst, who started heading there after she answered. She could tell Starburst was trying to get her out of the situation without raising suspicion. She had such a good friend.

“See, “ Prism started, following them from the air. “Flying for sport is so overrated.” Sure, she’ll go with that. Whirlwind turned to him with a small frown.

“Well, yeah, but the wonderbolts are still way awesome.” ‘The what?’ before she could ask, Whirlwind turned back to her.

“You still wouldn’t mind flyin with me though, would ya? It’d be nice racing somepony you don't know you don’t stand a chance at winning against.” Prism flew by, whistling innocently at her complaint. She would’ve giggled, but she was rather busy thinking of a way to politely turn her down.

“Um… Well…-”

“We have to go.” Starburst cut her off, saving her for the moment. They climbed out of the water. They all shook the water out of their fur, Candy poofing, before Whirlwind continued.

“Well, I guess its cool of you don‘t really want to. Me and Bolt grew up with all the good fliers in Cloudsdale, so its just nice to see what pegasi we don‘t know can do.”

Lyla looked away from them. She hated disappointing other ponies without good reason but… if she tried to fly, she didn’t see it turning out too good. Candy moved around smiling.

“You know, if you’re not that good, it won’t be that bad. Whirlwind and Prism are really, really good! So they can help you get better! Right?” She turned to the other two pegasi.

“Sure. Why not?” Whirlwind nodded, Prism just muttered something about don’t volunteer other ponies, but didn’t seem reluctant. She was still uncertain, however, if she should be honest. She looked to Starburst for any kind of indication of what to do, but the other pony looked to be lost in thought.

“Its… not quite that….”

“Well then what is it?” Prism seemed to be getting tired of this guessing game. Though she was sure it wasn’t in anger or frustration… she assumed curiosity. She looked around at all the eyes on her… would they help her?. She looked away in shame, lowering her body a bit.

“What?” Whirlwind took a guess. “Are you afraid of heights or something? Cause we can definitely help with that.” She shot a knowing smirk at Prism, who blushed, glaring.

“ Sh-shut up!” She felt a pull on her wings before she could comment on Whirlwind’s statement, turning to see Candy pulling her wings up to inspect them.

Starburst, still silent, was still lost in thought at something. She was watching Lyla, but not truly commenting on anything that was going on. Not that that was odd, but had hoped to receive a little help.

“It doesn’t look like anything’s wrong with your wings.” Candy apparently decided, flapping one of her wings. “But I’m not an expert.” She sighed.

“They’re… fine… for the most part…” She didn’t think it’d be this hard to tell somepony the truth.

“She can’t.” All eyes turned to Starburst, who finally decided to speak. “She can’t fly. At all.”

There was complete and total silence. She couldn’t believe Starburst had just told them her most shaming secret…… but surely she had good reason…? Prism fell on the ground in laughter, breaking the silence.

“Hah, good one! And I thought you weren’t one for jokes!” Starburst gave him a glare as he got up, not even having to say “this is not a joke”.

“Uh, Bolt…” Whirlwind leaned in. “I think she means it.”

“What? Seriously?” Lyla looked away sadly when he shot her a look of disbelief. Candy came up with the courage to ask what she was sure the other ponies were thinking.

“Why..?” The question was directed at Lyla, but she and Starburst answered. Star with a “its not for me to say” and she with a “I’d rather not talk about it.” They seemed to take that. She felt bad keeping things from other ponies, but she wanted no sympathy.

“Okie dokie!” Candy smiled, making all ponies, including Lyla laugh. She liked Candy.

“Now, ” Starburst turned to Prism. “ I have two questions for you. What’s tomorrows forecast?” Before he could answer Whirlwind voiced her thoughts.

“Oh, you helped today, Starburst?” Starburst nodded.

“But," She looked up. “I do still think twelve clouds per pony is excessive.”

“Twelve!?” Lyla, Starburst and Candy all turned to her amazed reaction. “Rainbow said six per pegasus.” Starburst, along with the others turned to where Prism… wasn’t.

“Oops!” They all looked to where they heard the voice, looking up to see Prism about 30 feet in the air on a nearby cloud.

“Sorry! Guess I heard her wrong! My bad!” He winked with a smirk, then flew off, leaving a rainbow trail. Lyla blushed once more, giggling. He was quite a fast flier.

“He’s…. quite an interesting colt… huh, Star?” She turned to her small friend, who was glaring after him.

“Interesting. Right. The word I’d use would run closer to donkey.” Candy and Whirlwind burst out with laughter, giving Lyla the feeling she’d missed something.

“I didn’t get to ask my other question...” She didn’t sound upset, more thoughtful than anything.

“I guess it would be better to ask you anyway.” She turned to Whirlwind, “Will you tell Rainbow Dash to get Prism and meet me at the entrance to Cloudsdale at 8 A.M. tomorrow?”

“Sure.” Whirlwind nodded “But what for?” Lyla agreed. What could Starburst be wanting to get out of all this? She was very confused at her behavior.

“If you want to know, come with them.” Starburst smirked a bit, turning back to Lyla. “We need to start heading to Sweet Apple Acres”

“First!” Candy popped up. “I’m going flower picking with Annie tomorrow around noon! Wanna come?” Annie. That’s a name she recognized. She got her cutie mark because of her.

“Ok, I’d love to.” She nodded with a smile. She was curious to meet this Annie. Candy showed her happiness with another “Yay!”. Lyla giggled a little. “See you guys tomorrow!” She waved a bit before turning to follow Starburst to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Why did you tell them…?” She didn’t get an answer immediately as Starburst was more interested in looking at the ground.

“Whirlwind is an amazing aerial acrobat. She might be able to refine your flying ability.” What flying ability?! She had none and Starburst knew that very well!

“My what..?” Starburst sighed.

“Prism….” She paused. “I hate to say it, and it might not look it, but if he isn’t the best flier in Equestria, he very well could be if he worked at it.” She paused again.

“I think they might be able to teach you to fly.” That perked her interest. Even after she stopped having fainting spells and started practicing, she couldn’t learn. She didn’t know what her block was…

“But they’re lazy.” Starburst continued when she stayed silent. “Even if we both asked, I doubt Prism would do it. Whirlwind might, but…” She trailed off.

“That’s why I’m asking his mother. There’s still no guarantees, but it’s a thought.” She truly had a wonderful friend. And she was glad that friend had equally nice friends… She voiced her thoughts after a small period of silence.

“You have some very lovely friends, Star.” Lyla once again initiated conversation, walking alongside her friend.

“I have been worrying about you. You aren’t the most social of ponies, after all.” There was a moment of silence before Lyla let out a giggle. “Do you remember how long it took me to get you to open up?”

“You’re so stubborn.” Starburst was smiling a bit when she said it. There was obviously no offense meant, they were both stubborn. She had figured out it ran in the family, though some ponies got more of it than others.

“I was excited! I hadn’t met another filly my age before! Even though the flying didn’t work out too well, it was nice to have your attention.”

Starburst came to a rather sudden halt, making her stop as well. She looked up to see what had caused it and saw a giant orchard, trees as far as she could see, a path cut through them to a farmhouse with a barn next to it.

“Wow..” Was the only word she could think of to describe the awesome size of it.. She heard Starburst chuckle a bit.

“Sweet Apple Acres. Cool, huh?” Starburst continued walking, Lyla following with an excited nod.

“Yes!” She looked around at the trees behind the fences lining the path they walked. “I’ve never seen so many…” She stopped a second, putting a hoof to her chin.

“Well,” She continued walking. “not that I’ve seen an apple tree before… I just never thought I’d see this many at once!"

She saw a blue shimmer out of the corner of her eye, and looked to see a butterfly flittering next to them. It had beautiful blue wings that glittered when it flapped them. She’d seen butterflies back in the Crystal Empire, but never this close before. When she did see them it was usually from her balcony.

She was so lost in her thoughts she hadn’t realized they had reached the farmhouse until she heard Starburst knock on the door. She moved back, subconsciously getting behind Starburst a little, when the door was opened by an orange mare, almost the same color as her little orange cousin, but… Starburst looked a bit lighter to her.

“Yeah-lo?” The older mare spoke. “Ah, Starburst. Ah reckon yer lookin’ fer mah boy?” Starburst answered with a nod, allowing her to continue.

“He’s out in the barn. Just left.” Lyla had apparently caught the older mare’s attention when Starburst moved around to start heading to the barn, leaving Lyla more conspicuous. Not that she was hiding. She loved Starburst, but hiding behind her would be rather …difficult. “Ah don remember seein you round Ponyville afore.”

“Oh, I’m not quite from around here. I’m Lyla.” She introduced herself with a smile.

“Ah see. Well, hope ya like Ponyville. It’s sure one of a kind.” She would’ve talked to the mare a bit more, but she’d noticed Starburst had already started walking towards the barn, and was leaving her behind. She hurried off after her, yelling a quick thank you back to the mare, whose name she regrettably didn’t get.

“Who was that? One of your mother’s friends?” She slowed to a walk, catching up to Starburst, who nodded.

“Yeah. That was Applejack. She’s real nice. Well, all of mom’s friends are, but I like her. She’s really strong and hardworking but humble about it. I’ve got a lot of respect for her.” That made sense. That sounded a lot like how the little mare herself wanted to be.

“Actually… “Lyla turned when she continued speaking. “Del’s a lot like that too now that I think about it.” Del? Golden Delicious. She'd heard that name a few times before. From what she could remember, he was Starburst’s best male friend.

She looked around once more as they walked into the barn. She couldn’t help but smile, she’d, of course, never been in a barn before. She saw a stallion off to the side with a stack of empty bushels on his back, which he slid Into a rather large wagon. Starburst trotted over.

“Need some help?” She asked with a half smile, announcing their presence. He smiled a gentle smile at her.

“Hey, Star. Ya still walkin’? Ah thought your legs’d be killin’ ya today.” Lyla arched an eyebrow. ‘Killing her? I hadn’t noticed anything different’

“Well..” She looked thoughtfully at her legs for a second, then moved one around a bit. “Not using them doesn’t help anything.” He chuckled a little, but it wasn’t an amused chuckle… at least it didn’t seem that way to Lyla. Starburst on the other hoof, frowned. “What?”

“Nothin’.” He shook his head. “Ah guess Ah jus shoulda expected that.” He turned to Lyla, who had just been a silent onlooker up to this point. She just wasn’t one to speak out of turn, but since he had noticed her, she smiled.

“I’m Lyla. Nice to meet you.” He nodded with a smile.

“Del.” He moved around to lift a… saddle bag? No, it was two bags attached by a rope, and it looked like the bags were already full.

“So what’s on the agenda today?” Starburst walked next to him, both of them walking out Lyla following behind.

“Ah gotta feed the pigs. Ma should have the piled the bad apples around 'em by now, re-plow an plant the west field, and go back through the northern orchard ta buck the apples Aunt AB missed.” He walked around the barn as he spoke. Lyla’s eyes went wide with disbelief.

“You have to do all of that before dark?” That sounded like quite a bit of work. He just chuckled with a “yep” . Her thoughts trailed to something else he had said…

“Um..” She broke the small silence, deciding to ask. “How do you… buck apples? Is it a game..?”

She had remembered Starburst talking about it before, but she’d never truly explained it, so she was still rather sketchy on the details, which was the reason why she was so shocked when they both looked at her blankly. She felt as if she’d just asked the dumbest question in Equestrian history.

“What?” She couldn’t hold back a blush at the stallion's small laugh. Though he laughed, Starburst was the one to answer her.

“Haven’t I ever told you? It’s how earth ponies get the apples off the trees.” Oh. That was quite a bit different than what she had in mind.

“Well, not jus apples. Any tree fruit, really.” Del added, going around a pony-sized pile of bruised and mushy apples. As she and Starburst followed him, she began to hear odd grunting and squeaking sounds she’d never heard before.

“Ya’ll don get out too much, huh?” He was obviously speaking to her, though she was too distracted by the pink, mud-covered creatures crowding the wooden fence to answer. She backed up behind Starburst once more, again, not hiding, just… making herself less conspicuous.

They were pigs, if she remembered correctly… not many of her books had mentioned them, but a lot of her spelling books had. She watched Del nudge the pile of apples towards the pig pen, of course it fell over, but all but about eight landed in the pen. She felt something hit her hoof, and looked to see an apple.

“Wanna try to feed them?” She looked up at Starburst, who had rolled the apple over to her, then over to the snorting group of pigs, watching anxiously as they ate the apples as if they were starving to death.

She was about to levitate the apple over, but, remembering she technically had no horn, picked it up in her mouth. She followed Starburst, having an apple of her own, until she was up to the fence where she, mimicking Starburst once more, dropped it over. She giggled as the pigs gobbled it up with the others.

‘Ok, pigs, not dangerous.’ She hated how little she knew. Her books never mentioned pigs weren’t dangerous, or bucking apples from trees was a task and not a game. She turned to Del, who was just dropping the last apple over the fence.

“Can I try?” He gave an odd look at her question, between confusion and amusement.

“Ah thought ya jus did.”

“Oh, no..” She shook her head. “I meant… bucking the apples.”

“Apple buckin’?” He smiled a bit. “Sure. If ya think you're up for it.” He walked by, heading another way around the barn. She and Starburst followed side by side.

“Are you sure you want to try that?” Starburst voiced her concerns, for once, initiating conversation. “Its not as easy as it sounds.”

“Well,” She smiled. “I can do anything any other pony can do, right?”

She was slightly upset that Starburst hadn’t agreed with her, remaining silent, but… she couldn’t truly blame her. It wasn’t easy for ponies who knew her as she was to see her now. Both of their thoughts were interrupted by Del.

“Hey, Star?” They both looked to him. “You wanna pull the plow?” Lyla looked out to the field, then back to the huge… thing he was standing next to. She was going to pull that..?

“Yeah. I’ll do that.” Starburst moved forward, going through the collar attached to the plow.

Lyla was barely able to stifle a giggle when she saw that Starburst had missed Del giving the plow a small push before letting her take off with it. He took a couple steps back, now standing next to her, both of them watching the small pegasus pull the plow that was easily two, maybe three times larger than her.

“So,” Del started, “How ya know Star? Last Ah heard she didn' know too many Canterlot ponies.” She smiled, happy he was trying to make conversation.

“Close. Crystal Empire. I’ve actually never been to Canterlot. Star and I are foalhood friends. She was, in all honesty my first friend.” She watched on as said friend kept pulling the huge plow. She looked like she was having a time with it, but it was moving, and rather quickly.

“She’s something else isn’t she?” She let her thought escape, getting a chuckle out of light orange stallion.

“That’s an understatement. She’s so stubborn an hardworking, Ah swear she got earth pony in er somewhere.” He laughed again. “Nah, jus kiddin'. Ah do respect 'er though. Bein able ta work as hard as she does twards a goal like that ain’t something anypony can do.” Now, Lyla was quite an observant pony, and though it was faint, she saw something on his face as he spoke…

“You know," She smiled inwardly a bit. “She speaks quite fondly of you as well.”

“Huh? S-she does?....” The blush on his face said it all. Lyla giggled, nodding.

“So I am to assume you’re rather fond of her yourself?” She was able to hold back another giggle as his blush darkened and his eyes widened.

“W-what? Ah.. Um Ah dunno what you’re talkin bout! Not one bit!” He turned. “Oh! Would ya look at that! Looks like Stars bout done.” He backed up nervously.

“Better.. Head on over there… ta help her!” He ran off to the other side of the field, where Starburst was finishing the last row. She couldn't help but laugh at that. As pathetic of flier she was, he was equally pathetic of liar. She thought for a second. He was talking to Starburst, and both were quite distracted… it would be a good opportunity…

She moved back a little, closing her eyes. Her horn, though unseen, glowed as she used her magic. A small lavender heart floating from Del hit her horn.

She felt overwhelming affection…a yearning? Perhaps? She couldn’t think of the words… Its been rare for her to feel another pony feeling as strongly as that. When she opened her eyes, Del was walking between the rows, dropping seeds out of the bags on his back and Starburst was…. Three feet away frowning at her.

“Did you just use your magic…?” Darn. She’d been found out. She smiled.

“Perhaps. I was curious! And it wasn’t much of anything anyway.” She turned away, hoping to avoid further questioning. Starburst wasn’t much for questioning anyway.

“So,” She changed the subject. “Which way is the northern orchard, anyway?” She wasn’t sure if Starburst knew or not, but figured she’d have a better idea than her. She couldn’t tell north or south from up or down… to her they were the same thing. Though her brother had once tried to explain to her how they were different, she still didn’t truly understand.

“That way.” Starburst pointed in a direction with her hoof. Lyla smiled.

“And you learned that from working here?” A nod affirmed her assumption. She turned back, seeing Del was finishing up with his task. “I do believe this farm work has done wonders for your training.” Her statement got the stoic pony next to her to turn her head.

“…Really?” She nodded, receiving a rare smile from the little pony. “Thanks.” She nodded again, then paused before speaking again.

“… You train with him often?” She knew Starburst was… dense, for lack of better word, of most things outside of common sense and training. There was no way she’d ever notice the stallions feelings for her, especially when he hid them so well.

“Yeah. I started out following June. She’s strong and all, but farming cherries was…. Repetitive. Apples are quicker paced and there’s more variety of things to do. It is just my opinion, of course.” Lyla giggled a bit.

“He seems to be a good trainer.” Luckily it was more a statement than a question, for it would’ve gone unanswered as Del came up to fetch them.

“You gals ready ta head ta the orchard?” He didn’t really wait for an answer, heading the direction Starburst had pointed out earlier. Said pony followed him, Lyla tailing her.

It was getting late. Not dark late, but the sun was low and hot. It was nice being outside, but she wasn’t truly used to it in the least. Not that she was complaining. It was a welcome change. She looked around, seeing tree after tree, bare of ripe apples.

It was quiet, aside from the chirping of birds. She arched an eyebrow as the trees she was seeing started to have a red spot here and there. He went over to one that had about twelve apples on it, she guessed.

“Star? Ya wanna show her what a applebuck looks like?” Starburst nodded, walking over to the tree.

Lyla watched intently as she backed up to it, looking back at it a second before bucking it, getting ten of the apples to fall, most into a nearby bushel basket somepony had set there earlier. A few trees had the baskets under them when they had arrived, though she had just noticed them. She smiled excitedly.

“Now, don hit too hard your first try. Ya’ll can hurt yourself.” He nodded her towards a tree that had another bushel basket under it. She walked over, putting a hoof on the trunk. The tree was quite a bit sturdier than she’d expected, but she wasn’t deterred much.

She backed up to the tree, seeing Star and Del both watching her, the slightest hint of uncertainty on the mare’s face. She looked back a bit. It seemed she was far away enough, though she would admit she had no real idea of what she was doing.

‘Here it goes..’ She lifted both hind legs to buck, as she’d seen Starburst do before, and unlike Star, fell on her face with an “ow!” when her back legs left the ground.

It apparently took the two onlookers a second to register what had happed… or a second to react to it. Starburst was first, covering her muzzle to stifle a snort.

“Are… you ok?” There was obvious concern in her voice, but Lyla didn’t answer, standing up silently. She couldn’t truly blame them for laughing. She probably did look rather ridiculous.

“Well, that’s a new one on me.” Del said through hearty laughter. Again, not meant to be hurtful at all.

“It… was rather pathetic, wasn’t it?” She giggled a bit.

“Not at all.” Del smiled, letting out another chuckle. “But ya might wanna fly up ta get the rest a them apples.” She looked at the ground in shame.

“I…….. can’t…….” She wasn’t sure if he’d heard her or not, but continued anyway, looking up.

“I’ll just try again!” She nodded once as if to agree with her own decision. She saw Starburst shaking her head. Though she didn’t speak, the look on her face said she thought she was going to kill herself. She ignored the look, backing up to the tree again, taking position.

“Wait.” She turned to Del, pausing pre-buck. He came over. “Take a step up. Your taller than Star, so ya got longer legs.” She did as instructed, moving up a little, leaning down to try another buck.

She was interrupted by Del once more when he moved her left hoof over about two inches. “K. Now go.” She looked back, grounding her front hooves before she bucked the trunk of the adolescent apple tree, knocking four apples from it, none of which landed in the basket, but she got them off the tree! She smiled.

“I did it! I did it! I applebucked!” She reared in excitement, getting another head shake from Starburst, which she , again, ignored. “Can I try again?”

“Sure.” He smiled. “Star, why don’ you an her take that basket to that there tree?” She missed Starburst’s nod as she was picking up the apples she got off the tree and putting them into the basket.

Starburst got the last one, putting it in, then biting the side of the basket to drag it to a different tree. When they got to said tree, Lyla immediately took her new apple bucking position, causing her to miss Del’s action of kicking the tree she’d just left, knocking down the rest of the ripe apples. Starburst, however, was more observant, and smiled warmly at the gesture.

Since the field had already been bucked, it didn’t take too long for them to finish. To Lyla, though, there weren’t too many apples for all the trees they’d bucked.

After the first three trees, she and Starburst had traded off, taking turns applebucking a tree. It was a bit of a blow to what little pride she had that her cousin, who was about half her size, was easily twice as strong as she. It was understandable, but sad nonetheless.

They had run out of bushel baskets with about eight trees left to buck, so Del had sent her and Starburst to the barn to get the wagon. Lyla assumed it to be the one he was loading when they arrived.

“I wonder why he sent both of us. I can pull the wagon on my own.” She giggled inwardly. In all likeliness, he didn’t want her prying deeper into the earlier conversation they’d had.

“Are you complaining of my company, Star?” She leaned around with a smile. “I’m hurt!” Starburst rolled her eyes with a smile.

“I can tell. So you like working the farm?” She had to think about that. It wasn’t that she didn’t like it...

“I do, but… Well, I have the feeling I’m not too good at it.” The barn came into view. They were quite a bit closer than she’d first thought.

“You’re doing pretty good for never working a day in your life.” She smiled. She knew Starburst wasn’t a pony to hand out false compliments or sugar-coat things, so that made her feel a bit better. They walked into the barn in relevant silence. Lyla turned to look out the door.

It was getting rather late. Still not dark, but late. Odd sounds caught her attention and she turned back to see the little mare hitching herself to a wagon that was… rather big. Not as big as the plow, but big. She watched her take a few steps to the door, then look back at her, an indication to follow, which she did. Her thoughts wondered as they walked, bringing her to something that made her smile.

“Del seems to me to be as nice as you’ve said.” Starburst smiled a bit.

“Yeah, well I guess. You should be telling me. You used your magic on him, right?” Crap. She’d hoped she’d forgotten about that… “You know what your mom said about using that spell for selfish reasons.” Great, now she was getting a scolding. Around Starburst she always felt more like a little sister than an elder cousin.

“I didn’t use it selfishly. I used it to learn something. And yes, he is a sweetheart. I was asking your opinion.” She turned away defiantly, but kept walking. She wasn’t truly upset in the least, just hoped she didn’t ask what she’d learned from it.

“I told you my opinion. I don’t really think there’s a mean pony in Ponyville. Prism comes the closest, but even then he’s not mean. Just dumb sometimes.”

She mentally pouted. She was glad she didn’t pry further into Del’s feelings, but she didn’t give a definite answer to her question either, and she was out of time. They came up to where Del was waiting, by the small group of trees where they’d run out of bushels.

“Thanks.” He moved around, putting two of the empty baskets on his back. “Can you gals load the wagon while Ah go fill these?” Starburst gave a nod unhitching herself, while Lyla opted for a more vocal and happy “Yep.” He walked not too far away, leaving the task to them.

Though she agreed, she had no idea how to get them off the ground without magic. She watched Starburst nudge one of the full bushels against the wheel of the wagon, lifting it a bit until it rested on her back, she slid it off into the wagon, using her mouth to stabilize it until it was in. There was no way she could do that… She’d drop the whole thing.

“Um…” She didn’t even have to fully voice her uncertainty on the matter before Starburst turned to her, another basket already on her back.

“Its alright. I got it.” She slid the basket into the wagon. Lyla smiled at her friends understanding. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to try, she didn’t want to mess up their hard work. “Its good training anyway.” She rolled her eyes slightly at that.

“Star, you can make anything into training.” For as long as she’d known her this had been true. Even as a filly. Starburst looked thoughtful for a second, thinking of a rebuttal, she assumed.

“Everything but parties.” She would have to agree with that.

There wasn’t too much training in those. Her ear turned when she heard hoofsteps heading towards them, her head following soon after to see Del coming out from behind a few trees, both baskets, now full, on his back. Starburst, as they were talking, had made rather quick work of the full bushels, having only three left, which she loaded one more of before Del got the other two. He turned to them with a smile as they finished.

“Thank ya two kindly, Ah can take it from 'ere.” He moved around, hitching himself to the wagon.

“Thanks ta you, I’m ahead fer the first time this week. Ah owe ya one.” Lyla smiled. It felt good to help other ponies. She’d always liked it, but few opportunities for it ever arose at the Crystal Palace. He gave a quick wave and uttered a “see ya” before walking off. Starburst said a quick bye as well before spreading her wings, looking like she was about to fly off.

“Star?” Lyla giggled when realization hit the orange pegasus.

“Oh. Right.” She lay her wings back to rest at her sides as she started walking, Lyla in tow.

“Sorry.” She felt bad making her change her normal routine to accommodate her. Starburst shook her head.

“Its fine.”

“So,” Lyla started with a smile. “What do you want for dinner? I’ll do the cooking as thanks for your sacrifice.” She didn’t like to boast, but she was very confident in her cooking. It was one thing she loved to do that passed the time in the Crystal Palace.

“K.” Starburst nodded, then stopped. “We’ll probably need to go to the market.” Lyla arched an eyebrow at this.

“Why?”

“I’m pretty sure I only have hay at home.” That… Sounded like Star.

She never was a pony for cooking. Not that she couldn’t. On one of her visits, in fact, she proved she could rather well. She didn’t like wasting the time when she could just get something ready made or simple, was the answer Lyla had gotten when she questioned her about it then. It seemed she was holding true to it.

“Very well, then. To the market?”

Starburst walked through the quieting market in silence except to answer a question here or there on if she had tried or liked anything different than what the lavender pegasus was purchasing, most often answering no. She watched the older mare running around excitedly in amusement.

‘She’s like a little filly…’ She had picked up some carrots on discount….. Lettuce on discount….. By the third discounted item, Starburst just counted any stall being run by a stallion would be discounted. She rolled her eyes, continuing to walk silently as Lyla put, apparently the last needed item in her saddle pack.

“Ok! That should do it. Thanks for paying and carrying the groceries. I’ll pay you when we get back.” Pay? Starburst turned to her.

“You brought money?” She didn’t answer immediately, but she did answer.

“Well, Not really. I didn’t truly pack. I just brought a sack that I filled with some of my possessions that I might be able to sell for bits if a situation called for it. Some jewels, a phoenix quill, tickets to the Canterlot air show.” Oh, she got those too? She didn’t ponder her money… or lack of, often as they returned to the library, just as the sun hit the horizon. Luna would raise the moon within the hour.

She walked into the library after Lyla, who’s horn, she noticed, had just recently reappeared. As it glowed, she felt the weight of the saddle pack leave her back. She watched it follow Lyla to the kitchen, carried by a pink aura.

“So how long does that spell last?” She followed her into the kitchen, seeing utensils floating through the air, a bowl fly by her head.

“It lasts about twelve hours. Give or take a few minutes.” She walked over to sit at the table, watching her friend work.

“You’ve gotten a lot better with that horn.” She voiced her thoughts, watching all the floating ingredients. Lyla giggled, setting the bowls, now full of food, on either side of the table, one landing in front of Starburst.

“Well,” She sat before continuing, “When you’re stuck in a palace day in and day out, you find different ways to pass the time. Magic and cooking were my most frequent outlets.”

Starburst decided not to reply to that, taking a bite of the food… a lightly cooked salad, it looked like, instead. It was pretty good. She did still like Del’s cooking better, but this was really good. She’d gotten better at that too, apparently. Lyla, of course broke the silence after a few minutes.

“Thank you for today. I’m glad you have so many nice ponies looking after you.”

“Yeah.” She kept eating. “They’re cool.” She missed the older pony rolling her eyes.

“I do wonder why you hadn’t mentioned them any more than you had.” Starburst said nothing. In all honesty, she could hardly remember what she had said about them to begin with. Not that there wasn’t good things to say, she was just better at answering questions than talking. Lyla never really asked about each of them in depth.

“I had no idea Candy was so funny.” Lyla spoke on, “or that Del was so sweet.” Starburst finished her salad, leaning back a little.

She was bout to explain herself when Lyla continued, once more, accidentally cutting her off. “And that pegasus….. Prism Bolt…. Was it?” Starburst momentarily wondered what she found so interesting about her empty bowl before answering.

“What about him?”

Lyla focused on her bowl another few seconds. “I suppose it’s nothing.” She looked away, causing further curiosity for Starburst at her odd behavior.

“Lyla?” It was more like asking if she was alright than a question, which was what she had intended. She was surprised to see the older pony stand suddenly.

“Are you done eating?” She smiled, magic levitating the bowls. “I’ll wash your bowl for you.” That was even more odd. She didn’t usually change a subject so abruptly. She got up, knowing that prying any further would be a lost cause, she left Lyla to the dishes, going upstairs.

She had an extra bed tucked away for when Nighty stayed the weekend, figuring it’d be just as good as anything else, she bent down, pulling it out from under her own bed.

She went around, pulling sheets from a drawer, laying them on the mattress, tossing a few pillows on, when she heard an “eek!” She looked to where it had come from and saw a lavender hoof pull Lyla up the side of the stairs she was hanging off of.

“I… tried to fly up the stairs..” She shook herself off, as if trying to shake off her embarrassment. “Its easier going down…” ‘Going up might be safer.’ She silently thought to herself, climbing onto her own bed, Lyla, apparently just noticing hers. “Star! I could’ve made my own bed! You didn’t have to do that…”

“I know.” She lay down, getting under the covers. “It wasn’t a problem.” She saw a pink glow out of the corner of her eye, Letting her know the alicorn was re-assembling her bed. Or getting ready to sleep. She didn’t care to look. Thankfully, the lights turned off soon after, again by magic, she concluded. There was a period of silence.

“Star..?” She sighed lightly. Lyla’s insomnia had given her a good few sleepless nights in the past, being whether she asked her questions, or just walked around. She couldn’t fully blame her though.

“Mm?” She didn’t want to muster up a word.

“….. Will they laugh at me…? Tomorrow?” She wasn’t completely sure what she was talking about, but she could assume it was her flying, since that was about the only that she hated being laughed at for.

“…..Probably. Whirlwind might not… but Prism most likely will. Don’t take it to heart. They’re good fliers.” She heard a sigh.

“That just makes it worse… Its so embarrassing, a pegasus my age that can’t fly...” She had a perfectly good reason why she couldn’t, but she’d rather not bring it up. She doubted it’d make her feel any better. It would probably make her feel worse.

“Well, Del and I laughed at your apple bucking earlier.” She heard a bit of movement.

“Yes, but apple bucking isn’t something I should’ve been able to do for the last seventeen and a half years…”

Starburst sighed, deciding to voice a thought that had been plaguing her almost all day. “None of your tutors had any luck teaching you, your mother couldn’t teach you… hay, even I couldn’t teach you to fly… I hate to say it, but if they can’t I really don’t know anypony who could.” She did think that Rainbow could, but she was so busy most of the time, she felt that part wasn’t worth mentioning.

“A little bit of laughing is worth learning to fly, right?” There was another pause of silence.

“Yes. You’re right.” She heard a small giggle. “Thank you Star. Good night.” Though she said good night, after a few minutes, she heard the window open, then silence. She was too tired to question it, and fell asleep.

-Lyla-

Lyla lay there, completely unable to sleep. Even the very hard and exciting day she’d had wasn’t helping much.. She had developed insomnia as a filly, having hated going to sleep, the cause being her fear that she wouldn’t wake in the morning… I was no use. Her mind was racing with thoughts of the days events. She decided to get up, as quietly as she could, to go see the moon.

For one reason or another, it helped her sleep, so well in fact, her father used to scold her for falling asleep on her balcony. She opened the window, again, as quietly as possible, stepping out onto a nearby branch. She lay down, looking up at Luna’s moon…

‘I never thought I’d meet ponies such as the ones I’ve met today…’ It was refreshing to see such colorful personalities and beautiful hearts. She hadn’t seen anything of the like in the Crystal Empire. She was convinced she had made the right choice when she ran away. If she were to never leave the castle again, she would be content having a day like today.

A cloud passing over the moon caught her attention. ‘I wonder what they feel like…’

She’d always wanted to walk on a cloud, a small desire she kept to herself all these years. She hadn’t wanted to worry her family by letting them know she truly felt bad missing out on something so frivolous. ‘Maybe…’ She dared to dream, letting her eyes close, ‘Soon I will…’

Flying Lessons

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Starburst awoke to relative quiet. Since there were no birds singing, she figured it was before dawn. She stood up in her bed with a yawn, beginning her usual routine with a half brush to her mane.

Remembering that was about the only constant part of her usual morning routine, she ventured down the stairs, turning the lights on when she got to the bottom of them. She looked around, seeing the clock on the wall.

‘Still two hours.’ She had a while before she had to wake her friend, so she decided to clean up a bit. She didn’t care much to rearrange, reorder or anything of the like as her mother did before her, but she would dust the books once in a while.

She kept to said task for a while, fifteen minutes or so until something began to bug her. She wasn’t being loud by any means, but she had dropped a book or two and the princess above hadn’t stirred. Curiosity piqued, she sat the feather duster onto the shelf, flying up to her room.

She landed at the top of the stairs, looking to the bed Lyla had claimed the night before to see it empty. She sighed, having known the mare for as long as she had, she knew of her odd habit of falling asleep… wherever, and began to scan the room for signs of the alicorn.

She then vaguely remembered hearing the window open the night before. She went over to inspect it, seeing

nothing amiss with the window itself, but through it, she saw a light blue tail.

She sighed once more. It was a good thing she found her so early, anypony walking by could see her.

“Lyla.” She called out to rather quietly. Getting no response whatsoever, she flew to her. "Lyla!” She repeated the other pony’s name once again, careful not to startle her. Said pony looked up, hearing her name.

“Mm, Star?” She yawned, stretching a bit. “Morning.”

“Careful.” Starburst moved to the other side of her. “You’re in a tree.” She backed up, flying back through the window. She turned to see Lyla getting up.

“Oh… I did fall asleep here didn’t I?” She voiced her thoughts, hopping into the bedroom. She gave a questioning look when the lavender mare stopped suddenly, her whole demeanor brightening.

“I have flying lessons today don’t I!?” Her eyes sparkled so big, She couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Well, kinda. We see if you get routine flying lessons today.” She turned to head down the stairs. “So you better get ready. We’re leaving in half an hour.” She left her cousin alone at that, going down to the kitchen. She’d almost forgotten to eat something again, Almost. She pulled a carrot out of the bag on the counter, munching it quietly.

It was the second day Lyla had been in Ponyville. It looked like she was serious about staying for the month.

Not that she could blame her. She honestly didn’t think she would’ve been able to last as long as the princess did being all cooped up like that without running away. Or going crazy. Not to mention she was the only pony Lyla knew that could, or would harbor her that wouldn’t be imprisoned for the rest of their lives.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a very loud crash, followed by a number of small “thunks”. She walked quickly out the kitchen door to Lyla on the other side of the room buried by books. She heard a small sneeze, indicating where her friend was. She looked over in time to see a lavender hoof lift a book off her head.

“Sorry!” She apologized immediately, seeing her walking over. “I-”

“Tried to fly down the stairs?” It was more finishing the sentence than asking a question. She was lucky she didn’t hit a shelf yesterday. Lyla affirmed her suspicions with a shameful nod, taking the hoof she offered.

“Well..” She looked at the fallen books, "Guess I know what we’re doing until we leave.” Lyla pouted at her.

“I said sorry…” She shook her head with a small laugh to show she wasn’t mad, then grabbed a book in her mouth, getting to work.

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Lyla felt truly bad for making them almost late again. She trotted quietly next to Starburst thought the nearly deserted streets of Ponyville, near the edge of the city it looked like.

The closer they got, the more her nerves acted up. She couldn’t even fly down a staircase… Perhaps this was asking too much. Though, It was Starburst’s idea. She supposed it would be a good idea to go with it.

It didn’t take too long to reach the designated area. She’d never been there, but she knew they were in the right place when she saw the two pegusi she’d met the day before, and a new, older rainbow-maned mare that looked… somewhat familiar.

“Why do we have to do this now? Its crazy to be up this early…” Not having been spotted yet, she overheard Prism’s comment, which received a stern look from the older mare.

“Did I just hear a complaint?”

“No…” He sighed.

“It looks like they’re all here.” Her attention turned to Starburst when she spoke for the first time since leaving the city. Her eyes shifted to her. “You ready?”

…Was she? She had to be. There wasn’t a choice, right? Her little cousin had already gone through all this trouble… She nodded, Starburst taking the cue to lead the way to them, making their presence known.

“Starburst!” Whirlwind was the first to see them. As she trotted over, the closer she got, the more Lyla moved behind the younger pony. Not truly scared, more letting her nerves and embarrassment get the better of her.

“What’s this about?” She asked, reaching them, the blue mare and Prism following close behind. Starburst waited until they were there to speak.

“Rainbow, can I speak to you privately?” Whirlwind seemed upset at that.

“If you wanted to talk to Rainbow alone then why’d you want us to come!” It was a question , but there was quite a bit of force behind it. That however, did nothing to phase Starburst.

“I’ll get to that in a minute. Bear with me, please.” Though it was commanding and stern, Starburst rarely used please… this let Lyla know she was serious about what she was doing.

Whirlwind sighed, plopping down on her rump as Star and Rainbow walked out of earshot. Lyla opted to stand, not wanting to get too comfortable.

“Do you know what she’s doin?” She turned to see Whirlwind was talking to her.

“Huh? Oh… Not fully no… but I believe it has something to do with me flying.”

“Thought you can’t.” Prism finally spoke, scratching his head. She looked down…

“I can’t.” Before she could say anything more, the blue mare, Rainbow, she assumed came back over with Starburst.

“So,” She started.” You’re Lyla? Names Rainbow Dash.”

“Nice to.. Meet you.” She nodded in uncertainty. It wasn’t that she didn’t like her, she was just a bit of a celebrity to her.

She’d never seen the pony, but she remembered her mother telling her of a Ranbow Dash that performed a sonic rainboom at her wedding… This must be that pony.

“I hear you can’t fly?” It was more a statement, but she nodded to answer anyway. “Ok then…” She saw Rainbow looking to the sky. She pointed. “Lets see ya try to fly to that cloud.” Lyla looked up to see a cloud. Not too far off… but…

“Um, not be defiant… but I can say in full confidence there is no possible way I can make that.” Rainbow gave her an odd look, but didn’t say anything, instead flying up to the cloud to lower it. She moved it down to about twenty feet up, then flew back down to them, staying airborne.

“Try that. Even if you don’t think you can.” She definitely didn’t think she could, but, at Starburst’s nod, she extended her wings, flapping into a wobbly hover. Getting her bearings on the hover, she flapped a bit faster, gaining altitude in slight, flapping faster so as not to lose it.

The cloud was getting a bit closer, but she could tell her wings were already starting to tire, and in her frantic try to gain height, she accidentally started going backwards, and in an attempt to straighten, overcorrected, going into a straight climb up, over the cloud.

The laugher of a certain onlooking colt wasn’t helping much, though it stopped rather quickly, she didn’t dare look for fear of loosing concentration.

It was starting to hurt to flap her wings, but she was too high up to just stop, the fall would leave her very badly injured, so she persevered, trying to get closer to the ground, or land on the cloud. She went into a light flitter with her wings, going into an almost free fall.

Her wings, now very sore, carried her back up to where she was as she flapped them in a desperate attempt not to fall. After another minute, if that, no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t get her wings to respond. They’d given out on her, leaving her to fall from thirty-five feet in the air.

She fell past the cloud that started it all, and closed her eyes, waiting to meet with the hard ground, and praying it be kind to her. To her surprise, the impact was a bit softer than she thought, only knocking the wind out of her… though, it didn’t feel as if she’d landed yet.

She gathered up the courage to open her eyes and let out a gasp at what she saw. Prism had caught her on his back. She looked around seeing the other three pegusi mares en route as well, she assumed he’d just gotten there first. Just in time, too… she was dangerously close to the ground.

“You ok?” He looked back at her, landing. She blushed very heavily, half in shame. She nodded, clambering off him. “That was a close one.” He smirked, lightening up at seeing that she was, in fact, ok. Whirlwind landed next to him, followed by Rainbow and Star.

“Good thing I’m so amazing” He closed his eyes with a wider, more satisfied smirk. Starburst wasn’t as amused.

“She almost fell and all you can say is how amazing you are for doing what anypony with a conscience would do?” It was more a complaining statement than a question. A statement on how nonchalant he was being, Lyla knew….. Prism didn’t.

“Well it was pretty amazing for me ta get over here before she hit the ground…” She ignored him, turning to Rainbow.

“Are you ok?” When she saw that Whirlwind was addressing her, she noded.

“I’m…. Ok….. Thank you for asking.” She turned to Prism, Starburst and Rainbow Dash having walked away a little.

“Please,” She started. “Don’t take what Starburst said to heart. She’s not one to laugh off fright as you are, so she doesn’t understand it…” She smiled. “She’s very grateful.” She paused, blushing. “We… both are.” She looked away.

“Well she better be.” He humphed a bit, but obviously had no more ill feelings towards her cousin.

“Wait…” Whirlwind caught both of their attention. “How’d you know he did that?” Oops, she did it again…

“Yeah, not many ponies know that bout me.” She felt her heartbeat speed under the questioning gazes of the two pegasi, she was never good under pressure, and she knew her talent wasn’t something ordinary.

“I suppose I’m just rather observant.” Good. That sounded good. “ My flight was…. quite pathetic, huh?” She said that as a follow up to get them off the subject. She’d take a blow to the pride to avoid more questions.

“You kidding? That was beyond pathetic. That sucked big time.” Prism answered rather simply, hovering on his back once more, both hooves behind his head. He was close enough, however, for Whirlwind to bonk on the head.

“Be nice! She tried." Lyla didn’t know weather to cry at her pathetic performance, or laugh at Prism’s honest summary of it. Neither would help much, so she opted for the latter, giggling.

“Its ok, Whirlwind. He’s right. I’m pretty hopeless…” She smiled, trying hard not to let her sadness at the memory of past performances ending the same show. “Nopony in the Crystal Empire could teach me. Tutors, off duty guards…” ‘not even my mother.’ “I’ve pretty much given up."

“What am I hearing!?” All three of them turned in shock, seeing Rainbow Dash, now finished with her conversation with Star, interrupt theirs with a stomp of her hoof.

“Listen, Yeah, you stink. Bad. But I’ve seen first hoof with enough hard work, determination and support anypony can do darn near anything.” She came closer, smiling. “You got the ability. That’s enough to work on.” She watched as she stopped next to Prism, putting a hoof on his shoulder. “You’ll fly. Even if it kills him.”

“What!?” His eyes went wide with shock. “Me !? Why!?” Rainbow gave a slight frown in his direction at the line of questioning.

“Because apparently you’ve been “mis-hearing” me all week. You owe Starburst for having her do your weather duty. I can’t believe that’s all I ask of you and you wouldn’t even do that." She sounded more sad than angry to Lyla, though her anger hid the sadness well.

“Ok, Yeah, I shouldn’ta done that, but come on! Can’t I clean her house? Or train her in flying? You know, something possible!” Lyla frowned, trying not to take offense to that.

Making it easier was the fact that he seemed to simple be fighting with his mother rather than truly not wanting to teach her. Rainbow mirrored her actions, frowning at the colt.

“How do you know you can’t do it if you haven’t even tried.” It was muttered, though everypony heard. she continued before he could respond. “Its either this or a month of weather duty by yourself.”

His defiance wavered a bit, but returned, as he was opening his mouth, she cut him off once more. “-and if you pick one and decide not to do it, you’ll be cooking your own meals from now on. I’ll also tell your dad to halt your allowance.” He paused for a minute, weighing options, she assumed.

“Fine. I’ll teach her.” Rainbow smiled a bit.

“Good. I’ll be checking in on progress every here and there, so all a you do your best.” She was mainly talking to Prism, but she turned to Lyla halfway through. “See ya!” She flew off, leaving a rainbow and the four behind her.

Lyla couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed. Such a heated conversation melting off to nothing like that..? It was odd to say the least. And there was definitely room to leave things unresolved.

“Um…” He started to speak, walking around her, scratching the back of his head. “So…” Lyla sighed.

“It’s ok. You don’t have to teach me if you truly don’t want to. I under-”

“Shut it.” He cut her off, not rudely or in anger. He may as well have just said stop. “I already said I would, an I don’t go back on my word.” He walked past her. “Wind, you gonna help?” He’d barely got the question out before she answered.

“Duh! I mean, sure your mom gave you the job, but if I help, it could finally be my big chance!” She sounded very excited, though she seemed to mutter the last part to herself. Starburst cleared her throat.

“But,” She started. “Of course the most important part is teaching Lyla to fly?” She said it with a half smile, having no ill tone. The purple Pegasus scrached the back of her head sheepishly.

“Right, of course it is.”

“So,” Prism cut them off, turning to Lyla. “I guess to start….. Lets see how long you can keep a consistent hover.” Her wings, having been rested a bit, were good to go again.

She flapped into a hover about six inches off the ground, wobbling for a few seconds before going into a stable hover.

“So why didn’t she ever learn how to fly as a foal?” She overheard Prism’s question, wobbling once more out of shock.

“If you want to know, ask her.” Was Starburst’s nonchalant reply, to her relief. Prism didn’t seem as happy, though.

Even through talking, he and Whirlwind were watching her. Being a tall mare, she wasn’t accustomed to feeling small, but under their light scrutiny, she felt smaller than her cousin…

She was able to carry the hover for about five minutes if she had to guess, within her personal bests of airtime, before her wings gave out on her once more, dropping her on the ground with an “oof!” There was silence.

“It wasn’t that bad…” Starburst was the first to speak. Her flying was the only thing her little cousin ever sugar-coated, and she could tell she was doing so at the moment.

“I guess…” Though Whirlwind agreed, her voice was heavy with uncertainty.

“That was horrible.” Prism, the seemingly ever present voice of harshness…. But honesty, spoke up. “It better be better next time when I can time ya. Now lets see a wing up.” He sat back expectantly. There was no reaction, no movement.

“A… What?” She finally asked, eyebrow arched in confusion. She immediately regretted it, seeing the looks of disbelief she received from them. Well, all but Starburst.

“Do you not know anything…?” It was more a real question than a derogatory remark, but rhetorical, nonetheless. Prism sighed, turning to Whirlwind. “Wind, can ya show her?”

“No prob.” She got down, laying her body flat on the ground. Lyla watched with intrigue as she lowered her wings, and, keeping her hind hooves on the ground, lifted her body up with them.

“That’s a wing up. A girlie one, but, still a wing up.” He smirked, puffing his chest a bit. “Now ya wanna see a real wing up lemme show ya this-”

“Prism” Starburst cut him off, rolling her eyes. Whirlwind did as well, though with a smile.

“Maybe we should just let Lyla try.”

“But-” Lyla cut herself off at realizing what she was going to say, blushing. She somewhat wanted to see it, his version of a wing up. She saw she had succeeded in getting everypony’s attention, and blushing deeper, she muttered a “Nevermind…”

“If you have any questions, you can go ahead and ask.” Whirlwind prompted her to go on.

“…………” She had opened her mouth to continue, but opted for getting down on the ground, and assuming the position Whirlwind had showed minutes before. She didn’t know why she didn’t just ask. It wasn’t that big of a deal… was it?

She shook her head, moving her front hooves back, looking over to see all eyes on her once again. She blushed again, lowering her wings.

She was able to get herself off the ground a few inches, moving back down, this was hard. Crazy hard, but she used her wings to get herself back up once more before she fell to the ground with a small cry of pain. Her poor wings had been through tortures today she’d never seen the like of…

She looked up at the other three pegusi, each displaying a different expression. Starburst’s being frustration, disbelief for Whirlwind….

“………….. She couldn’t even do two…..” She couldn’t place Prism’s, but he was the only one being vocal about it. “My little brother can do twenty… and she can’t even do two…” After he put a hoof to his face, she looked away in shame. Starburst said something to him, but she didn’t hear it.

She’d always known she was bad, but not…. As bas as their faces told her she was. ‘if they can’t teach you nopony can.’ Her thoughts went to Starburst’s words the night before. Maybe she truly was hopeless...

“Ok!” She jumped a bit as a navy blue hoof stomped defiantly in front of her. “I’m not gonna be able ta teach you much of anything if ya can’t stay in the air for more than ten minutes at a time.” She sighed… He was going to give up on her too, she could tell. And she honestly couldn’t blame him.

“So, “ He continued. She turned away, looking at the ground. “Keep it up.”….? “Keep goin till you can do ten.” He took to the air after that, lowering a cloud and laying down on it. He paused, looking at something.

“Well? Get after it!” She blushed, seeing that he was talking to her… she must have been staring that whole time… how unbecoming… Whirlwind came up to her.

“Oh that’s nice, guess that means I’m watchin ya while he gets ta sleep…” She muttered that to herself, though Lyla still giggled. That was past the point where her tutors would abandon her. Something about him truly intrigued her.

“But, I guess he does have a point. There’s no point in trying to teach ya the way you are now. So, lets do this.” Well they could say that any way they wanted, but just the two she did hurt so bad. Could she really do ten…?

She saw movement on her right side, and turned to see Starburst laying down. At her unasked question, the orange pegasus smirked.

“Wing ups are great training.” She had to have had the best friend in Equestria in that little mare. “Whirlwind? Do you want to do them with us or keep count?”

“Nah.” She waved a hoof in response. “You two have fun.”

“Ok.” Starburst began the count, Lyla following. She was nowhere near as quick as the younger pegasus, but she tried.. She made a full two that time.

She tried again…. And again, and again, and once again. She kept going until she felt her wings were absolutely going to fall off her back… after two and a half hours at it, she still hadn’t made it to ten.

“ 8.……8.…. “ It seemed to be the number she was stuck at. If her life depended on it, she could not get past eight wing ups in a row. Her wings gave out on her once more, dropping her to the ground…. She panted heavily, not even bothering to get up.

“Darn. You actually almost had that one…” Whirlwind, the last couple times, had begun to attempt to console her. That fact did make her feel a bit better, but not enough to try again… just yet.

Though help, it did, her will was about out for that day. Sweaty, throbbing and semi-teary, she sighed, catching her breath. “You are doing better.” She didn’t look, the voice was Starburst’s.

“And I’m not lying.” She followed up rather quickly, as if expecting her next accusation.

“Well,” Whirlwind moved around, showing her a smile. “Ready to try again?” She was about to reply when she was cut off.

“Its cool, Wind.” She hear the approaching hoof steps of Prism. “She did good. Doubt Celestia herself could quadruple her wing up reps in a day.” She looked up at him when he reached where she was still laying on the ground.

“Take a break an we’ll pick up here tomorrow morning.” He held his hoof out to her with a half smile. She took it, swearing Celestia put this colt here to teach her to fly.

“Thanks…” She quietly muttered, a dark blush plain on her cheeks, easily seen through her lavender fur.

“She’s pretty tough, huh?” Whirlwind started, mainly talking to Prism.

“Yeah. It was a relief when ya broke five. There was no way she could do anything if she couldn’t do that…” She was still there! Though the last part was muttered, like most muttered things, it was still heard by everypony else.

“Thought you were asleep through that.” Whirlwind smirked. What? She honestly thought he was dead asleep, though 'Come to think of it…’ She hadn’t heard him snoring until about the last hour.

“You were watching the whole time?” Starburst seemed just as shocked as she was, though didn’t show it as much.

“No!” He stomped a hoof to emphasize his point, then looked away, a light blush barely visible on his face. “I just rolled on a bump and woke up then.” He scratched the back of his head as he spoke. “Right… well.. See you guys tomorrow. Same time.” He moved to take off.

“How do you do it!?” Lyla finally got up the courage to ask… yell. It seemed random to the ponies outside of her head, but it was something she’d been wondering about through all her work and her curiosity finally won. Her blurt did shock him enough to interrupt his take off, however.

“Huh? Who does what now?” From the looks on the two mare’s faces, he’d about summed it up for them as well. She blushed, thinking of how dumb she must’ve sounded… but she would sound even dumber if she stopped now.

“Wing ups………. You said you did them differently…” She saw Starburst roll her eyes at the smirk that followed his question.

“Well, that’s my cue to leave.” She turned to walk off.

“Star? Aren’t you going flower picking with Candy and I?” The orange mare turned back to look at her, Whirlwind and Prism both laughing for a reason she was unaware of until she saw Starburst’s face.

“Do I look like that type of pony that goes flower picking?” It was a question that needed no answer. She should’ve known that. Well, she did know that. She just didn’t want to go meet new ponies by herself.

“I’ll tell Candy to come by and get you, so stay here.” And with that, she flew off.

“So,” Prism started. “Ya wanna see a real wing up, watch this!” Whirlwind took this opportunity to go over to the cloud he’d lowered a few hours before, having seen this display quite often, she assumed.

She turned her attention back to the colt, who was on the ground in the now familiar position. Though, instead of keeping his hind hooves on the ground, he lifted his entire body weight with his wings… She was truly impressed.

“Oh my! Doesn’t that hurt?” He did about three of them before getting up and dusting himself off.

“Heh, not a bit. I can do a hundred of those easy.” He smirked in pride as he spoke. Lyla no longer knew if she was impressed or envious. There was no way she could do that.

“You must be quite an amazing flier. Even Starburst speaks highly of your skill.”

“She does?” He seemed a bit shocked at that, though the look of surprise wasn’t on his face long. “Well, of course she does.” He started a hover, about two feet off the ground, and continued.

“I’m easily the best flier in Ponyville since mom and dad are getting so old.” He moved around, floating through the air on his back, hooves behind his head.

“It must be nice to be so good at something. I’d love to fly with you and Whirlwind someday.” Come to think of it, the purple pegasus hadn’t interjected for a while. She looked over to see her asleep on her stolen cloud.

“Well, with me as your coach, you’ll be flyin in no time.” It wasn’t the first time she’d heard it, but it seemed to be more convincing coming from him. She looked up.

“Prism… may I ask you a… rather odd question?” His eyes turned to her, though she didn’t see.

“What do clouds feel like?” As she expected, the question seemed to take him a bit by surprise.

“Seriously? You’ve never…” He trailed off. “Well, I guess that does make sense.” He dropped to the ground with a snort. “You’d probly kill yourself if ya tried.” Her face fell slightly at a realization.

“…… I did. This morning…”

“That’s right!” He started laughing. “You totally would’ve died tryin to get to that cloud. If I hadn’t caught ya of course.” He smirked once more. She blushed lightly.

“Thanks for that, by the way.” He dismissed it with a half wave of his hoof.

“No prob, but why can’t ya fly anyway?” He circled her as he spoke, curiosity lacing his voice lightly. “I can tell there’s nothing wrong with your wings. ‘Cept they’re as weak as a newborn foal’s. And ya got no idea how ta use em.”

She tried to come up with a good reason, but nothing was coming to mind. She didn’t want to tell him the truth. He’d pushed her harder in one day than her private tutors had in a week… She didn’t want him to treat her any different.

“Hel-lo?” Apparently she’d been silent for quite a while, since Prism seemed to be getting tired of her silence. She sighed, still trying to come up with a different reason. She turned, looking to him.

“Lyla~!!” A familiar voice broke their conversation. They both turned to see Candy bounce up next to them. She turned to Prism. “Hey.” He waved to acknowledge her as she turned back to Lyla.

“Ready to go?” She smiled, Lyla giggling in return.

“Yeah.” She turned back to Prism. “I’ll… tell you later. Though I would like to see more of your moves sometime.” She smiled again.

“Yeah? Name the time and place. I’ll be there.” He said through another prideful smirk, which seemed to be rather permanent on his face. She wasn’t complaining, however. It fit him, in her opinion.

”Oh!” Candy got their attention with her outburst. She turned to Prism. “Wanna go pranking tomorrow?” He shrugged.

“Sure.” She turned, to Lyla’s shock, to look at her.

“Are you coming? You’re invited.” Candy smiled big. “Starburst too.” She thought for a second.

“Ok, but I have no idea how much help I’ll be.”

“It’s cool.” Prism started, striking a small pose, lifting a hoof. “You can just tag along and learn from the master.” Lyla and Candy both had problems holding their giggles back at that.

“Ok, Prankmaster, see you tomorrow.” She and Candy turned, leaving.

“Not sure Claire would agree on that.” She didn’t know what she was talking about, but didn’t bother to question it, opting to look back at the intriguing colt, who was living up to his name, bolting off in a certain direction and leaving a rainbow trail. She smiled, then turned back to talk to Candy.

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Starburst, after leaving Sugarcube Corner, harbored the idea of going back to Sweet Apple Acres, to help out, though the thought left her mind quick enough.

She wasn’t sure her hooves could handle the hard labor three days in a row, and the fling lessons had got her wanting to focus on her wings. Plus, she didn’t want to make a nuisance of herself.

She walked quietly through the streets, Letting her thoughts wonder as she decided what to do. She felt a bit guilty at leaving Lyla, knowing how shy she could be, but was comforted by the fact the hooves she left her in were Candy’s.

She mentally cursed at the realization that she once again forgot to ask about weather duty the next day. There were times she wished she lived in Cloudsdale. Maybe being closer to the other weather ponies would help her remember to ask more often. Maybe.

‘Oh, yeah…’ Thoughts of Cloudsdale brought her to the best young fliers competition taking place next Friday. ‘I wonder if Lyla will be able to make it.’ She entered, of course. Whirlwind too. She was inwardly excited about it, this being her first year meeting the age limit. She would love to have her best friend there, but it was held in Cloudsdale… ‘Maybe she could take the balloon.' She came across an interfering thought. ‘Celestia will be there.’ Princess Celestia was one of about six ponies outside the Crystal Empire that knew Lyla.

Actually, the only ponies outside of the Crystal Empire that could pick Lyla out with confidence was Canterlot royalty, and that was only because they’d visit the Crystal Empire periodically on business.

She stopped, gathering her thoughts to refocus on what to do, since she still hadn’t decided. She knew she wanted to fly, but what did she want to work on?

She continued walking, opting to train on her agility rather than speed, and she’d need trees for that. Rainbow and her family used clouds they’d maneuvered into pillars for similar training, but she felt trees were more of a challenge.

Though she could only think of two places with as many trees as she needed, one being the Everfree Forest and she could say with certainty she was not going there. The other was Sweet Apple Acres.

She sighed, figuring the Apples wouldn’t mind her using their trees in such a manner, she headed for Sweet Apple Acres…. Again.

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Lyla looked around, following Candy through streets she’d never seen. Seemingly, they had left Ponyville. She saw a small cottage they looked to be heading to, which had a very beautiful garden and little animals everywhere.

She watched Candy bounce happily up to the door, knocking on it. It was opened by a middle-aged yellow mare..

“Y-yes..? Oh! Candy. How can I help you?”

“Me, Annie, and Lyla are going flower picking and re-planting.” She smiled big, successfully asking a question within the statement.

“Oh? Well, she and T are in back.”

“Thank you miss Fluttershy!” She yelled back, bouncing off once more. Lyla followed as the yellow mare, Fluttershy, apparently, closed the door. She followed the bouncing pony to the back yard where she spotted more animals, all different kinds, and flowers of equally varying species.

She looked up to see a pastel green…… in all honesty, she didn’t really know what it was, wearing a big saddle pack, next to a light pink pony. A unicorn, from the looks.

“Annie! T!” Candy went over, Lyla deciding to stay back. Not out of fear, the green…. It somewhat looked like a bat pony to her, though slightly oversized, and… well, green, and it looked to have claws, as well.

So, the green whatever-it-was looked rather nice, she just let her shyness get the better of her once more. “We’re here!” Candy continued her previous statement, announcing their presence once more. The pink unicorn giggled, turning to them.

“Candy, Glad you could make it.” She turned somewhat to Lyla, the green bat doing the same. “Whose we?” She asked. Lyla paused a second to see if Candy would introduce her, taking over when she didn’t.

“Um, I’m Lyla. Nice to meet you.” The pink unicorn smiled.

“I’m Anthea, Please, call me Annie.” So this was Annie. It was nice to put a face to the name, as it was with somepony she’d heard quite a bit about. Such as Claire for an example.

“I’m Turquoise Blitz. Just call me T.” The green bat spoke for the first time. Actually, now that he was closer, he didn’t look much like a bat. Wait…

“You wouldn’t happen to be Claire’s younger brother?” She remembered Starburst mentioning Claire had one, and he very closely resembled a dragon.

“Yeah, how’d you know?” He, Annie and Candy laughed. She didn’t get it though, it was rather apparent they were related… oh.

She giggled as they started walking the edge of… a vast area of trees. She didn’t know what it was. She’d only ever seen as many trees at Sweet Apple Acres, but the trees she was looking at weren’t apple trees. She turned back to the group.

“To be honest,” She started, turning to T. “I thought you were some sort of bat pony. It took me a second to connect you to Claire.” This caused even more laughter for Candy and T, Annie seemed preoccupied though.

“I know Candy knows what we’re doing. Did she tell you?” She somewhat looked in Lyla’s direction, though she didn’t bother to question it.

“Somewhat. She was a bit vague on the details.” .

“I kinda don’t remember all of them.” Candy laughed guiltily.

“We’re looking for the wilting and crowded flowers to take them back and replant.” She smiled. It might sound rather pointless, but moving the flowers helps the wild fields.”

She wasn’t thinking that at all. She was wondering what the point was, but she was sure there was one. “T’ll let you know what to look for.” T? Why wouldn’t she just tell them herself?

“Why not you?” Her curiosity got the best of her, asking the question she’d thought.

“She’s kinda blind.” Candy was the one to answer. She looked back to the pink unicorn in shock. Now that she looked, her eyes did look… odd.

“I’m sorry. I had no idea.” She felt bad accidentally pointing out something like that. Annie giggled.

“It’s fine. Nopony really does.” She moved a bit closer to T as she spoke. “I’ve adapted well. I have very good hearing, and I can make out colors in bright light.” She didn’t really know how to respond to that. Luckily she didn’t have to.

“Here’s one.” She and Candy turned to T, who was pointing to a dying flower. “These are what we’re looking for.” She nodded. Candy was looking around, walking.

“Like this?” She pointed to one. It seemed like it was dying to her, but she wasn’t an expert.

“Yep.” T nodded to affirm both of their assumptions.

“Oh,” Annie started, “And watch out for dirt hornets. There are a few nests out here. But don’t be too afraid, they don’t usually bother anypony.”

Hornets. There was an insect she was familiar with. She’d never seen one first hoof, but her brother, in their youth, had a very bad encounter with them. She definitely feared an insect such as a hornet.

She walked through the field, mindful of her step, looking for dying flowers. She jumped every time she heard a sound relative to a buzz… until she finally found a flower that seemed to fit the description of what they were looking for.

She started digging to free the poor flower from the dirt. She giggled a bit at the realization that this was the first hole she’d ever dug. It was a small experience, but quite an experience, nonetheless.

She was having a good bit of fun digging up the dying flowers. She froze anytime she saw a hornet, but they didn’t seem to mind her, as Annie had said. Her eighth or ninth flower, though, didn’t go as well…

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Starburst had been practicing her agility maneuvers for a while now. She wasn’t keeping track how long, but a while. She’d seen Del’s Uncle Mac, though he’d missed her. She also saw June, pulling a cart of her cherries, but again, the other pony missed her.

She landed on the branch of a tree, taking a small break. She looked out at the orchard, apple trees being as far as the eye could see.

She really enjoyed this place. And all the Apples were so nice to her. Though Del and June’s Great Granny Smith was a bit odd. But it was in the best of ways.

The tree suddenly started shaking vigorously. Starburst, taken by surprise, lost her balance, falling rump first into a bushel basket. She officially decided apples were not a good cushion. Or nice to have land on a pony in many numbers

“Land sakes!” She turned, seeing the reason of her fall was none other than Applejack. “Star! You ok?” She held a hoof out to help her up. She took it, seeing as there was no way she was getting out of there on her own.

“Yeah… I’m ok.” She shook herself off.

“What in Equestria were ya doin in that tree?”

“I was taking a break. I was practicing my agility today. I didn’t think anypony would mind.” She helped Applejack pick up the apples that fell out of the basket when she climbed out.

“A course we wouldn’t mind, but ya shoulda told somepony you were here. Ya’ll coulda gotten pretty hurt.” Yeah, not the most flattering moment she could remember.

“Yeah, sorry bout that.” She sat the last apple back in the basket.

“Why didn’t you tell any of us anyway?” Applejack picked the now full bushel basket up on her back, taking it over to a nearby half-sized wagon.

“I guess I’ve just been coming by a lot. I didn’t want to wear out my welcome. Especially with you and Del.” The older mare’s reaction to her answer confused her. She didn’t think she said anything funny.

"Star,” She started, her laughter dying down, “Ya’ll could come here day in an day out fer the next five years an still be welcome. Yer a big help an we enjoy havin ya around. All a us.”

It was nice hearing they thought so highly of her. She liked being around them too. She did miss her family back in Canterlot, but it didn’t feel like she missed them as much when she was around the Apples.

“So, ya done flyin? If so, it’d be nice at have a tail taday.” There was no way she’d say no to that. Though Applejack wasn’t working as hard as she’d seen her, she rarely asked Star to tail her for the day, and even through their age gap, she enjoyed her company.

Answering with a nod, she followed her into the orchards.

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Lyla was running. Running as fast as her hooves could carry her, which was quite fast. The reason for the flower she had picked to be dying was that it had the poor luck of growing over a dirt hornet’s nest.

Which she released on them when she pulled said flower out. It was like a cloud of hornets… a thing of nightmares. She was the one who had disturbed their home and they knew it, so, she did what any sane pony would do.

She ran screaming. And she was still running. She wasn’t paying any attention to where she was going, she just ran, and kept running until she couldn’t hear the buzzing behind her anymore.

When she finally stopped, she dropped, hitting the ground. She lay there, panting heavily, looking at her new surroundings. Trees. All she could see were trees. Dark-colored, wild looking trees with vines all over them…

I wasn’t a pleasant view. The canopy was so thick, it looked like night, even though she knew for a fact it was afternoon. She had a very bad feeling, being in this place. Catching her breath, she got up, deciding to head back the way she came.

Which way was that again…?

(To be continued)

Everfree Demon

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“Wow, that was scary…” Candy was the first to speak.

“I’ll say.” Annie agreed with a giggle. “Everypony all right?”

“I am!” The blue mare answered in her normally enthusiastic way. “Thanks to T.” The half-dragon, having scales, was impervious to the hornets’ stings and used his fire to burn the ones that got close to the others. He had protected the other two mares.

“Yes” Annie smiled towards the green blob. “Thank you T.” The pony/dragon blushed at the gratitude.

“It wasn’t anything.”

“… Where’s Lyla?” Candy looked around for the lavender pony, seeing her nowhere.

“She was pretty far off when the hornets came out. I didn’t see where she went.”

“I heard her scream.” Annie cut in before he could feel bad about not protecting somepony. “Can you really not find her?”

“No..” T was the first to answer.

“I don’t see her any-” Candy cut herself off with a gasp. “You don’t think…” She looked into the ominous dark of the Everfree forest. T looked over, following her line of vision.

“She wouldn’t go in there… would she?”

“In where?” Annie moved to his side, unable to see what they were looking at.

“The Everfree forest.” T answered. He turned to her. “Maybe… maybe you should use your traking spell… to be sure.” The more they sat there, the more it looked like that was, in fact where she had gone.

Annie closed her eyes, her horn glowing yellow. She sat there for a second, holding the others’ attention, all in silence.

“She’s in there. Pretty far, and moving farther.” Candy turned to T.

“Go get Star!” He and Annie both gave her an odd look, he voicing what the were both thinking.

“Why?”

“Well… I can’t tell you! This is just really, really, really bad and you need to go get Star! Really quick! Like you just ate one of Claire’s masterpiece gems and she’s chasing you and blowing fire at your tail!”

It must be bad for her to be that adamant. He didn’t question her again, taking off instead. Leaving Candy and Annie at the edge of the forest alone.

“Candy…. What’s going on?” Annie had concern heavy in her voice.

“I can’t say! Lyla might be mad…”

“Candy, if this is as big of an emergency as you make it sound to be, I don’t think it really matters.” Candy sat there, quietly mulling over what the unicorn had said before bursting.

“Lyla can‘t fly!!!!” Annie was in shock at the revelation.

“What…? ….. What!?” She turned back to where she though the entrance to the forest was. “We have to go help her!” Candy grabbed her tail in her mouth.

“Hold it! We gotta wait up! You said she was deep in there right? We can’t go there by ourselves.” Candy did have a point, there wasn’t much they could do alone.

“I hope she’ll be ok…” A second after she said that, she felt a rather unnatural breeze heading into the forest, and the shade of what she thought to be… a rainbow?

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Starburst was trotting behind Applejack contently, a double sided basket full of apples on her back. The elder mare was quite a bit more talkative than her son, not that she minded in the least She enjoyed listening and learning from her.

“Hey, ma.” They both turned, hearing a familiar voice. “Ah’m done harvestin the corn fields. Can Ah help- Star?” He cut himself off, now noticing her. She nodded in greeting, giving him a small smile.

“Now, Ah know Ah gave ya more chores ta do than that.” She saw Applejack arch a suspicious eyebrow at her son. “Ya’ll wouldn’t be tryin ta get me outta here early would ya?”

Starburst knew that Del was a bit of a momma’s boy. Not that it was a bad thing. She thought the bond he had with his mother was sweet. Something she’d written off ever having with hers. And from the look on the stallion’s face, his mother had hit the nail on the head.

“Wh- what? What’d give ya that idea?” They both laughed at the blatant lie, Applejack being the first to comment on it.

“Well, ya don have ta worry. Thanks ta Star, Ah’m gonna be finishin' early.” She turned back to Starburst. “So, Star, whatdya say? Ah’m sure this boy a mine got himself behind again. Will ya give 'im a hoof?”

Starburst nodded in response, not minding at all as long as he didn’t make her pull anything today. She walked over to him, quietly. Not even having to say to lead the way, she followed him off.

As they were walking he muttered something about a stubborn old mare under his breath. She had to strain to hear it, but she did, in fact hear it.

“Why do you try to help her so much anyway? She’s been doing this a lot longer than you, right?” She wasn’t trying to sound degrading or anything, but she didn’t get it.

“That’s the thing. Dare ya ta try telling her she ain’t no spring chicken no more.” Yeah, she didn’t see that going too well. “So where’s Lyla?” He apparently decided to change the subject.

“Flower picking with Candy, Annie and T.” He chuckled with a small “fun.” knowing very well that was not her style. She opted to change the subject this time.

“Working hard?” He nodded, then turned to her a bit bashfully.

“Though Ah hate ta say Ah kinda fell behind this morning again. Api sent the fruit bats in the west orchard inta a frenzy. It was all hooves on deck, and we managed ta wrangle em all back in but we all got off schedule.”

She let a small snort as a response, going over to empty her double basket into Del’s wagon.

When she looked back to ask what he wanted her to do next, she was surprised to see him talking to a rather winded T. She heard him ask of her whereabouts through his panting.

“I’m here..” She answered, approaching the two, curious as to what had the green half-dragon in such a hurry.

“Starburst! Um… Candy sent me to get you. Lyla ran into the Everfree forest.”

“What!?” Both T and Del gave her an odd look, Del being the first to speak.

“It ain’t that bad is it? She can jus fly back to Ponyville.”

“And if she runs into timber wolves or a manticore, she can just fly away, right?” T added, both blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation.

“Timber wolves!? Manticore!!??” Starburst was about to go into full panic mode. If something happened to her runaway cousin under her watch, she’d never be able to look her Aunt and Uncle in the eye again!

“T! Show me where she went in! We'll fly!” She took to a hover, turning back to see both boys even more confused.

“Am Ah missin something here?” She moved, deeming the situation worthy enough to break a promise.

“Lyla can’t fly!!!”

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‘Have I seen that tree before…?’ Lyla was wondering around the dark forest, hearing the cries of animals that were completely foreign to her… the trees all looked the same. ‘Am I going in circles…?’

She was completely lost, but was way too scared to stay in one spot for more than a few minutes. Anytime she did, she heard growling and howling, very unpleasant sounds.

‘Well… I went that way last time, so… lets go this way.’ She went the opposite direction this time. Nothing at all looked familiar there. She was pretty sure she’d taken another wrong turn.

She looked back at her wings, stretching them out. They didn’t hurt as bad anymore. They were still sore, but… ‘Maybe I could at least fly up to see which direction Ponyville is.’ She flapped into a hover, She flapped harder, flying a bit higher and accidentally hitting a branch.

“Ow!” She leaned forward to try to go around it, instead going into a nose-dive. She hit the ground with a ‘thud’.

“Ok, that was a bad idea.” She got up, shaking herself off. ‘They say when you’re lost to stay put.’ She looked around, remembering what her mother had told her once. It was true. Surely Candy and the others were looking for her. Or had gotten help.

… Right? She nodded, moving to sit. She was interrupted by the now familiar horrid-sounding howl that seemed to be following her.

She was still unaware of what it was, but she had no intention of sticking around to find out. She got up, continuing her trek into the dark woods.

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“Why did you let her go!?” Starburst felt bad at the accusation, letting her nerves get the better of her. “I mean, What happened?” She took a deep breath to re-word her sentence. She was very worried, flying as fast as she could, without losing anypony.

“She ran off. There were a bunch of hornets… When they left we couldn’t find her.” T, following behind her, answered, worry now heavy in his voice.

“What about Candy and Annie? Candy knew she couldn’t fly.” She tried to keep an accusing tone out of her voice, she knew it couldn’t have been their fault by any means, If anypony’s fault, it was hers for not watching out for her better.

“Candy’s the one that told me to get you. When we found out she went in the forest, she freaked.” He answered as the edge of the forest came into view.

She fell back, following him to where Lyla went in. She saw what looked to be Candy and Annie standing at a spot near the forest, waiting for them.

T landed first, Starburst following suit, landing next to him. Del, who had decided to follow them, ran up shortly after.

“I’m so sorry Starburst!” Annie was the first to speak. She and Candy both looked beside themselves with worry. At least she wasn’t the only one. She dismissed the apology with a wave of her hoof.

“Nevermind that, can we find her?”

“Yes.” Annie confirmed with a nod. “I’ve been tracking her since T left. She’s still on the move.” Well that was good. At least she knew she wasn’t hurt.

“Come on, lets go!” Candy, apparently antsy from standing around, started walking into the forest. They all followed in silence until T stopped suddenly.

“T? What’s wrong?” She heard Annie stop as well, and looked back to see what was going on.

“Um, nothing I guess…. Maybe.” Starburst sighed.

“If you have something to say, go ahead.” She hoped he wasn’t backing out. It didn’t seem like something he’d do, but she couldn’t help but worry.

“Well, I’m not sure.” He continued walking, everypony else doing the same, seeing he was ok. “I might be wrong, but I think Bolt might be in here.”

“Prism?” She turned back to him. Why would Prism be here?

“Well maybe. He asked me where I was going in such a hurry, and I told him Lyla ran into the Everfree forest and he flew off.”

“Great.” Starburst sighed. “Now we have to save two ponies… Okay.” She turned to the group. “I’ll go in front. Del, you bring up the rear.” The two strongest needed to protect the group. And they needed a scout… “ T, fly on ahead a little. See if you can spot any danger, but don’t lose sight of us.” She was satisfied that, should he run into anything, he’d be able to take care of himself.

“Annie, try to track Prism to see if he’s in here You’re gonna be our eyes in this this place.” Candy, though worried, couldn’t help but giggle. “What?” She turned wondering what in Equestria that pony could be laughing at now, of all times.

“We’re following the blind pony.” She giggled again. “Its just kinda ironic, huh?” She sighed, shaking her head. She did have a point, though.

“Candy, keep an eye on Annie.” She continued with what she was saying. She didn’t know too much about magic, but she knew it was tiring on the unicorn using it, and though Annie was a magic prodigy, it could take hours to find Lyla.

“Prism’s here. I can tell he’s here, but he’s moving too fast for me to track.” She sighed. Great.

“Ok, lets go.” She turned, leading the way, T flying ahead, everypony doing as she told them. She hoped to Celestia that Lyla didn’t run into anything…

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Lyla had concluded she had to be in the Everfree forest. It was the only place in Equestria that made sense for all the trees and odd sounds she was hearing.

She’d read that it was not a good place to be. Star had told her that if you knew where to go and where not to go it wasn’t too bad.

Unfortunately she had no idea where to go. She had no idea where she was going. She heard a branch snap behind her, and a very low growling. She didn’t even turn to look, she ran.

She ran as fast as she could. She’d never truly been chased by anything that had a full intent to kill her, as thing did. It terrified her. A type of terror she’d never known, and she didn’t even know what it was that was chasing her.

She was a bit faster than it, whatever it was, and was putting good distance between them, until she hit a group of trees. She had to bob and weave, the thing taking the opportunity to catch up. She heard the growling get louder.

She was fast, a good runner, but she was very much lacking in stamina. She could not run forever. She was already starting to slow down.

Surely she knew a spell to help? None where coming to mind. She didn’t know too many combative spells. She turned, finally gathering the courage to see what was chasing her. She looked back to see… nothing. She slowed a bit. There was truly nothing there. ‘What just happened…?’She came to a full stop. She knew she couldn’t have imagined it, something had chased her. She couldn’t have felt a fear like that out of nothing.

She turned back, letting a scream when she saw something charging at her.

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“She‘s moving fast… over that way.” Annie held out her right hoof in the direction the missing pony ran. She walked next to T, who had landed, spotting no danger for now. She was starting to look a bit winded, but nothing too bad. Starburst didn’t think to much on it.

“I think she‘s running." Annie continued. Starburst sighed, trying not to let her worry show. If Lyla was running, there was a reason.

She was so distracted, it took her a second to realize Del had left his place to come up to her. She scowled a bit out of the corner of her eye.

“You’re breaking formation.” It was a simple statement. Nothing really behind it.

“Ah know yer scared. Don worry, we'll find er.” He gave a reassuring smile. It did help a little, but not near enough. She didn’t answer for a second or two.

“I know we’ll find her.” She paused. “I’m just afraid of how we’ll find her…” That came out in more of a whisper than she’d intended.

The Everfree forest wasn’t too scary of a place, but it could be. Especially for a sheltered princess who didn’t know what was dangerous. She was afraid of pigs, for Celestia’s sake!

“It ain’t your fault, Star.” She knew he was right, but she couldn’t help but feel responsible.

“It should be mine.” Annie spoke up. “I knew there was a hornets nest there, I should’ve told her where they all were.”

“No,” Candy started. “It was my fault. I should’ve gone to that side of the field with her.”

“I guess we’re all kinda to blame.” T stated, looking away. “I could’ve tried to harder protect all of you.”

She looked back at all of them. She could tell they were all really trying to make her feel better. Had she always had such amazing friends..? She turned, continuing on.

“Del, get back at the rear, T, were going north, so scout ahead.” She paused a second. “…. Thanks guys.” She wasn’t sure if they’d all heard her, since they went about doing what she’d told them to.

They’d find her. Of course they would. There was no way she’d cause the death of her cousin.

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The impact of being hit sent Lyla and her assailant rolling down a small ledge She hit with a thunk and an ow. What had hit her? It couldn’t’ve been the thing that was chasing her, right?

“Ow, What the hay…” She perked at the familiarity of the voice. She looked over to where the voice was coming from.

“Prism!?” It came out a bit louder than she’d meant it to be, but it was hard to hold back the shock of seeing him here.

“Lyla?” He turned to her. “Finally.” She watched him get up, doing so herself. It took him a second longer, being that he landed on his back.

“Why the hay would you come here of all places? You have no way at all to protect yourself.” She knew he meant she couldn’t fly away from danger.

He wasn’t angry. Or at least he didn’t seem that way to her. She was a bit too distracted by his presence to fully pay attention to his questioning.

“What….. Are you doing here…?” She was very relieved, of course, but she couldn’t help but wonder how he’d found her. He shook himself off before he answered.

“T told me you ran in here. I couldn’t just leave you here to die.” Everypony had so little faith in her. Though on her own, she probably would’ve died before she found her way out of here. Not that she’d admit it.

“How… did you find me?”

“Flew through the trees.” He started looking around. She did the same, seeing all the trees. How could anypony fly trough them? And he was going so fast too.

“I don’t remember this part of the forest.” Great. Now they were both lost. Well, she’d rather have him there than be alone.

Before she could respond, a menacing growl from the top of the cliff caught their attention. She turned to see a stallion sized, charcoal black dog. It was bearing its fangs, and its glowing red eyes were sizing them up. It let out an angry snort, a puff of smoke flowing from its nostrils.

This had to have been what was chasing her. She felt the same feeling as she had earlier. A terrifying feeling of murder.

“What in Equestria is that?” Prism muttered the question aloud. She had no idea. If he didn’t know, was it even from the Everfree forest?

Her instincts took over when it took a step closer to them. She turned, running off. It didn’t take Prism long to follow, after she turned, whatever it was took chase of them.

“Now what!?” She heard him speak, but didn’t reply. She had no clue what to do, aside from run as fast as they could in the opposite direction.

She looked back to see the creature hot on their tails. Literally, its breath was fire hot.

This wasn’t working, it was too close and gaining. She’d tuckered herself out form the last run. She didn’t know how much more she could stand.

“Why aren’t you flying?” She was able to get the question out though pants. He could get them both to safety, easy.

“I can’t! I landed on my wing!” Of course he did. She looked back at the dog- like think that was still pursuing them. It took a snap at her tail, but missed. Ok, desperate times.

She looked around for any possible way out, anything to do. She did have her aunt’s teleportation spell…. But could she carry them far away enough? And which way should they go?

There was no time to think, this was going to get them, and it was going to kill them. She closed her eyes, invisible horn glowing and teleported as far as her magic would carry two ponies.

Luckily, it was pretty far. The dog was no longer in sight, and at such relief, she hit the ground in exhaustion. It took Prism a second to stop running and see that they weren’t being chased anymore.

“What… was that…?” She was still able to speak at least, she was so tired. He came back, standing above her.

“I have no idea. Never seen something like that before.” She saw him look around. “But I don’t think I’ve ever been this deep in before either.”

Well, they were still lost. But at least nothing was hunting them now. He turned back to her. “What was that?”

“I thought we decided we had no idea.” She was able to speak without strain now, having caught her breath. He frowned a bit.

“Not that thing. How’d we get here? What’d you do?” Oh, right. Pegasi can’t use magic. She looked away nervously, trying to think of an excuse. Not her strong suit.

“Um….. Well, I…. That is…. I’d rather not say?” She was hoping he’d take that and not pry further. He watched her intensely for a second, then looked away.

“Whatever. At least we’re safe. But it looks like I’m grounded for a while.” She sighed, getting up. Her legs were finally able to support her weight once more.

“Okay, Situation assessment…” She started thinking out loud. “Where completely lost in the Everfree forest, both of us are unable to fly, there are a lot of creatures in here that could kill us, and we’re being hunted by…. Some sort of demon dog?” She looked to him to see if she missed anything.

“Sounds bout right.” She looked around. There didn’t seem to be any other creatures.

“So now what? Do we keep walking? Or should we stay and wait?” She had no clue what to do.

“We do not want to be here after dark.”

“Ok, unfortunately, that seems to be what will happen…” She couldn’t run again.

She could try, but she was sure if that wolf thing came back, she wouldn’t make it and Prism wouldn’t be able to carry her fast enough.

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“She stopped…?” Starburst turned to Annie, who finally spoke once more. The spell was draining her, and it was starting to show.

“She did… but it was… odd. She moved a mile in less than a second…. And then stopped…” Starburst continued walking. They had gotten closer, for sure, but this was the first time she dead stopped. She couldn’t help but worry.

“If she did, then nows our chance to gain some ground, come on!” She moved to start running, then stopped. “T, carry Annie.” The half-dragon, who had landed once more a few minutes earlier, leaned down to allow the tuckered unicorn on his back.

After she was up there, everypony ran the direction she’d said Lyla had apparently stopped in as fast as they could.

They hadn’t run into any trouble yet, thankfully, but such was the usual when T accompanied them.

She momentarily wondered if Prism had found her yet. Being such an agile flier, he could comb the forest quickly. She wasn’t sure how much help he’d be, but she hoped he found her if only so she wasn’t alone.

When she looked up, she saw a few timber wolves flanking them. Dumb things. They didn’t stand a chance against her on a bad day.

“Timber wolves on the left!” She yelled back to the group. None of them slowed. Timber wolves weren’t that much of a threat.

She honestly didn’t even want to bother with them if they didn’t attack.

“Annie? Can you check where Prism is again?” Maybe that could tell them if he found her yet. The wolves seemed to grow a brain and decide to leave them alone, to her relief.

She heard Candy starting to pant a little, which didn’t surprise her. Running full speed for a pony who wasn’t used to it was tiring.

‘… How deep did she go?’ They had to have passed Zecora’s house an hour ago, she’d never seen this part of the forest before.

“He’s still too… they look to be in the same vicinity… I think they are, at least…” That was a plus to a very bad situation. “We’re getting close.”

“Good.” She slowed a little to accommodate Candy. She was glad Annie would be able to rest soon. They all needed a breather.

She was taken by surprise when the timber wolves she thought had gone suddenly jumped them. There were more than she first thought, five or six.

One of them jumped at Annie, only to miss and get crushed to pieces by one stomp from T. The other went for Candy. She ran to her, Del, being in the rear, got to her first, bucking the wolf against a tree, smashing it.

She glared at the wolves. She didn’t have time for this… Small though she was, she was the farthest thing from a pushover. Those wolves messed with the wrong ponies.

She reared up on her hind legs, spreading her large wings.

She might’ve been smaller than the wolves, but her display made them think twice and gave T time to stomp another, and Annie to blow one with a beam of light from her horn.

Their allies in pieces, the remaining wolves retreated into the depths of the forest. She sighed.

“Annie?” She turned back to the pink unicorn, whose horn lit up once more. “She’s moving again… Slowly… this way…”

Good. Maybe they could meet in the middle. She hoped so. She was so ready for this adventure to be over.

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“Are you sure we should go this way?” Lyla’s eyes were wondering in uncertainty. “What if we run into that monster again..?”

“We’ll cross that when we come to it. I got a feeling this is the right way.” She turned her attention to him. His wing, more specifically. She felt bad… Really bad. He’d saved her twice today. She sighed.

“Let me see your wing.”

“Huh?” He gave her an odd look.

“Come here.” She walked closer, indicating him to turn a certain way. He did so. It wasn’t anything major. A small sprain, it seemed. Her mother’s spell could fix this easily.

“I’m going to do something that I think will help. Close your eyes.” He looked at her like she was crazy. She rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Just do it. Trust me.” He looked at her a second before hesitantly closing his eyes.

She smiled, moving her unseen horn to his wing, closing her eyes. The invisible appendage glowed with magic as she used her mother’s healing spell.

“Try moving it now.” She moved away, the glow dying. He opened his eyes, examining his wing. He flapped it, going into a hover. He immediately bore an expression of happiness and .. Confusion?

“Its like it wasn’t even hurt… What did you do?” She thought for a second. She did want to tell him, but a part of her was too worried she’d get the same treatment she did at the palace… he treated her like a normal pony. She didn’t want to lose that yet.

“How about I tell you when I can fly?” It seemed reasonable enough for her. Maybe he’d be ok with the fact that he would learn, rather than not knowing at all.

“Deal. Now, lets see where the hoof we are.” He moved to take to the sky, when something interrupted him.

“Lyla---” It was far off, but the both heard it. If she wasn’t mistaken, it sounded like Candy.

“Lyla--!” That was Star.. Where they there? She turned to Prism.

“Did you hear that…?” He nodded. The trees made it hard for her to tell where the voices were coming from, but the thought that the other’s had come for them brought her near tears.

Tears of happiness, and guilt. She would’ve ran if at all possible, but her body wouldn’t allow her, so she trotted in the direction she thought the voices were coming from. Prism led the way, apparently agreeing with her ears.

Her heart dropped when she heard the all too familiar growl from the left of them. Not again. Not now… How did this thing keep finding her?

She turned her head to where she’d heard the sound and saw two glowing red eyes. She couldn’t run… Not for long.. But she could sure try.

“Prism…” She got his attention. He apparently hadn’t heard the low growl the demon made. She spoke softly, her eyes never leaving the monsters’. “Demon dog. Run.”

After she properly warned him, she took off, running in the direction of her friends’ voices. Prism was flying beside her, looking back every now and then. He could fly faster than that, he must be keeping pace with her.

She was a very good runner, she ran much better than she could fly, but she was so tired… She felt as if she’d been running all day. Against her mind’s wishes, she started to slow down.

“Come on, Lyla! Keep goin!” Prism apparently noticed She was starting to slow as well. She heard T call for Prism, they were getting closer.

They had to be. Her legs wouldn’t carry her much farther and that demon was not letting up. It felt as if it could tell she was on her last leg and about to feint from exhaustion. The relief that overcame her when she saw her cousin and friends couldn’t be expressed in words. She tried to stay on her hooves, but it was no use, she’d pushed them to their limit and back. They gave out on her, dropping her to the ground, At the mercy of her friends and that demon.

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Starburst was overjoyed to see her cousin alive and in one piece. She came up on her just in time to see her collapse. Why was she running if she was that tired?

No sooner had that thought crossed her mind when she saw… something. She didn’t know what it was, but it was after Lyla and Prism.

She ran over, along with everypony else when the wolf-thing looked like it was about to deal the finishing blow on her. Prism was close and quick enough to give it a quick buck to the jaw to distract it.

Starburst reared once more, spreading her wings to take flight and join Prism. He was flying fast circles around the wolf, causing it to let an angry howl, the mini tornado he was whipping up being the perfect median for the wolf’s fire breath to catch.

Prism, getting hit by it, lost control of the mini-tornado, being thrown from it. It didn’t seem like it got him bad, but that was a huge surprise. She hadn’t seen an animal that could breathe fire other than a dragon.

What in Equesria was this thing..? She went up next, gathering momentum to use herself as a battering ram. She succeeded in knocking the creature off its feet. She turned to the other two mares.

“Get outta here!” Once they moved Lyla, they’d retreat. She didn’t know what this thing was, but it was strong, and she had definitely pissed it off. It let out an even angrier howl, charging at Starburst, smoke pouring from its muzzle as it ran.

She waited a second before flying over it. The wolf turned to the side as she presumed it would, and being ready for it, she bucked it off its feet.

“T! Burn it!” She knew T wasn’t much of a fighter, but she needed all the help she could get. And being not much of a fighter, in his slight hesitation, the wolf swiftly recovered, getting to its feet.

It jumped a bit, trying to grab Starburst right out of the air. It came close but just missed her. She and Prism, now recovered, flew around the wolfs head to keep it distracted.

She took a second to look over at Candy and Annie. They had Lyla up and were trying to get her out of there, but weren’t moving very fast. When she turned back to the wolf-thing, she was shocked at seeing it jumping at her. She turned to fly off, but was too slow. It grabbed her wing between it’s teeth, pulling her to the ground. It was a searing pain. A type of burning feeling. It growled angrily putting a massive paw on her chest. She could hardly breathe. The pressure was suddenly gone as quickly as it appeared.

She got up, seeing the wolf in a heated fight with Del. Both were on their hind legs, and both being roughly the same size, neither were budging. Del got in a hit, getting the wolf in the head with his hoof, Which the wolf bit shortly after.

Prism, doing as she did earlier, flew into the wolf, knocking it harder and farther than she did. T took this opportunity to set the wolf on fire. Del got up, staying off his injured hoof, and Prism landed, All turning their attention to the other three.

Lyla was still passed out, and Annie seemed close behind, tired from using her magic for so long. They all turned when they heard another growl, seeing the wolf, still on fire, standing up. It didn’t look like it was burning at all. What was this thing!?

It ran a paw along the ground, the patches it touched turning to ash, but not catching fire. It then charged at them, full force. They couldn’t run. Annie was wiped out, Lyla was passed out, Del’s leg was injured and her wing was injured. There was nothing she could do.

To everypony’s surprise, T reared, letting out a roar and spreading his wings. It was quite a shock, but at the same time, not surprising at all. He’d do anything to protect his friends. Especially Annie.

His display caused the wolf to pause, then growl back, fangs bared. He did the same, showing teeth that could cut through diamonds. The wolf wasn’t full on attacking anymore. It took a step to the left, then right. She knew it was sizing T up.

In a flash, the wolf was on him, coming at him with fangs and claws, Trying to bite at the underside of his neck.

T reared once more to get out of the wolf’s reach, using a clawed hoof and his neck to knock the dog to the side. Being fireproof, the flames didn’t hurt him as they did the grass, leaving an ash mark where the wolf landed.

This was an amazing sight… She was in awe at the brutality of the creatures, They were so strong.

The wolf made one more attack, coming from the side this time. T, being so large, wasn’t fast enough to avoid the attack. The wolf kept pushing into him, trying to get him off his hooves.

It failed, when T shoved him with a clawed hoof, stomping at him, all missing. The animal took this chance to move around and bite his tail, but that was the last hit it got in. The wolf, now behind him was finished. He bucked the creature into a tree, the impact breaking the tree in half. The animal went rolling before landing at the base of another tree. It lay there unmoving. The flames around it dying down.

There was complete silence for minutes, everyponys eyes fixed on the creature. It stayed, lying at the base of the tree. Prism was the first to come up to T.

“Bro, you totally saved us…” His way of saying thank you, she knew. T nodded silently, looking at the creature. He was so gentle and calm, killing something surely wouldn’t sit well with him… no matter how evil it was.

She wasn’t good at comforting, She wished she was, but that quality just didn’t come naturally to her. She leaned over to Annie.

“Annie. T needs you.” That was the best she could do. It seemed to be good enough. Annie got the hint and went over to where she last heard him. Candy as well. Del, however, followed her.

She went to where the wolf thing had fell, seeing it in the same place, unmoving.

“What is it..?” She heard Del’s voice behind her.

“I don’t know. It looks… like a wolf? A dog?” It was definitely canine, whatever it was.

“It was on fire…” There was that too. As far as she knew the only animals that were fire-proof and could breathe fire were dragons… but this didn’t resemble a dragon at all. She reached a hoof out to touch it, and no sooner did her hoof hit its ear, it completely turned to ash.

She pulled her hoof back with a gasp, looking at the spot for a second.

“Where’d it go?” It was Candy’s voice. T must be feeling better for her to come see what they were doing.

“It… What is it…?” She looked at her hoof, seeing a small smudge of ash. She heard another cry of a beast and looked around to see the sun was actually beginning to go down.

Thanks to T knocking the tree over, she could see the rays of sunset in the sky. They were gone for a while… She sat her hoof down, turning back to them to access their injuries.

She had an injured wing, so she was grounded for a bit and a bruise where the wolf nearly crushed her. Del’s leg was hurt, but it didn’t look too bad, it was bleeding though.

She looked to T. The bite on his tail seemed to be the same. Not too bad, but bleeding. Prism didn’t seem to be injured, but when she looked a bit closer, she saw patches of his coat were burnt off.

Not bad considering what they’d fought. But they were all tired and injured. They needed to get out of there before dark. Del couldn’t carry anypony with his leg hurt like that…

“T, carry Lyla. Prism, go see which way the exit is, don’t lose sight of us, and when you get back, carry Annie as long as you can. We'll start going this way until you get back. And tell us if you see any danger.”

He did so, muttering about not telling him what to do. She shook her head. How can that matter to him at a time like this?

“Star?” She turned when Annie addressed her. The pink unicorn continued, having her attention. “I don’t need to be carried. I’m ok.” She said that, but Starburst knew better. She was very tired.

“We need to get out of here as fast as possible. And you need to rest.” There wasn’t any room for argument. She knew she was right and so did Annie. “How is he?” She asked the question quietly, worried about T. Annie smiled softly.

“I think he’ll be ok. I told him he saved us, which is the ultimate form of protection.” Its true. If he hadn’t stepped in, they very well could’ve lost somepony to that thing. Prism came back, landing in front of Starburst.

“That way.” He pointed with a hoof. “A long way that way. And I don’t see anything dangerous.” She nodded.

“Ok.” He leaned down to let Annie up on his back, letting out an ow when she stepped on one of his burns.

“What was that?” He looked back to see what the unicorn had done to him. Surely he knew…… right?

“You’re burned.” She stated the fact just to make sure he was in fact aware. It was apparent he wasn’t from the face he made at the revelation.

“I am?” She gave him an odd look.

“How could you not know..?”

“I bet it’s cause Claire singes him so often.” Candy was the one to answer with a giggle. She smiled, remembering the time she witnessed such a thing happen. That made sense.

They were hurt, tired and broken, but she knew if they could all laugh, things would somehow be alright.

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It felt like forever since they had seen open plain. It was a huge relief to Lyla, who had regain consciousness minutes before. She still wasn’t sure what had happened, but she was glad to see them all.

She drooped off of T’s back, her legs still sore, but able to carry her. She saw that Del was limping, and gave an odd and worried look at his leg.

She also observed that Starburst’s right wing wasn’t settled at her side like she usually had them when she was walking, and that Annie was dead asleep… and Prism was missing patches of fur.

“What…. Happened…?” She was finally able to ask, though was scared of the answer.

“You remember that demon dog thing?” Prism was the first to answer. How could she forget that horrid thing? It would be in her nightmares for months. He continued. “It kinda attacked us.”

It attacked them?! Come to think of it, the last thing she remembered was seeing them and running from that demon.

“You collapsed.” Starburst finally spoke. She observed them once more.

“So you got all those injuries because of… me?” It was a statement. She was naive, not stupid. She knew they all protected her.

“Stuff it.” Prism spoke again. “We would’ve done it for any friend.”

“Yeah!” Candy nodded in agreement. “Besides, it was kinda our fault you got lost in the first place.”

She started tearing up. The guilt was heavy in her heart. They were trying to make her feel better, she could tell, but they’d gotten so hurt because of her…. Because of hornets! Of all things hornets!

She’d rather die by stinging than have them suffer for her like that… She moved around, lagging behind, her eyes closing. Nopony saw her invisible horn glowing, four different layers of pink around it.

She amplified her mother’s healing spell as best she could, using it to heal up her friends. Now wasn’t the time for secrets. They had risked their lives, if they saw, so be it.

When she opened her eyes, they were all messing with their injuries. Del was stepping on his, newly uninjured leg, putting weight on it, then looking around confused. T turned to examine his tail, wearing the same expression ad Del when he found nothing wrong with it.

It seemed as though nopony saw her. She was pretty far back by the time the spell took affect. She continued walking, a bit slower than before, walking up to them.

“What… jus happened..? Ah can use mah leg…?” Del was very confused.

“My tails better too…?” T added, equally confused. This caused Prism to inspect his injuries. He found none.

“My burns are gone!” She saw Starburst fold her wing down, then flap into a hover. When she landed her eyes turned to Lyla.

It would be obvious to Starburst it was her doing. Rather than say anything about it, the little orange mare continued walking.

“Don’t think too much on it. Be thankful it happened.” She was talking to the boys Lyla figured.

That was the last said on it, everypony being too tired to think on it any more. Annie’s house was the first they came to. They woke her before they knocked. Her mother, Fluttershy was frantic. She couldn’t blame her. I was very late.

They left each pony to explain what had happened to their parents. To tell them about the odd creature, or just say they lost track of time. As they were walking, a thought had been plaguing Lyla, one she finally said aloud.

“Maybe… I should go back…” Starburst’s ear turned at hearing her speak, Del and Prism, the only two left now, actually turned to her.

“What?” Prism was the only one with a vocal response. She sighed.

“I’ve caused so much trouble. I almost got everypony killed because of hornets! It would sure be a lot less of a hassle.”

“What’re you talkin about? I said I’m gonna teach you to fly and I will. You can’t leave.”

“ ‘Sides,” Del started, smiling. “We’re all jus glad you’re ok. Ain’t many ponies can go in there darn near totally defenseless and last as long as you without getting hurt somehow.”

She nodded. She was still thinking of leaving, but didn’t want to talk more on it. Prism was the next one to leave.

“Well, I’m out.” He flew into a hover. “You better be at your flying lessons tomorrow!” He yelled the last part over his shoulder, flying away. As bad as she felt, she couldn’t help but smile at that.

The library was the next building in line, meaning Del would be walking home alone.

“Ya’ll gonna be ok?” He was talking to Starburst, standing in the doorway. She gave him a nod and a half smile before answering.

“Well be fine. Get home before Applejack worries herself sick.” It didn’t take anymore convincing, he turned, heading to the farm. She followed Starburst up the stairs to the bedroom, both silent.

“So you want to go back?” Starburst was the first to speak. In all honesty, she didn’t want to, but she felt so guilty.

“ I don’t want to be a bother to anypony else. If it means going back to do so, then yes.” Starburst went over, laying down on her bed.

“That wouldn’t help.” She got down in the bed. “It sounds like you’re just running away from your guilt.” She hated it when Starburst made a better point than she did. It didn’t happen often, but it did happen.

“If I do stay… I have to do something to thank them. I’d feel even more horrible not being able to express my gratitude.” She went over to her little makeshift bed, taking the ties out of her hair.

“Then do.” Starburst answered, turning out the lights. “Honestly, we’re all just glad you’re ok.” She was silent for a minute. She said she wanted to something nice for them, but she had no idea what they liked.

Well, she knew Del liked apples, and Annie liked flowers. She could work with that. And from where Candy lived, She could very well like sweets but…

“Star, What does T like?” She could tell Starburst want fully asleep just yet and took the chance to ask her. She heard her little cousin move.

“Aside from Annie? Family friends and gems.” That sounded simple enough.

“….And Prism…..?”

“What does he like?” She nodded, though she didn’t know why, there was no way she could see it in the dark.

“Yes.” She replied vocally this time.

“Aside from himself? That’s tough.” She held back a giggle at that. She could tell, though he and Starburst were friends, they had their differences.

“Showing off…. Flying…. Talking…” She was drifting off as she spoke. Lyla couldn’t help but giggle at that.

“Thanks Star.” She had a lot of planning to do in the morning. Luckily, the exercise of the day had done well to fight away her insomnia. She fell asleep for the first time in years, not having to watch the moon.

Late Morning

View Online

A very nice smell woke Starburst the next morning, though it took her a second to fully open her eyes. It seemed the sun was fully in the sky. Odd, she was usually up before now.

She sat up with a stretch, and looked over to see Lyla missing from her bed once more. She must’ve overslept since it wasn’t very often her cousin woke before her. She got up off the bed, going downstairs to inspect the smell.

It, unsurprisingly, led her to the kitchen, where she saw Lyla over the stove, horn already gone, though glowing as it levitated an array of objects around.

“Morning.” She announced her presence with a yawn, going over to the table. She hated when she overslept. It always made her lag the whole morning.

“Oh, good morning.” She was greeted with a smile. “Are you hungry?” She wasn’t very, but her mother had told her the importance of breakfast, so she nodded anyway, though decided to comment on another observation she made.

“So you’re feeling better.” It was more a statement than a question, but Lyla answered anyway.

“Yes. I sent some mail out this morning, so hopefully, the items will arrive tomorrow.” She paused, blushing. “Though some things I already have.” She arched an eyebrow at the princess’ odd behavior. What possible reason would she have to be blushing?

“Items? What did you send for?” Though she asked that question, the one plaguing Starburst’s mind was who in Equestria she would be sending mail to.

Lyla smiled before answering. “Just little things. To thank everypony for yesterday.” The mention of yesterday brought back thought of that odd creature.

“Have you ever seen anything like that before?” She asked Lyla, knowing she most likely hadn’t, but perhaps she’d read something about them before.

Lyla turned, setting two plates on the table with her magic, sitting before answering. “I have never seen anything like that before. In all honesty, you witnessed more of it than I did.”

That might’ve been true. But who could they ask about it? Surely somepony had seen something similar before. Was it a cursed being? Or a simple mutation? The only ponies she could think of knowing it would be Princess Celestia, her mom or Fluttershy.

“Maybe you should ask Aunt Twilight?” Lyla continued, due to her not responding, she assumed.

“I’m not sure. If I write her, she’ll probably fly out here, and horn or not, she’ll know you.” Lyla pouted slightly, seeing this was true. “Well ask Fluttershy later. If Annie hasn’t.”

That sounded like the best way to go about it in Star’s head. Lyla seemed to agree, nodding as she levitated out two glasses.

The problem momentarily resolved, she took the opportunity to look at the clock, and was shocked at what it read. It was almost 9:00! She had overslept.

They were almost an hour late for Lyla’s flying lesson. Well, her coaches probably were too, so she didn’t think much on it, turning back to enjoy her breakfast.

Before she could take a bite, a knock resonated through the library, alerting her that somepony was at the door.

She got up, muttering a “who could that be?” while heading to the door. She never had many visitors. About the only pony that ever came by was Candy. ‘I guess it could be her.’

Opting to open the door rather than speculate, a rainbow flew past her and into the library. She took notice of Whirlwind at the door before rolling her eyes and turning to Prism, who was now hovering in front of her.

“Where is she? She left didn’t she?” Starburst was too confused to even properly express it, giving him an odd blank star before speaking.

“What…?”

“We’ve been waiting at the entrance to Cloudsdale for almost an hour.” Whirlwind explained, coming in.

“Rainbow said that if Lyla did end up leaving, he’d have to take the other option she gave him. Least that’s what I heard.” She laughed a bit.

Starburst couldn’t help but smile at that as well. She knew there was no way Rainbow would make him do that. She turned to the kitchen in time to see Lya’s head poking out of it.

“Starburst? Who was it?” All eyes turned to her, a blush overtook her face. “Um…? Did I do something…?”

“She’s still here?” Prism was, once again, the first to break the silence. “Then why didn’t you guys come?” He continued, turning to direct the question back to Starburst.

“I overslept.” She was confused at the shocked and disbelieving looks the two pegasi gave her. “What?”

“….. You overslept..?” She felt her eye twitch at Whirlwinds question. Was it really that unbelievable?

“You overslept?” Prism reiterated the question with even more emphasis that it was she who overslept. She frowned.

“I am only a pony! I can oversleep sometimes too.” They all turned when Lyla walked up with a giggle.

“Right, that fact aside, have you guys eaten? I’ve just made breakfast.” She giggled again, quickly adding, “Well I suppose at this time it would be brunch.”

“Food? Sure!” Prim answered enthusiastically. Not surprising to her, she couldn’t think of a time he turned down food. Let alone free food.

“Well, I won’t turn that down.” Whirlwind also smiled. She could’ve called that as well. Lyla stood there for a second, blushing. Why was she blushing now?

“Um………. Prism…?” Though she asked for Prism, the all turned to her, causing her blush to deepen.

“Yeah?” He prompted her when she didn’t continue.

Starburst watched her curiously as well. She hadn’t really seen her act like that. Unless she was nervous, but what did she have to be nervous about now?

“Um, Well, I’d like to…” She looked away, to the floor before she continued. “Talk to you upstairs… if its ok?”

Starburst truly didn’t understand the way her cousin was acting. She turned to Whirlwind to see if she was as lost as she was, she concluded she had to be even more so, since she didn’t know Lyla as well as she did, but the look on the purple pegasus’ face wasn’t of confusion. She wasn’t sure what it was though.

“Sure.” It didn’t take Prism long to answer, making quick work of flying up the stairs. He didn’t seem to mind the small detour.

She watched Lyla look up after him, flapping her wings into a wobbly hover. She flapped them faster, wobbling a bit more, but gaining altitude.

“You’re flapping too fast.” Whirlwind stated simply, causing Prism to look over the side of the stars. Too see what she was talking about, she guessed. His laughter caused the lavender pony to lose her concentration, falling to the ground with a “thud.”

“Ow!….. Oh, horsefeathers…” Starburst let out a sigh. She never knew what it was, if Lyla was trying too hard, if she panicked when things didn’t go right, or if her wings simply were too weak to carry her.

She’d never admit it aloud, but she knew her cousin was near, if not fully impossible to teach. She was pretty sure half of it was her own mental blocks, though, nopony she knew had figured out how to break through them.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw Prism fly back down and land in front of Lyla.

“Try again, “ He started, “Longer flaps. Watch me.” He demonstrated, flying back up the stairs.

It looked completely normal to her, but now that she looked, Lyla was flapping faster than she needed to. No wonder she got so tired so quickly.

Lyla looked back at her wings once more before flapping them, going a bit to the left, but immediately leaving the ground.

“Stop, stop, stop.” She dropped to her hooves when Prism stopped her, landing back down in front of her. Starburst momentarily wondered why he had stopped her. It looked like she was doing fine to her.

“Why aren’t you flappin em at the same time?” She wasn’t? that would explain why she was so unsteady.

Lyla gave him a look of confusion before speaking. “You’re supposed to?”

Whirlwind snorted, putting a hoof over her mouth before the laugh could escape. Starburst sighed. Surely one of her tutors must’ve told her something as simple as that.

Maybe other pegasi truly didn’t pay as much attention to it. She hadn’t noticed most of the things Prism and Whirlwind had pointed out and she’d been flying since she was three months old.

“Yes.” Prism finally spoke, putting down the hoof that had come to cover his face in his frustration. “You are supposed to flap them at the same time.” He stood there, watching her take off this time.

She left the ground quickly, looking as stable as Starburst had ever seen her and flew up. Prism followed, landing at the top of the stairs. She stopped at the top of the stairs, about six inches away.

She reached out a hoof to try to get over to the stairs, and continuing the strong flaps, went above the top step.

She pulled her hoof back, leaning back a bit and accidentally going backwards. “Ah! No! No!” Starburst watched her go the wrong way, beginning to talk to her wings as if that would make them do what she wanted.

“No! Other way! No!” She saw her lean forward, going forward in a nose-dive and disappearing into the bedroom. Left alone with Whirlwind, she sighed.

“How did she get that bad…?” Whirlwind wasn’t fully asking, so she opted not to answer, going into the kitchen to fix up two more plates of the food Lyla had left in the skillet.

Whirlwind followed, quietly for a second. “What happened yesterday? I didn’t see anypony after noon.” She sat the plates of food on the table, getting out two glasses.

Prism hadn’t told her? After a second, she thought it was actually a bit understandable. If word got out that a creature like that existed in Equestria, it could very well cause a panic.

“Lyla got lost in the Everfree forest.” She kept the answer short. She picked up the milk carton, pouring its contents into one of the glasses.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Whirlwind, she just really didn’t want to explain that creature again. There weren’t many things in Equestria that made her feel as vulnerable as that thing did. She’d never felt as close to death as she did in that wolf thing’s presence.

“Starburst!” She jumped out of her thought when Whirlwind said her name, dropping the milk carton she held in her mouth on the floor. She looked back to see why Whirlwind had such an outburst.

The glass was drowning in milk. More of it was on the counter than the floor. Oops.

“Um…” Whirlwind started. “Do you need some help..?” It was obvious she had worried the other Pegasus, unsurprisingly so. She wasn’t the type to get lost in thought like that.

“No, I’m fine.” She continued on to cleaning up what she had spilled.

“Oww….” Lyla skidded across the floor of the bedroom, coming to a halt about three feet away from the stairs. She looked up, hearing laughter coming from above her.

“Nice one. Well, ya made it.” He, of course was the one laughing. To her surprise, he held out a hoof to her. She blushed a bit before taking it, pulling herself up with a pout.

“I did…. But it was more of a crash than flying.” Her blush darkened when her statement was met with a smirk.

“Yeah, well, don’t let it bug you too much. It was better than yesterday.” He let go of her hoof, moving away. “Jus try to do better tomorrow.” She looked away, poking at the ground, still blushing.

“I…. Suppose you’re right.” She didn’t know why it was so hard to look at him at times. Or why she got so nervous.

“Course I’m right.” He smirked again. “So what’s up?”

“Oh, right.” She went over to her little bag of belongings, reaching into it, she pulled out an envelope. “I don’t have much in the way of gifts, and I do hope you don’t have them already, but here.” She nudged it to him.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough at what you all did yesterday. I hope this begins to.” He looked at it oddly, examining it for clues before asking.

“What is it?” She smiled.

“Tickets to the Canterlot Air Show. Two of them.” She looked down before continuing. “I know you’ve expressed your disdain for sports flying, but I’d hope such a big event about it would pique your interest enough to enjoy it.”

She trailed off a bit, seeing him open the envelope to pull out two tickets. She arched a questioning eyebrow at the look he gave them.

“How did you get these..?” She couldn’t tell if he was excited or confused… until he smiled. “This shows been sold out for months.”

So he was following it. She smiled a bit, then thought back to his question. To be honest, her brother got them for her. Even though her father most likely wouldn’t have allowed her to go.

“My brother got them. Through his connections.” It wasn’t a lie, right? She only left out one word. He didn’t seem to question it.

“Heh, Well thanks.” She blushed, seeing a smile grace his face for the first time. She wanted to avert her eyes, but the task was proving to be more difficult than it sounded. She opted for attempting to speak.

“Um, Well, that is…. I’m thanking you. You… are the one that found me, after all…” She was finally able to look away, poking at the ground. Speaking made it easier to break contact, and since her business was done, she turned to start down the stairs.

“I actually have thank you gifts for everypony involved.” She continued, seeing him flying down next to her. “Yours and T’s are just the only ones here at the moment.”

He flew around, the smirk back on his face. “Aw.” He started with a teasing tone. “An here I thought I was special.” She giggled a bit before answering.

“Well, you got yours first, if that helps.” She missed the curious look he gave her at that, and headed right into the kitchen, where she saw Starburst and Whirlwind putting what looked like milk-soaked rags in the sink.

“What happened?” She questioned Starburst. It wasn’t like her to be klutzy or anything of the like that would cause such a big spill.

“Its nothing.” The look on her cousin’s face said otherwise, but she decided not to question it. She’d press for details later. If she got the chance. They all went over, taking a place at the table.

“I hope you all like it.” She smiled when she noticed Star had headed it all up for her. She’d have to get her a thank you present too. Not just for yesterday, but for letting her stay with her as well.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard odd sounds from across the table. She looked to see Prism was the cause of it. He seemed to be a bit of a messy eater, in her opinion at least.

Perhaps it was just her, since Whirlwind wasn’t much better. She couldn’t help but let out a giggle. She really liked these two. Her laughter didn’t go unnoticed, and was questioned by Prism.

“What?” He paused his breakfast to look up at her, Whirlwind doing the same. Suddenly having all eyes on her frayed her nerves, causing her to blush.

“Um, nothing….. So what are we going to work on today?” She decided to change the subject, hoping to get the questioning eyes off her. She missed an odd look from Starburst, focusing on Prism’s answer.

“Hm? Landing.” His response confused her. It looked like it confused Starburst as well. She asked the question for the both of them.

“What does that have to do with flying?” Well, she knew it was a part of flying, she just never thought it was a big enough part to have a lesson on.

“Well, “ He started, leaning back a bit. “Most pegasi do learn how to fly first, and landing kinda comes naturally, but you panic when ya get close to the ground.”

“That’s what it is?” Whirlwind interjected. “That does explain it. I noticed she lost the bit of control she had when she got close to the ground, but I couldn’t figure out why.” It seems they knew her better than she knew herself.

“Yeah, I think that’s it. I thinks that’s why most of her landings are crashes too.” She was completely taken aback at Prism’s revelation.

“I Panic…?” She thought back to her previous flights, running them over in her head. It was true, wasn’t it? “I… suppose I do get a bit unnerved…” She trailed off as she thought.

She saw that everypony looked to be done with their food. As a good houseguest, she was about to take the plates to the sink when Starburst cut her off from it.

“I’ll get the plates.” She said it simply, but it had a bit of force behind it. She was curious as to why she’d talk to her like that before she noticed she was about to use her magic.

Being a pegasus was harder than she thought. She’d gotten so used to her magic, it was hard for her to live without it. But she could manage. She had to.

“Awright, lets do this.” Her thoughts were broken by Prism’s voice. “ Ya ready?” He turned to her, the usual smirk on his face. She looked away with a nod, feeling heat moving to her cheeks. Perhaps being a pegasus wasn’t… that bad.

She heard hoof steps heading out the door to the kitchen. When she looked up, she saw Starburst leaving the room. She followed her cousin out silently, wondering how landing worked.

Now that she thought of it, she couldn’t remember a time where she actually landed. She always crashed or rolled. In fact, most of her flights ended in her sporting Prism’s trademark permanent band-aid, her muzzle usually being what broke her fall.

When they got outside, she was rather shocked to see Ponyville as busy as it was. She giggled, remembering they were running an hour late.

She turned her attention to Prism and Whirlwind when they started flapping their wings, resulting in them taking flight.

She watched on in interest, walking through the streets. Starburst stayed grounded with her, and the minutes passed in silence. Lyla spoke first.

“You can fly too if you want. I know you like it.” She saw the little mare look at her from the corner of her eye. Apparently her comment didn’t deserve a response in Star’s mind.

She sighed, looking around. It looked as though they had reached the outskirts of Ponyville once more. She turned back to her cousin with a smile.

“Ok then!” Her sudden, too happy outburst seemed to take Starburst by surprise. She didn’t comment on it, continuing.

“Since I’m the reason you’re staying grounded, I suppose I’ll just have to take flight.” The ghastly look on the little pegasus’ face was priceless.

“What? No, its-” She quit trying to talk when Lyla’s hooves left the ground. She was a tad wobbly at first, but straightened out, and flew up higher, using what she had learned a bit earlier.

Starburst followed her up, not looking as worried as before, but staying close. Her altitude piqued about five feet under the lowest cloud, and she sat there in a hover, thinking of what to do.

Usually when she leaned, she went into a nose-dive and was never quite sure why, but nose-diving from this height was not a good idea in the least.

She barely leaned over a little, waving her legs in a swimming motion. Air and water were both things you move through, water was just more dense, so it was the same basic concept, right?

She was satisfied when she started moving forward, ignoring the snort she heard from her cousin. Whirlwind doubled back, being the first of the two ahead to notice they were airborne.

“What in Equestria are you doing?” She said through amused giggles. Lyla couldn’t blame her. She probably looked ridiculous, but she was moving. That was good enough for her.

“Flying.. To Cloudsdale!” Her answer was a bit delayed. Flailing around as she was had its way of taking the breath out of a pony.

She heard hearty laughter from below her, and looked down to see Prism right beneath her, flying on his back once more.

His sudden presence took her by shock, breaking her concentration and causing her to drop a few feet. Before she could fall the rest of the way, Prism moved around, out of the way of her fall, and pulled her back up to where she was.

“You’re flying, not swimming.” He smirked a bit. “If you wanna go forward, push a bit when ya flap. Or lean a little.” His smirk widened, “Like this.” And like that he was off, a rainbow trail following him.

She looked on, watching him lean over, then back up into a loop, and corkscrew down a bit.

It was quite a breathtaking display, and though it didn’t really show her much in the way of moving, she watched with the utmost interest. He came to a hover in front of her, the usual smirk wide on his muzzle.

“Got it?” She was officially speechless. For a second, she almost forgot to keep flapping her wings. She didn’t know what to say… or feel.

That was the most amazing flight she’d ever seen. Not that she'd seen too many, but she was impressed. Her face suddenly felt as though it were on fire, and her heart was beating so fast she could hear it echoing through her whole body.

She thought it was the exhaustion from being airborne so long, her wing were starting to get tired, but it was a bit different… Perhaps it was something else.

“.. Wow…” She finally gathered enough of her brain to reply. After the first word, she couldn’t stop. “That was amazing, I’ve never seen anypony fly like that before!”

It seemed every time she saw that odd colt her opinion of him kept improving. They resumed their trip, she keeping up a little better now.

“Course not.” He leaned back, accepting the array of compliments she was giving, continuing. “You ain’t seen nopony fly till you’ve seen me.”

Whirlwind and Starburst both rolled their eyes at his statement, causing her to giggle.

“You know,” He continued, ignoring them. “That isn’t even one of my best moves.”

“Really?” She smiled, trying to keep up. The familiar feeling of her wings beginning to give out approaching. “I’d love to see more…” Due to said feeling, she started to descend, but gained it back, then lost it again.

Starburst and Whirlwind both were at her sides with concern.

“Are you ok?” She nodded at Starbursts question, as to not worry her. She was still ok, for the moment, though the ground kept getting closer.

“You’re descending.” Whirlwind alerted her. Perhaps she should let them know.

“Its getting hard to keep up…” She wanted to say more, but it was hard to do through her quickening pants.

“Come on!” She looked up to see Prism pointing. “Were almost there!” It was true. They were very close to their designated meeting spot. Cloudsdale was in sight.

It hurt. It hurt a lot, but she kept going, still slowly losing altitude. She was panting heavily, starting to sweat, and felt as if she’d ran a marathon and a half by the time she hit the ground, which was pretty much a five foot drop onto her stomach.

“I…. Did it!” She lay there, feeling her wings throb with every beat of her heart. Whirlwind and Starburst both landed next to her, one on each side, both smiling.

“That was really good. I think that was easily the longest you’ve been airborne.” She could tell Starburst was being genuine in her compliments.

Knowing the little pegasus as long as she did let her know that when she was being dishonest, she didn’t like to look other ponies in the eye.

“And you didn’t crash on the landing.” Whirlwind said, still smiling. By the time she hit the ground she was too tired to crash. She giggled inwardly at that. Prism dropped in front of her.

“Awright, take a breather. Well get back at it in 5.” She turned to look over at him, thoughtfully. He was very odd to her.

‘If he isn’t the best flier in Equestria, he very well could be.’ Starburst’s words once again echoed in her head. She knew it wasn’t really any of her business, but she couldn’t help but wonder what had made the colt give up on something he seemed to love so much.

He didn’t seem to be one to like to be beaten at much of anything, which was a quality she was very familiar with in her cousin. He also didn’t seem to be very…… smart, for lack of a better word. He certainly was good-looking though.

“Whatcha lookin at?” She turned when she heard Whirlwinds voice, to see the purple mare smirking at her slightly.

“What..?” She wasn’t staring again was she?

“You were staring off into space. What were ya thinking so hard on?” Whirlwind asked what seemed to be on Starburst’s mind as well, since said pony turned to the conversation at that moment. She blushed once more.

“Uh, I… believe I’m feeling better, so I suppose I should get to work! Right?” She moved, already being on the ground, she moved her wings down to do some wing ups.

“Hey, Wind.” She heard Prism talking, but opted not to look up for fear of breaking her concentration and reinstating her embarassment. “Can you take over my weather duty today? So I can help Lyla out?”

“As long as you actually help her out.” She heard Whirlwind’s reply.

“Course I will.”

“I’ll do it.” Starburst interjected. “I missed it yesterday anyway.”

“I did it!!” Lyla’s outburst caught the attention of all three pegasi, each giving her an odd look. She didn’t pay much attention to it, too happy to care. “Ten! I did ten! In a row!!”

“Good job.” She looked to see Starburst smiling. Whirlwind had a similar reaction uttering a “nice work.”

Prism half smiled happily, nudging her with his leg. “Yeah, not bad.” She felt the heat return to her face once more for an unknown reason. “Now do it again.” He continued, the smirk not leaving his muzzle.

She missed the odd look Whirlwind gave her, getting back down to try to do it again.

“Come on Star, “ Said purple pegasus spoke. “Let go get that weather outta the way.” She saw Starburst nod as they both flew off.

“So,” Starburst started, flying next to Whirlwind. She preferred working alone, but she wouldn’t object if it was Whirlwind. When it came to weather duty, she pulled her weight well.

She continued on with her statement. “What’s the forecast for today?” She landed on a nearby cloud, looking around. The skies were pretty clear to her.

“Partly cloudy. We need to bust a few clouds, but not to many. Its still pretty hot.” Whirlwind answered, landing next to her. “Nothin big.”

Starburst nodded, looking around for a spot where it looked like the sun needed to shine through. While she was scanning the skies, Whirlwind spoke again.

“There was actually something I wanted to talk to you about.” She jumped off the cloud, flying over to a different spot, giving the clouds there a buck.

Starburst followed, doing the same to a group of clouds a few feet away. “Oh? What about?” It wasn’t very often Whirlwind took a semi-serious tone. It successfully got her interest.

“Lyla. What’re some things you can tell me about her?” She asked, leading the way to another cloud group they’d passed. Starburst followed, giving her an odd look. Why would she be asking about Lyla?

“What do you mean? What do you want to know?” She wasn’t one to talk about a pony when they weren’t there, but it was very strange for Whirlwind of all ponies, to care.

If anypony she knew would care about another’s origins, it’d probably be Claire, but that’s just because she’s somewhat apprehensive like that at times.

“Why can’t she fly? Where does she come from? Why is she so…. Why doesn’t she know anything?” Now this just went from odd to straight up weird.

Why did Whirlwind care? Rather than question, she decided to answer what she was comfortable answering.

“She’s from the Crystal Empire. I thought we established that. She’s very sheltered, and for the flying, you’ll have to ask her.”

She was satisfied with her answers, but frustrated that she wasn’t getting any from Whirlwind. She was about to open her mouth to ask why when she was cut off by Whirlwind continuing.

“What kind of colt does she like?” Her face fell into complete confusion. What in Equestria did that have to do with anything?

“…Why?” She was done giving out answers about her friend without getting any in return. Whirlwind broke up another cloud group before answering.

“Well, just tell me, cause I might be wrong, and I don’t wanna say anything if I’m not sure.” That added to her confusion. Sure about what? She left the question aside opting to answer. She stopped.

What kind of colt did Lyla like? She’d never thought about it. It wasn’t something either of them really talked about.

“Honestly,” She started, her mind was still drawing blanks at what to say. “I don’t know.” She continued, landing on a cloud. “We don’t really talk about them. And she hasn’t really been around many.”

‘Except for the royal guards, but she grew up with most of them.’ She looked up, continuing. “I don’t think she’s ever even had a crush.” Like she was one to speak. She couldn’t remember ever having one either.

“Never been… How has she never been around them?” Whirlwind asked with a very confused look. Starburst jumped off the cloud again, flying over to another, busting it up before she answered.

“It’s the same reason why she can’t fly. Which I can’t say.” She landed on another cloud, Whirlwind doing the same. She turned to the other mare, eyebrow arched.

“Why’d you want to know anyway?” Whirlwind looked thoughtful for a moment before answering.

“Well, I’m not sure. I don’t really know Lyla too well, but I think she might be getting a crush.” Whirlwind kept talking after that, but Starburst didn’t hear.

She was shocked. She’d never seen Lyla look twice at a stallion, no matter how much they ogled her or asked her out or.. Anything.

She didn’t even know what kind of stallion would get the attention of a beautiful crowned princess, such as Lyla.

“…but like I said, I’m not sure. It could just be how she acts, so never mind.” With that, Whirlwind flew off to break up more clouds, leaving Starburst with her thoughts.

She couldn’t believe it. Who could it be? It better be somepony good. Really good. He’d certainly have to pass her approval first.

She took off with a snort, another thought crossing her mind. It wasn’t just her the colt that courted Lyla would have to get through.

He’d have to deal with the reigning prince/former captain of the royal guard, and the crowned prince/current captain of the royal guard. Poor thing

“8.…. 8.….” Lyla fell to the ground once more. She officially hated that number now. She was able to get to ten twice, but her wings had once again started to rebel against her.

“Well, its better than yesterday.” She looked up when Prism spoke. “not where I wanna be to try control, so we’ll go on with the plan to practice landing.”

She didn’t respond to that. It seemed like he was talking to himself to her, but she listened in curiosity anyway. He turned to her expectantly, but she missed the look, getting up.

“Well?” He spoke a few seconds after she stood.

“What?”

“Need to practice landing.” From the emphasis he put on the word landing, she assumed he wanted to see her land. He could’ve just asked.

“Ok.” She went into a thoughtful hover. She never thought of how she usually landed. She flew up a bit higher, coming to the conclusion it’d be best not to think too hard on it. She lightened her flaps, lowering.

“Like this?” She took a small three foot drop, landing on all hooves. She was confused when he shook his head sighing. He seemed frustrated for some reason.

“I said landing, not falling.” He was definitely frustrated. Slightly, but it was there.

“I thought I did land.” She pouted slightly. She was sure that was how she usually landed. When it wasn’t a crash landing. He sighed again.

“Ok. Watch me.” She did as he asked, watching very intently as he flew straight up. Rather high, it looked. She watched on as he did a loop and went into a nose dive to the ground.

Actually, it looked like he was going to hit it. He wouldn’t right? She let out the small breath she didn’t know she was holding when he did a 90 degree turn about six inches from the ground. If even that.

He slowed, straightening up, and came to land in front of her.

“Got it?” He turned to her with a smirk. She immediately felt heat moving to her cheeks, and turned away with a nod.

It was odd for her heart to be beating so fast at the moment… She hadn’t done any strenuous activity for a little while.

“That was an amazing display.” She turned back with a smile after she gathered herself.

“Heh, sure it was, I did it.” He smirked again, saying it as if it was plain as the sun, causing her to giggle.

“Where did you learn to fly like that? If you don’t mind my asking.” He looked thoughtful at her question. Surely he’s had more ponies than just her ask before.

“Mm, Well, I did go to summer flight camp when I was younger.” He smirked again. “Best in my class too. So I guess they didn’t really teach me much.”

He paused to think again, then looked down a bit. “I guess ma taught me most of what I know.” She smiled at that.

“My mother is the pegasus in my family, but even then, she doesn’t fly much and she’s very busy most of the time.” She turned to shift her weight before continuing.

“My father and brother are both unicorns, and being in the Crystal Empire, there aren’t many opportunities to learn much of anything in the way of flight.”

She didn’t quite know why she was telling him this. She was sure he didn’t care very much. She looked up to see him looking… surprisingly interested.

“Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Wasn’t too easy for ma to teach me either. She was pretty busy most the time and…” He stopped short, looking away. She arched an eyebrow curiously.

“And?” She prompted him to continue. He didn’t for a second, but then she heard in a low mutter,

“I was kinda scared of heights when I was little.” He brought a hoof up to scratch the back of his head, trying to laugh off his embarrassment. “Pretty dumb, huh?”

“Not in the least!” She shook her head, very adamant on her opinion of phobias. “Acrophobia is a very legitimate fear.” She blushed lightly, looking away.

“And I have more respect for you than I already did knowing you conquered it.” She smiled. “It really speaks to your character.” Her heart jumped oddly when she saw a light blush form on his face as he smiled.

“Huh, never heard anypony put it that way before.” The blush disappeared and was replaced with a smirk. “Guess it is pretty cool, huh?”

“Yes.” She nodded in agreement, laughing. “It’s a lot better than a fear of hornets. Or getting a hair cut.” He laughed aloud at that.

“Who the hay would be afraid of getting a haircut?” She tried not to let her shame show, but a blush found its way to her face and she looked away. She heard his laughter end with an “oh..”

She laughed. “No, you’re right. It is a… rather illegitimate fear.”

“Hey!!!” They both looked to the distance at the voice they heard, seeing Whirlwind coming into view. He turned back to her.

“Well, hey, if I can get over a fear you say is legit, you should have no prob getting over one you say ain’t.” He half smiled, bumping her shoulder before trotting over to greet Whirlwind.

She blushed at the overly friendly contact. Not that she didn’t like it. It was odd though, nopony had ever been so informal to touch her so… Well, not a colt that she wasn’t related to. It was nice.

“So how’s it going?” She trotted over just as Starburst was landing, in time to hear the start of the conversation.

“Just startin’ to teach her to land.” Prism stretched with a yawn.

“Just starting?” Starburst arched an accusing eyebrow. “We’ve been gone for a little while. Why are you just starting?” He sat there for a second before turning to Lyla.

“Right, so tell me what you learned from seeing them land just now.” She did her best to hold back to giggle at Starburst’s face. She may as well have said “Slacker” out loud.

She shook the thought from her head, focusing on what she had seen the other pegasi do.

“Mm,” She started, replaying the image in her head. “Flap your wings fast backwards to slow down and…. Land?” She wasn’t sure what else there was to it. She looked up seeing him looking at her oddly. “What?”

“That’s it?” She didn’t see much of anything else happen. He seemed like he was expecting more. Luckily, Starburst asked what she was thinking.

“What’re you talking about?”

“I’ve noticed she tries to land on all fours at once. Or forelegs first.” She was confused at his statement. Was she not supposed to do that?

“She does do that, doesn’t she?” Whirlwind seemed to direct the question somewhat at Star, though it sounded to be more of a thought.

“Yeah. She does.” Starburst answered either way, turning to Prism. “Maybe you’re smarter than I give you credit for.” She chided teasingly. “ I never paid attention to flying, I just did it.”

“Of course I’m smart!” Prism frowned, apparently offended at her cousin’s statement. “I’m a genius.” Starburst opted not to say anything, replying with a roll of the eyes instead.

“Look,” He turned back to her. “For somepony who don’t know what they’re doin, landing on your forelegs is gonna end up in a faceplant over half the time. Land on your back legs first, then lower your front.”

That seemed to make sense enough. She nodded, moving into a hover once more. She went up slowly, about ten feet before descending once more.

As she got closer, she leaned back, preparing to land. She went backwards a few feet, causing a wobble. She leaned forward to re-correct, going a bit too fast.

“No, no ah!” She started talking to herself when she started to lose what little control she had. As she got closer to the ground, she flapped her wings back a little, slowing this time, rather than going backwards. She ceased flapping when her back hooves touched the ground, allowing her front to land.

She sat there for a second looking at the ground. “I did it…” She looked up smiling. “I did it! Star I did it! I didn’t crash!”

“Yeah, you did good.” Said pony replied with a small half-smile.

“Good going Lyla.” Whirlwind interjected as well, raising a hoof out in front of Lyla, who looked at it in confusion. Whirlwind laughed again.

“Ain’t you ever heard of a hoof bump?” A what? She shook her head slowly, feeling that she should, but couldn’t recall what it could possibly be.

“Hold out your hoof.” She did as Whirlwind asked, and interestingly enough, Whrilwind brought tier hooves together in a triumphant “clunk”. Lyla giggled, smiling widely. That felt good.

“Yeah,” Everypony looked when Prism finally spoke.

She was nervous about what he had to say. Where Starburst and Whirlwind didn’t have much to say of her lack of ability, Prism was quite blunt about it. She appreciated it though.

“It was a good… attempt,” He continued. “but if you flap your wing too hard when you go to come in, you’ll actually go backwards like you did. Don’t put so much power behind it.”

“Ok.” She nodded. He truly was smart when it came to flying. Starburst turned to her.

“Its getting close to noon. I’m going to head over to Sweet Apple Acres. Are you going to come?” Lyla thought for a second.

“Are we done for the day?” She turned to make sure Prism and Whirlwind were ready to call it a day.

“Yeah, its cool. We’ll split for a bit, and I’ll find ya later so we can meet up with Candy. Cool?” She nodded.

“Overdue for an afternoon nap?” Whirlwind asked. It was more of a tease that had no need to be answered.

“He, you know it.” He smirked, taking flight. He tossed a “see ya” over his shoulder as he flew off. Lyla giggled a bit, turning to Whirlwind.

“What about you Whirlwind? Would you like to come with us?” She saw that Starburst had already started making her way back to Ponyville. She was so impatient sometimes.

“Nah.” She shook her head. “Thanks, but I already got plans. Be seein you!” She followed suit, flying off, back up to Cloudsdale.

Lyla looked up at the cloud city, not having truly seen it before. It was quite beautiful. She could see cloud buildings on their own individual clouds, rainbows circling around certain parts, and countless pegasi flying between them all.

She was getting better at flying. Perhaps she could make it up there now… Maybe.

“Lyla?” Starburst’s voice in the distance knocked her from her thoughts. She turned, starting after the little mare, taking a small glance back at Cloudsdale.

Meet the Apples

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Starburst led the way through Ponyville once more, Lyla following. This was becoming pretty normal to her.

She’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy it, but she couldn’t help wondering about her Aunt and Uncle. Surely they were worried. It was odd for Shining and Valliant not to send guards out.

Or maybe they had and they just hadn’t reached Ponyville yet. Or they’re hoping she’ll return on her own.

‘No, that would be Cadence’s approach.’ She shook the thoughts from her head, figuring it’d be better not to think on it and be happy nopony’s come poking around.

She shifted focus when she felt Lyla had been a bit too quiet for too long. Not that she was talkative, she just usually always had something to say about something.

She continued walking when she saw Lyla was still following her. She did have tendancies to get distracted at… odd things. Like when she was just staring blankly at Cloudsdale.

She loved her cousin, but she had near no idea what went on in her head most of the time.

Being able to read ponies’ the way she did… She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t a bit curious, but it was mainly because she didn’t get most ponies.

Though, since Lyla had only realized her talent four years ago, she probably still wasn’t quite sure what her talent was for. Aside from stopping fights.

As they came up on the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres, She was overtaken by the sense of peace an familiarity.

“I never get tired of this place.” She hadn’t really meant to say it out loud, but didn’t mind that she did. It was true, in all of Ponyville, this was her favorite place.

“Del’s not too bad either, huh?” She turned to see her cousin looking at her expectantly, but… oddly. She wasn’t really sure how to respond to that.

It was different for Lyla to say something like that. She wasn’t really one to talk about colts… at all. Her eyes widened when she thought back to what Whirlwind had said earlier.

‘She couldn’t have a crush on Del, could she?’ If she remembered correctly Whirlwind hadn’t hardly seen Lyla around Del, but she didn’t have the best memory ever. And He was the only colt Lyla had mentioned in such a way.

“Star?” She refocused on Lyla, who was giving her an odd look, still expecting a response.

“Huh? Oh, Yeah Del….. He’s a plus….?” She didn’t mean for her response to be a question, but… would Sweet Apple Acres be as nice without him? She’d never really thought about it. Lyla giggled a bit.

“I was asking you.” She thought for a second, coming up with no reply.

“I…. Don’t know.” It was honest, her brain drew a complete blank. If she wasn’t confused enough, Lyla’s laughter confused her even more.

“What’s so funny?” She didn’t get the joke. Lyla apparently had no intention of letting her in on it, Shaking her head with a “just you.” like that helped.

She knocked on the door they had come upon, hearing movement before the door opened, revealing Apple Bloom this time.

She liked Apple Bloom well enough. She was a hard worker, as every Apple was, but wasn’t too good of a bucker. She could fix darn near anything she touched though.

“Ah, Starburst. What can Ah do ya fer?” The yellow mare spoke. Starburst half smiled.

“Know where your nephew is?”

“Sure do. But he’ll be back in fer lunch here in a bit.” She moved to the side, opening the door wider. “Why don ya’ll come in an join us? Sis an Granny are cookin.”

She nodded, going in, making sure Lyla was following her. She held back a laugh seeing that the princess was hiding behind her once more. She sighed, moving to the side.

“Quit hidin.” She moved around. It was amusing to her how somepony like Lyla could be so shy around new ponies.

“I’m not hiding!” She replied in a quiet mutter. “I was simply making myself less conspicuous…” …… Wasn’t that hiding?

She didn’t get to question her further, getting seen by a little filly.

“Starburst!” Said little filly, Api seemed excited to see her. She wasn’t one much for kids, but she liked Api. Even though she talked a lot.

She also got along pretty well with Icy. And Nighty of course. Maybe she was better with kids than she first thought.

“Ya come by ta help with the chores again? We did too!” She responded with a simple nod, walking in a bit further. Api continued, “Then when your done will ya give me a ride again? Pretty please?”

That would be Del’s fault. He baited her once with a flight on her back to get the little filly to leave then alone one day, and when they both kept to their promises, it became one of Api’s favorite pastimes.

“If we finish early enough.” She never said she hated it. Api smiled big with a “yay” She cut herself of halfway though, spotting Lyla.

“Whose that?” She asked the question that had been going through Apple Bloom’s and the recently arrived Big Mac’s heads.

“She’s Lyla. I’ll introduce her properly when June, Cheerilee, Caramel and Granny are here.”

“Yes, um, I’m Lyla. Nice to meet you.” She smiled.

“Apple Bloom. Ah’m her ma and Applejack’s little sis, if ya met her. She’s married t a Caramel. This our big brother Big Mac. He’s married ta Cheerilee an June’s pop, an were Del’s Aunt an Uncle.” She indicated each pony with a point of the hoof, taking a breath after she was done.

“Eyup.” Big Mac voiced his agreement with her introduction.

“Uncle Mac don talk much.” Api said through light laughter. She looked back to make sure Lyla wasn’t getting overloaded. She had a hoof to her muzzle in thought.

“Ok…” She spoke. “ So you’re Apple Bloom, mother to Api, aunt to Del and June, sister to Applejack, who is married to Caramel… and sister to Big Mac… who is married to Cheerilee and father to June, and Uncle to Api and Del… Who is son to Applejack….. Is that right?”

There was silence. Starburst knew her cousin had a great memory, but that definitely surprised her.

“What? Did I get it wrong?” Lyla blushed a bit seeing everypony watching her. None were able to answer, however, being interrupted by June coming through the door.

“Auntie AJ, Del won’t come.” She said it a bit loud, to be heard from the kitchen as she was walking to it.

“What?” Starburst hear Applejack’s voice reply from said kitchen.

“He said he’s not where he can stop.” Applejack came into view, walking up to meet her.

“Aw, hay. What am Ah gonna do with that boy.”

That was right… she’d forgotten he’d got behind yesterday, and then he left to look for Lyla with her and T for about five hours… he must be completely behind now.

“June, can ya give Granny a hoof? A’ll go fetch im.” Applejacke moved past June, getting no more than three steps before Lyla spoke.

“Star’ll go.” They all turned to Starburst, who gave Lyla a very questioning look. “Right, Star?” She just smiled.

“… Sure, I guess.” She didn’t really mind going.

She was curious as to why Lyla wanted her to go though. She didn’t usually like to be by herself around so many new ponies, and she didn’t seem to have any intention of following her.

“You sure ya can handle im?” Applejack spoke before she got too far. She seemed a bit unsure. She just nodded in response turning to June.

“Where is he?”

“In the barn.” Was the mare’s reply.

“Ah’m warnin ya, Star..” Applejack spoke once more. “He can be a might stubborn when it comes ta work…”

“Its fine, Applejack.” She turned, walking out the door. “So can I.”

It took her no time at all to reach the barn. The working barn wasn’t very far from the living one, after all. She walked in to see Del packing a wagon. A half sized one by the looks.

“Del.” She successfully got his attention, seeing him turn to her.

“Star? What’re ya doin here?” He chuckled a bit before answering his own question. “Well, that was dumb, bet you’re here ta help out?”

“Yeah. We came by to help. And Apple Bloom invited us to lunch.” He continued loading odds and ends into the wagon as she spoke, pausing only to speak himself.

“Us? Reckon that means Lyla’s here too?”

“Yep.” She nodded. “And we’re all waiting for you.” She moved around in front of him as she spoke. He gave a guilty smile.

“Well, ya’ll can start without me. Ah’m gonna be busy till dark.” He continued his task, moving around her. She sighed.

Anypony who knew the both of them had a hard time picking who was the most hardworking pony in Ponyville, and she knew how it felt not to want to take a break, but needing to, though he was definitely worse than her a lot of times.

She moved in front of him once more. “Then after lunch, Lyla and I’ll help you finish.” She barely phased him this time, he kept moving, going around her again.

“Ah’d love at have ya’ll’s help. Come on back after you’ve finished eating.” She frowned a bit at his response. This was not working at all. She sighed, once again defeated by him.

She went over, beginning to hitch herself to the wagon. Missing out on lunch wasn’t too big of a deal, since she’d had a big breakfast. They’d probly only have one dish she’d like anyway, not being too fond of apple dishes and all.

“What’re ya doin?” She turned to see Del giving her a decently confused look.

“Well, I can’t go back without you, so I guess I’ll stay and help. Besides, I only like the apple dishes you make.” She continued hitching herself to the wagon as she spoke, missing the small tinge of color that made its way to his cheeks.

“So where’s this wagon goin anyway?” She turned back to see him blink a couple times. It seemed he’d been daydreaming or something. Odd. He didn’t do that much.

“Huh?” Well, whatever he was dreaming about, it looked like it kept him from hearing her.

“The wagon. Where’s it going?” She repeated.

“Star, come on, ya gotta go eat.” She pouted a bit at that, not that she’d admit she did.

“If you can go without eating, then so can I.” She walked past him. “I’d bet my training armor you skipped breakfast too.” From the look he gave, she guessed right. “And I don’t like sweets unless you make them.” He sighed.

“Awright, lets go.” he moved, unhooking her from the wagon, confusing her.

“I thought we needed that.” He’d walked on, but looked over his shoulder to answer her.

“Now what ya gonna do with a wagon at the dining table?” It took her a second or two longer than she’d admit to get what he said and follow him with an unseen eye-roll.

‘Stubborn as a mule.’ She thought it rather warmly. She did find that to be a good quality for most things.

She briefly wondered who the most stubborn pony she knew was. She was able to narrow it down to herself, Del and Lyla before he spoke again.

“Star?” She looked up when he said her name. He wasn’t looking at her, but kept talking. “… Do ya really only eat mah sweets?”

“Well, yeah.” She answered in honesty. “Unless it’s a special occasion or something where it would be rude to refuse.” She kept going when he didn’t speak.

“I guess I just fine plain old sweet boring. I don’t know what you do to them, but yours aren’t just sweet. They’re real good.”

She began to grow concerned when he still didn’t say anything. She was about to question it when he turned around with a happy smile.

“Well, Ah’m sure glad ya like em.” He was acting a bit odd, but not enough for her to question it.

She let her mind wonder as she followed him silently, her thoughts going back to what Lyla said when they arrived. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t enjoy his presence. He did make training less of a chore.

Was he Lyla’s crush? They did seem to get along. Well, surprisingly, Lyla got along with most everypony so far, but that was a good thing right? She was glad her two best friends got along so well…… She was. Wasn’t she..?

She was out of time for thinking as she followed him into the house, Api being the first to see them.

“Auntie AJ! They’re here!” She turned back to them, “ Everyponys at the table, but they ain’t eating yet. Auntie AJ was bout to go looking for ya.” She continued talking, leading the way to the dining room.

The relief on Applejacks face when they walked in was very apparent to most, Starburst being one of them.

“There ya’ll are. Ahs fixin ta tie ya up an drag ya in here.” She was obviously talking to Del, who chuckled in response.

“Sure, hog tie me an drag me to the table.” Starburst stifled a snort at that. He was quite good at hiding his sarcasm and always said it with a smile, but she was usually able to pick up on it.

She decided not to comment on it however, going over to sit next to her cousin, who had apparently found something interesting to talk with Apple Bloom about, since the two were laughing.

“So how did it go?” Lyla turned to speak to her when she sat. Starburst, however, didn’t quite understand the question.

“How’d what go?”

“Well, you got him in here, so how did it go?” She repeated the question, adding to it this time. “Everypony here had said he it wasn’t very easy to convince him to take a break when he had his mind sat on something.”

Starburst looked away silently to hide her knowing smile.

“Lets just say I have some practice in dealing with stubborn ponies.” She was obviously talking about Lyla herself, though the princess didn’t seem to pick it up, looking up thoughtfully.

“Who? Your father?” Really? That was the best she came up with? Her dad was the farthest thing from stubborn. If anything, he was a pushover.

Before she could answer, Del, finishing his talk with his mother, sat down between Starburst and Applejack, who was just taking her seat as well.

“So,” He spoke, turning to them, though it looked like he was talking to Lyla. “How’s mah family treatin ya?”

“They’re wonderful.” She answered with a happy smile. “Is your Granny Smith really going on 100?” Lyla leaned over her slightly to quietly ask the question. He chuckled with a nod.

They kept talking back and forth like that. Starburst watched quietly, not really eating. She took a few bites, not to be rude, but she wasn’t too hungry.

She wondered for a second why she even agreed to stay. Well, Lyla might’ve been hungry. And it wasn’t like they had anything better to do. “Right?”

Her thought was interrupted by Lyla, who was now looking at her expectantly. Oh, crap, she did it again.

She looked back to Del to see if he could give her a clue as to what question was asked, but he looked to be preoccupied, frowning a bit and…. Blushing?

“Now what kinda question’s that?” He turned to her smiling normally now. “Ya’ll don have at answer, Star.” …..She was officially lost, and was able to sum her confusion up in one word.

“What…?” Lyla sighed, shaking her head.

“Did you not hear me or do you not understand the question?” Starburst was glad her cousin knew her well enough that her somewhat guilty and apologetic look told her that she didn’t hear.

“I said, “ Lyla started over with a smile. “Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of the Apple family?” Well that was an odd question. Rather than think of the strangeness of the question, she thought on it instead.

Having the undying support of so many high character ponies, always having somepony to talk to, even if they don’t quite understand… and equal opportunity regardless of gender or size.

“Yeah.” She finally answered. “It would be nice.” the outburst of soft giggles coming from her cousin confused her. It was the most she’d laughed in a while.

She turned to see what Del had to say about her answer, and found him… now she was sure he was blushing, and at a fritter, of all things…

“Did I miss something?” She voiced her thoughts, getting no reaction at all from the blushing stallion.

“No, not a thing.” Lyla replied with a smile and another giggle. Now she knew she missed something. She decided to question it later.

She watched her cousin pick up a… cupcake or muffin in her mouth, almost forgetting not to use her magic, she saw, and took a bite.

“My, this is good!” If she thought that was good, she should try Del’s cooking. Not that Applejack and Granny Smith were bad by any means, he was just that darn good.

“Why thankye kindly.” Applejack, who like everypony else at the table, had heard her compliment, answered for both her and Granny.

“I thought I was a good baker…” She muttered that, though Starburst still heard her. “Um… Ms. Applejack? You wouldn’t happen to be busy tomorrow, would you?”

“ Ah might be able ta make some time. What’d ya need?”

Well, I have to come by tomorrow anyway to give Del something,” Starburst saw him look curious at that, but Lyla continued before she could say anything about it.

“And I’d be honored to have your help making the crystal berry tarts I have planned for Candy…”

“Sure thing.” Applejack replied with a smile. “Come on by tomorrah round noon.”

“Great! Thank you.” She bore a big smile as she spoke. Starburst shook her head. What happened yesterday must’ve meant quite a bit to the sheltered princess.

In all honesty, Starburst had no idea what it meant to be reliant on others. She’d started seeking independence as soon as she could walk, so the feeling of having her life saved was something unfamiliar to…

Wait…. Her life was saved, wasn’t it…? She was shocked she hadn’t realized it until now, but Del, T, and Prism all saved her.

She was proud of herself for being the only mare that was able to fight that wolf-thing… but there was no possible way she could’ve taken it on by herself… and saving her was how Del got his injury.

She felt a good bit of guilt at that. If Lyla hadn’t have healed him, who knows how that injury could’ve affected him? And it would’ve been her fault… was this how Lyla felt? It was a horrible feeling.

She suddenly understood why Lyla was so adamant about expressing her gratitude now…

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Lunch went quite well. Lyla enjoyed speaking with everypony very much, and being a good houseguest, she did her best to try to help Granny and… Cheerilee if she remembered correctly, clean up.

Though, without her magic, she was more of a hindrance than a help. She couldn’t apologize enough for the broken plate, and opted to follow June, Del, and Starburst out to the barn.

“Lyla?” Starburst held back a bit from the other two to talk to her, it seemed. She turned her attention to her little cousin. “How are you planning on baking tomorrow without your magic?”

It also seemed her earlier display brought up a good question. She hadn’t tried cooking without magic before… How hard could it be?

“It’ll be fine. I was born a pegasus after all. I lived fourteen years without magic.” Starburst didn’t seem convinced.

“Star, it’ll be fine.” She reassured her once more. Nothing more was able to be said about it afterwards, having arrived in the barn.

“Do you… where’s the wagon?” June was the first to speak, having noticed said item was missing.

“It’s out front. Ya want one a mah helpers?” He trotted around, picking up miscellaneous items and tools. June replied with a shake of her head.

“No thanks. You’re farther behind than me.” She picked up a bucket full of something Lyla couldn’t tell about, and went to a different part of the barn.

She subconsciously followed Starburst out front, where she watched her hitch herself to a wagon. She didn’t notice Del had followed as well until he spoke.

“Hey gals, think ya’ll can handle picking up the bad apples in the east orchard?” He walked past them a bit.

“Ah really gotta get that there field plowed.” Lyla decided to answer for the both of them with a small giggle.

“I think we can handle that. What should we do after?” She didn’t miss the odd look Starburst gave her at that question. Del’s look was equally as questioning.

“Well, we need ta take the bad apples ta the back a the barn so we can feed em to the pigs later. But Ah’ll probly be done by the time ya get ta that.”

“Ok.” She turned to see Starburst slightly frowning at her. She decided to ignore it for a little while, trotting off in a direction.

She barely heard Starburst sigh, and looked back to see her taking the wagon off in another direction. She hurried off after her pouting slightly.

“Star! Were you going to let me continue going?” She pouted a bit more, seeing the orange pegasus frown a bit out of the corner of her eye, letting her know she knew what she was planning to do.

“Well, I heard he was very behind.” She looked away, able to deduce he got behind because he left to look for her.

“So if I can be more help, then I will. And nopony will be around anyway.” She smiled, knowing she had a good point.

She didn’t argue, arguing was pointless. Proving a better point to get others to agree seemed to produce better results, and that was something she was quite confident she’d mastered.

Her thought was better affirmed when Starburst looked away, as if to contemplate said point.

“How are you going to explain getting done so fast?” Lyla smiled, her cousin’s question letting her know she truly was thinking of doing it.

“I believe that’s where you come in.” The reply she received was a small eye-roll, before Starburst stopped. She looked like she was about to unhitch from the wagon when Lyla stopped her.

“Leave it.” She walked around, using her magic to pull the bushel baskets apart, laying them in a layer in the bottom of the wagon.

“We’ll walk through the orchard and I’ll pick up the apples. You tell me if they’re bad or not, and I’ll sort them accordingly. Sound good?” Her reply was a nod.

She turned, levitating all of the fallen apples that she could see and lining them up in front of Starburst.

“Bad, bad, bad, good…” They continued like that through the whole orchard, the wagon filling up with apples quickly.

She was happily surprised that Starburst was pulling with as much ease as she was, but decided not to comment on it, sticking to her task. She stopped when she couldn’t find any more apples.

“Did we get them all?” She turned to her little cousin, who was looking around as well. She then turned back to her with a nod.

“I think so.” They did pretty good. If Lyla had to guess, she’d say it took them less than an hour. “So you ready to go to the barn?”

“Yes, lets go.” She turned, heading back the way she thought they came.

“Lyla.” She turned to see Starburst pointing a different way with an amused smile on her muzzle. She blushed sheepishly, going the way she was pointing.

She got ahead of Starburst rather quickly, though understandably. The poor little mare was toting a very heavy wagon, though once more, she was going surprisingly quick. She slowed her pace a bit to address her.

“You ok?”

“Yeah… I’ve had to pull.. Worse.” She smiled a bit at that. She was so stubborn sometimes, but in a good way.

“I think that training of yours is showing. You seem a good bit stronger than I remember.”

Now that she wasn’t preoccupied, she opted to comment on the little mare’s progress. Starburst seemed to be quite happy about it as well.

“Really? Great!” She continued moving the wagon, the barn came into view as she continued. “I’m glad it’s starting to show. If I beat those darn… stallions at their own games they’ll have to recruit me!”

“That’s the sprit!” Lyla always had nothing but encouragement to give on her cousin’s dream. It was quite a big dream, but if anypony could do it, it would be Starburst.

“But don’t forget about your friends here when you’re a big shot in Canter…. Lot…” That was right… she’d meant it as a joke, since Starburst wasn’t at all the type of pony to be like that, but she would have to leave Ponyville when she got accepted.

And it was when. With how good of a leader she was and how strong and agile she was getting, they would have no choice but to accept her, despite her size. Perhaps she’d visit often.

They were almost to the back of the barn when they were spotted by Del, who seemed to be coming out of it.

“Wha..?” He looked at the full wagon in amazement. “You gal’s finished…? The whole field?” He walked over, looking over the full wagon in disbelief.

“Ok..” He continued when neither spoke. “Ah’ll bite. How’d ya do it?”

She looked to Starburst, not having any idea how to respond. She was surprised to see the little pegasus giving her an accusing frown before turning to Del.

“Um…” There was a sudden loud crash above them. It was very surprising and caused Starburst to jump. Del as well, she noticed. She was just curious as to what it could be.

“What was..?” She was about to ask, looking up to see an abandoned storm cloud, when she heard laughter from a nearby tree.

Starburst’s face immediately fell at the familiar sound. She watched Del walk over to the tree with a smile, though he didn’t seem very happy to her.

After a few traded words she couldn’t hear, Prism was kicked out from behind said tree.

“Aw, come on, Del, ya gotta admit that was pretty funny!” He got up rather unphased, still laughing with a smile.

“Ah s’pose half a it is my fault fer fallin for it…” He shook his head with a sigh. “But Ah’m busy.”

“Eh, you’re always busy.” Was the reply he got, with a lazy hoof-wave. Lyla was shocked to find him by her in the next second, with an excited half smile.

“So, ready to go meet up with Candy?” She blushed, looking away. She wasn’t quite sure why she did that. She just got so embarrassed and self conscious around him…

“Yes…” She answered softly. She didn’t expect Starburst to follow, knowing she’d stay to help Del get caught up, so she followed Prism silently with a small thought in her mind.

What exactly was pranking anyway?

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“Ain’tcha gonna go with em Star?” She wasn’t too surprised by Del’s question. Though she had no intention of going at all.

“I’m not interested in pranking. Besides,” She turned to continue to the back of the barn. “I promised you I’d stay and help.”

“Yeah… Ya did…” Del looked to be a bit troubled by her statement. “But it ain’t your responsibility, an if ya had plans afore, Ah don wanna get in the way of em.”

She rolled her eyes a bit, halting the wagon. It was the least she could do for him, not that she’d say so.

“Well, it is my responsibility to keep my promises, so I’m staying.” She moved around to unhitch herself from the wagon, only to look back up when Del chuckled softly.

“Ah jus can’t win with ya.” He walked past her, starting to unload the wagon. She finished unhitching herself.

“That’s not true. If you were actually right, you’d win.” She replied with a smirk.

It wasn’t too often she proved a better point than him, so she would be lying if she said she wasn’t enjoying this small victory.

As they started their work, the two kept to the task in relative silence. Starburst taking the time to reflect on the peaceful monotony of the farm.

It was wonderful and mind-settling training. Not the kind that you see overnight, but the kind that lasts.

She hadn’t always seen it like that though. There was a time when she thought harvesting apples was boring and pointless.

Del was the pony to change her mind, of course, when she saw how strong he was. He didn’t display it often, but the one time he did, she was a witness.

She thought back to said event, starting when Prism asked him for a hoof wrestle. When he beat him, then his dad, Caramel, and his Uncle Mac, and a few random ponies who thought they stood a chance, it truly piqued her interest.

She was one of the random on looking ponies who challenged him, and was it ever pointless to do so. He beat her as easily as the others, and she’d been training ever since she could walk.

The pony to finally beat him ended up being T, but even then it took him a minute or two, and to this day, she was pretty sure Del had asked him to just so he could stop.

She had the hardest time believing that anypony could get that strong from simple farmwork. She got in on it quicker than a wing-flap, and hadn’t looked back.

In her opinion, it was the best thing that could’ve happened to her.

“Bit for your thoughts.” She looked up from stacking bushel baskets when she heard said stallion’s voice.

“Hm? I was just thinking back on how pointless I thought all this was, and how much I love it now.”

“Ponyville?” He sat another basket down, sliding it off his back. Maybe she was a bit vague on that.

“Well, that too, but mainly Sweet Apple Acres.” She moved around, pushing the wagon into the barn. Del followed with a laugh.

“Yeah, it does have a way a growin on ya. You actually took ta farmin pretty good..” He moved around her, pushing the wagon into its normal spot in the barn, and beginning to unload the empty bushel baskets.

A small pout overtook her face. She was going to do that. He didn’t seem to notice her starting to unload it as well, since he continued.

“Better be careful, or you’ll start ta act like us.” He laughed a bit again, obviously a joke. Or his hidden sarcasm. Sometimes it was hard to tell between the two.

Now anypony who knew Starburst knew she wasn’t one for jokes, taking everything seriously, but she couldn’t help herself, she had to see how he would react if she tried.

“Ya’ll sure bout that, now?” She was proud of how that came out. It sounded quite Apple-y to her. She was expecting a laugh, or a “don’t do that again” but she heard nothing.

When she looked up to see what he was doing or if he even heard her, she was intrigued by what she saw.

He was sitting there looking at her very oddly. She could tell he was confused, but there was something else there she couldn’t place.

“Well, that’s the last time I try a joke. Guess it was pretty bad.” She slid a stack of the baskets next to the barn wall, looking back when she heard him laugh.

“Nah, nah, it was funny!” He walked around, heading for another part of the barn. She followed. “Jus kinda took me by surprise how good ya did it.” He turned to her with a slight smirk.

“Mighta been a bit too good.” She was pretty sure he was being sarcastic again.

“So it was horrible.”

“No, honestly it wasn’t.” She sighed. She knew he would always tell the truth. Not that he could lie, most anypony could tell when he was lying.

He had found a way around it though. She had noticed he was smart enough to hide anything bad he had to say behind a happy tone and laugh it off.

And it worked. It took her a while to catch on to it, but even then it didn’t bother her. He didn’t do it very often, either.

‘I guess I can see why Lyla would get a crush on him.’ She truly had nothing bad to say about him.

He was sweet, funny hardworking, with smarts that did not suit his occupation, patient, but not a pushover… overall in her opinion, he was a great stallion.

“ So what do you think of Lyla?” The question just kind of fell out of her mouth.

She was a bit blunt at times, but it did good to bypass misunderstandings. He seemed to be taken by surprise at the question, but answered anyway.

“Lyla? Well she’s nice. A might stubborn though.” She took note of the blush that crept up a bit at this. “But Ah can respect her tenacity.”

That sounded good for knowing her for a few days. Well, she’d cheer for her cousin as best as she could.

“Why ya ask?” He stopped, apparently reaching the part of the barn he was heading for. She stooped as well.

“Just curious.” She looked around, seeing piles and piles of tools of all sorts. “…What’re we doing in here?” The look on his face told her she wasn’t going to be too happy with the answer.

“We’re gonna clean out the barn.” Oh fun.

Raining... Berries?

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Lyla was walking silently next to Prism on the way to Sugarcube Corner. She hadn’t been there before, but she knew of it, and also knew it was where Candy and her family lived. She opened her mouth to start up a conversation with Prism, but he beat her to it.

“So’d I scare ya?” He turned to her with a smirk as if he already knew the answer.

“Um… Well, not really. Loud noises intrigue me more than frighten me. I’m more interested in finding out what made them.” She smiled a bit, hoping to make up for the disappointment. He seemed a bit more confused than upset, though.

“Well that’s dumb.” He took to a hover as he spoke, floating around a bit. His statement confused her, but he continued before she could question it.

“I scare ya all the time usually.” That was true wasn’t it? He had startled her a good number of times since they’d met.

“Well,” She thought out loud, looking down, trying to make sense of her reaction.

“I suppose its because you’re rather swift and quiet when you fly, so I don’t hear you. I’m not expecting you to be there, and when I look up and you’re right there, it’s quite a- Ah!”

She looked back up to see him almost muzzle to muzzle with her, causing her to jump back a bit in surprise. He did it again! When had he gotten that close?

Her shocked state was broken by laughter coming from the airborne colt.

“Hey, it worked.” He seemed to be the type of pony that found humor in others’ misfortune.

She had a feeling that wouldn’t be the last time he did that. And for an unknown reason, she wasn’t as mad as she felt she should be.

“Of course it worked!” She did her best to put on the façade of anger, though she was sure her blush wasn’t helping it. She looked away before continuing.

“If I’m expecting somepony to be in a certain place, and they’re suddenly beside me seemingly from out of nowhere, of course it would startle me.”

“Why do you do that?” His question confused her.

She thought she just explained it. Perhaps he was talking about something else? What could she have done that he would question? Did he want her to try to fly, maybe?

“…Walking?” It was the only thing she could think of. Apparently she was wrong, since his response was a face hoof.

“Yeah. Why do you walk when you can’t fly.” He rolled his eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm as he spoke, causing her to blush. When he put it like that, it was a rather silly assumption.

“Your talking.” He clarified. “I suppose, seemingly, mother, father, it startles me, all that stuff.” She arched an eyebrow at him as he landed. She wasn’t sure what he meant.

“I hadn’t noticed I spoke any different than any other pony.” She drew back slightly when he pointed a hoof at her.

“See!” It seemed as though she’d just said something rather proving..? “Any other pony I know would’ve said “I didn’t know I talked different than anypony else.” ‘Cept mabe Claire.” She looked around as he was talking.

She knew this part of town, as she’d been around here with Starburst a day or two earlier. Sugarcube Corner wasn’t far off at all.

“Does everypony in the Crystal Empire talk like that?” She turned her attention back to him when he spoke once more.

“Not all of them do.” She answered with a giggle. “I suppose I’m just one of a kind.” She looked back to the street.

Not many ponies were out, and she knew where Sugarcube Corner was from here.

It was a silly idea she got, but perhaps it would be a bit fun. She grounded her hooves, letting him get a bit in front of her, then took off full sprint.

“Race you!” Was what she was able to get out before running past him.

She turned to dodge a pony in her path, taking the opportunity to look back. He was in on it, and gaining quickly. She was a very good runner, being light and having long legs. She ran a bit faster, not taking any other chance to look back.

She was surprised when he caught up to her as quickly as he did, being bigger and supposedly less agile, and increased in surprise when she watched him dodge another pony.

Not a movement was wasted. She did the same, dodging a different one. They were keeping speed, neither pulling ahead or falling behind. She felt she was beginning to get winded, though.

She was a very good runner, but her lack of stamina kept her from keeping it up for too long. She extended her wings, using them to propel herself forward faster, as he was.

She spotted Candy in the distance, coming out of Sugarcube corner. If she had the breath, she would’ve laughed at the look on the blue mare’s face when she spotted them.

Now, being a Princess, she both won and lost with grace, but nothing said she couldn’t be as competitive as she wanted until then, so when she saw Prism beginning to pull ahead, she used the last of her strength to increase her speed to keep up.

They came to a stop in front of Candy, Prism first, of course, leaning back to screech to a halt, kicking up a dust cloud in the process.

Lyla wasn’t as graceful, not slowing as quick as she thought she could and overshooting the stop, tripping on the step and falling into a roll, landing on her muzzle with her back legs in the air.

Prism and Candy both burst out with laughter as she picked herself up off the ground, sure that a blush was quickly talking over her face.

She laughed as well, shaking the dirt out of her coat. Though she’d made a complete fool of herself and lost the race, it was the most fun she’d had in a while.

“That was great!” Candy was able to get out, still laughing.

“The hay was that?” Prism started, his laughter dieing down. “Ain’t ya ever had to stop running before?” She walked back over to them, her own laughter dieing.

“ No, the only other time I ran like that was yesterday, but that was an entirely different way of running. This was so fun!” She reared a bit, spreading her wings to properly express her enjoyment.

She was impressed with Prism however. She was winded and starting to sweat, and he looked completely normal. She could never tell if she had envy or admiration for him.

“Yeah, well that was pretty dirty, starting it like that.” Said pony spoke through a smirk. “But, since ya lost, I guess I can forgive ya.”

“Oh, well thank you.” She giggled as she spoke.

“But,” He started, “You are pretty good for a mare.”

“Oh, don’t take to well to being beaten by mares?” She had a feeling he didn’t take well to being beaten at all, but decided not to comment on it.

“Heh, “ He leaned onto his back in midair, hooves behind his head and a smirk on his muzzle. “As if a mare could beat me.”

She was in the process of rolling her eyes when Candy got her attention, nodding slightly towards a familiar pink dracony doing some in town shopping. She didn’t get the hint, but didn’t have to apparently since Candy spoke. Quite loudly too.

“But I thought Claire beat you in hoof races all the time!”

She watched as said pony, hearing her name turned to their conversation. She tried her best not to giggle, biting her lip as Claire came a bit closer. From what she heard, this wasn’t going to be good.

“Claire? Well, she’s not really a mare. She’s what ya call a female dragon, whatever the word is. And she’s just lucky most of the time.”

He obviously had no idea the dragon he was talking about was literally right behind him, and not looking happy at what he was saying.

“If she was jus a normal old mare, ain’t no way she could beat me. And she wouldn’t be able ta bully me with that fire either.” She had reached her limit, letting a smile escape.

“What’re you two smilin’ about?”

“Hm, not a mare am I?” Clare’s voice nearly startled him out of his skin. He backed up quickly, hiding behind the nearest thing, which happened to be Lyla and Candy. He flew up a bit, smiling nervously.

“Hey, Claire! Hows it… going? Heh, you know bout what I said…”

“I’m a female dragon bully?” She was smiling, but even Lyla was starting to get a bit unnerved at her tone. She closed her eyes continuing,

“Well, I’m sure you meant it in the best of ways.”

“Yeah!” He flew out a bit more. “You’re the best bully ever!” Prism seemed to miss the twitch in her smile when he said that.

“Well.” Her horns started to glow as she spoke, her magic lowering the saddle pack off her back. The gesture causing Prism to take cover once more.

“To show you how much of a bully I am not, I’ll allow you an extra five seconds of a head start.” Her face turned into that of … a dragon, for lack of better comparison.

“Wait, what!?” Prism didn’t seem to quite understand. Lyla either. What was she going to do to him? She took a stance, moving her front clawed hooves apart.

“Five…” Prism was off, but was unable to get too far before she said zero and started chasing him, blowing fire. It didn’t help him that she skipped four to one.

“Well, mares may not be as fast as him, but I think we may be smarter, huh Lyla?” Candy turned to her with a smile. So Candy was insulted by his comment as well? She looked over seeing him trying to fly out of reach of Claire’s flames.

“I’m pretty sure not only mares are smarter.” Her comment got a small laugh out of Candy.

‘I suppose he does deserve it. Somewhat.’ She justified it as Claire’s flames being the wrath of all the mares he insulted. Candy, Starburst, Whirlwind. Even herself a bit.

She did learn a lesson here, however, that she won’t soon forget. Never question Claire’s femininity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now as stated again and again, Starburst wasn’t a pony to complain, and though she resented the full barn, she was tackling it as best she could, and between the both of them, they’d made a dent in the …clutter.

“What about this?” She indicated a rusty pitchfork. She was pretty darn sure it was trash, but she wanted to consult him before throwing anything that wasn’t broken away.

He turned away from what he was doing, looking at the rusty old tool.

“Junk.” He muttered before turning back to the pile of tools he had. “Ya know, Star, if ya think they’re bad, ya’ll can throw 'em away. Ah trust your judgement.”

She moved around, sitting the pitchfork in the growing junk heap before she spoke. “I guess when I ask you, I’m just letting you know I’m tossing it.”

That was the best way to put it, since everything she asked about, he’d told her to toss. She went over to the chart he made, putting down another tally mark for the out of commission pitchfork.

She looked the chart over. They lost two hoes, two bailing hooks, a rake and a picthfork already… and that was only on her side.

“Ah’m thinkin’…” She turned her attention back to Del, dropping the pencil in her mouth back to its resting place on the upside-down bushel basket.

“Ah’m thinkin’ Ah might am gonna have ta go ta Appleoosa here soon.” She moved a shovel to the “needs repair pile” sitting it down.

Working with the Apples as long as she had, she knew very well the best farming tools were made in Appleoosa. She’d been there a couple of times, and had pretty neutral feeling towards the settler town.

“Ya’ll can come with me if ya want. I’d sure appreciate the company.” She watched him dig through the pile once more, pulling out some shears… or hedge trimmers. She wasn’t quite sure.

“When are you going to go?” He dropped the shears in the “keep” pile. She turned back to her pile, going through it. She wasn’t too good at talking and working at the same time when the work required her mouth.

Actually she wasn’t too good at talking and working much at all.

“'Ere in a couple days. Can’t wait too long. If we get another emergency an we ain’t got the tools for it, it ain’t gonna be pretty.” He paused to carry another rake to the “junk“ pile.

“Ah’ll plan for goin on day after tomorrah. Sound good?”

She thought on it for a minute, taking another rust-covered tool to the junk heap. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go, the train ride just took a bit out of her.

Appleoosa wasn’t close. It was a whole day trip there and back, and trains didn’t sit too well with her. Small trains, especially.

She never had the room to do what she wanted, and staying in one spot for a whole day drove her crazy… but, it had been a while since she’d been.

“I guess I could do my exercises on the train.” Though his laughter was small, it took her by surprise.

“Ain’t that the truth. Ya ain’t never been one ta care bout place. Ya know how many ponies thought ya were crazy here while back when ya walked on your forelegs all day?”

She didn’t care. It helped. She felt strong enough to challenge him to a hoof wrestle again, even though she lost.

“They can think what they want.” She stated bluntly, moving to pull out another hoe and missing the warm smile he gave her. She walked over, setting it in the repair pile.

“Yeah, I’ll go. As long as Lyla can come.” There was no way she was leaving her cousin there by herself. Celestia knows what would happen… She shuddered at the thought.

“Ah don' mind a bit.” Was his simple reply. “Ya gonna stay for dinner?” She watched as he moved the last tool in his pile to the appropriate pile.

“Only if you’re cooking.” She said it without thinking, and sighed immediately after, knowing what was coming next.

“Awright, Ah’ll cook.” He smiled at her, going back into the barn, to get more tools she assumed.

She felt bad at that. After working all day, cooking was the last thing she wanted him to do. If anything, he should just get to bed early… but she knew better than to argue with him on things like that.

For some reason, whenever it was something he knew she wanted, he’d do it.

She didn’t quite understand, but she did the same for him. He just rarely wanted anything. Not that she wanted everything, he just wanted even less than she did.

It was odd.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So,” Prism started, walking normally, though burnt here and there. He may have deserved it, but Lyla couldn’t help but feel bad when she looked at the red skin… She’d have to heal him when she could.

“Who’re we getting today?” Prism continued. Get? How do you get somepony?

“We could get Del. He’s usually a good sport.” Candy seemed to be thinking aloud. She still didn’t fully understand what was going on, but was too afraid to ask.

“Uh, yeah, I kinda already got him.” He smiled… very mischievously. “How about Claire?” … Surely he wasn’t serious? Candy seemed to be as shocked as she was.

“No way! You’ll be a piece of charcoal by the time she’s done with you!” Candy was right. Even she knew it. He seemed to be upset at the sense in her point.

“I’ll get her back for this somehow.” He muttered a bit. Lyla stood there, listening to the two debate, still too afraid to ask what a prank was.

“We could get my little brother.” Prism suggested after a few seconds of quiet.

He did have a little brother didn’t he? She vaguely remembered him comparing her to him at one point.

“Won’t your mom get mad at you?”

“Not if it’s harmless.” He paused for a second. “But there ain’t too much fun in a harmless prank. What about your mom?”

“Okay…. So what prank?” Candy looked thoughtful as she asked. Lyla wished she could help…

“We could do the lightning scare. Or switch the stuff they bake with in the kitchen.”

“Oh!” She started, accidentally cutting Candy off, and continuing after spouting a quick sorry, “That’s a prank?”

Her question was met with a smile from Candy, and a look of disbelief from Prism.

“Yeah.” Candy was the one to answer. “We’re just trying to mess with them.” She giggled. “It’s fun.”

“That is fun! I used to mess with the guards all the time as a filly.” She giggled as she thought back. It was another pastime she had grown to enjoy.

“Guards?” The two asked in unison, looking at her oddly. Her eyes went wide. She strained to keep a hoof from going to her mouth. What could she say? Where else would she see guards?

“Um, Yes! The guards… when they were out of the palace!”

“…. On patrol..?” Prism filled in.

“Yes! Yes… patrol… in the city.” She decided to change the subject, an idea hitting her.

“Oh. My. Gosh! I just got the best idea ever!” She smiled wide with excitement, Candy doing the same .

“What is it?” The little blue mare asked, bouncing slightly, obviously catching her excitement. Lyla couldn’t hold back her laughter.

“How’d you two like to play a prank on Ponyville square?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Hey, Star!” She heard his voice from inside the barn, and went when he called. He had another pile of tools in the wagon, but wasn’t hitched to it. He continued talking when she arrived.

“Wanna take a break? We got something we need at get done here pretty quick.” If he needed it done so quickly, then why didn’t he do it earlier?

She kept the question to herself, following him to a different part of the barn. The part where the cows stayed if she remembered correctly.

“Ah’m warnin ya though, it ain’t gonna be fun.” The smell that hit her nose a few seconds later was completely repulsive.

The cows were out grazing, apparently, giving them a clear view of the hay-covered ground. There were things in that hay that nopony should have to smell…

She wouldn’t show it, but it almost did make her sick. The smell, more than anything.

It was odd for him to ask her to help him with something like this. She felt safe in assuming it was something he should’ve done yesterday, but didn’t get to.

She looked to Del, who had fetched a pitchfork from its place on the wall and was using it to scoop the bad hay and everything in it into a small cart, like it was nothing. It probably was nothing to him, doing it for as long as he did.

He obviously didn’t expect her to help much, not indicating her to do anything. But, being the gentlecolt he was, he wouldn't ask her to help...

She didn’t think it fair to just stand there and let him do everything though, so she took another small picthfork from against the wall, and went to a hay clump, held together by Celestia knows what…

She got it onto the end of her pitchfork, scooping it into the cart. Del seemed to be shocked to see her, for some reason. She didn’t pay too much attention to it, trying to watch her step.

Though, after a few minutes, she saw it was pointless. She just have to take a good bath later.

She continued on like that, shoveling hay, poo, and who knew what else into the cart. As she was working, she had noticed the stallion watching her every so often.

She wondered to herself what he could possibly be finding so interesting about her getting covered with … random filth.

“What?” She finally decided to question his behavior the fourth or fifth time she saw him watching her.

“What?” He repeated her question back. Did he not notice he was doing it? Maybe he just didn’t know what she meant.

“You keep watching me.” She clarified. He shook his head, going over to get an actual shovel.

“Sorry bout that. Reckon Ah’m just waitin ta hear how gross and horrible this is. Like aunt AB, Pop… June… Api…” He trailed off, coming back over with the shovel. Apparently, this wasn’t a very popular job.

“Well, it is gross,” She moved around to get a better angle with the pitchfork. “But complaining bout it ain’t gonna get it done.”

When she was happy with the angle, she moved to scoop it up, when her concentration was broken by Del’s laughter.

“Good one.” …. She gave him what she hoped to be a completely confused look. What was he talking about?

“…Uh, what?” She voiced her confusion. She went from confused to completely lost when Del gave her a look equally as confused as hers.

“Weren’tcha jus doin another impression a mah family?” Why would he think that..?

“No…” She answered slowly, with a rather blank look. Both sat there for a second, completely lost until Del just laughed.

“My mistake. Never ya mind.” He went back to work with that.

Why would he think she was trying to mimic his family’s way of speech again? The first time was such a disaster there’s no way she’d try again.

She picked the pitchfork back up. She did think She might’ve said what she thought out loud.

In her head, she did talk a bit more like them than she’d want to admit, though when she spoke, it went through the proverbial filter. Surely that wasn’t it.

She shoved the thought from her head, shoveling the defiled hay, completely unaware she had just made Del’s day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You think this’ll be enough!?” Lyla turned, hearing Candy’s yell from rather far away. Because of Lyla’s idea, their current location was a very big wild berry field.

Lyla had taken the opportunity moments earlier to heal Prism, and he, being so used to burns, had no clue they were gone.

Lyla giggled at the pink-maned mare.

“We can’t see from there Candy!” She yelled back to her friend. They had been picking berries for the last hour. Prism had retrieved his saddle bag and was currently sporting it. Lyla had borrowed Candy’s.

Both were being filled with bit bags full of berries.

Candy bounced over, bag in mouth. Lyla prodded it with her hoof before smiling.

“That’ll do fine. Would you be so kind as to lend Prism a hoof?” He seemed … not as invested as she and Candy were.

“Okie dokie.” Was Candy’s happy reply as she bounced over to the pegasus, who was picking a berry here and there. Lyla resumed her own berry-picking, though after a few minutes of silence, Prism spoke.

“So… How’re we gonna do this with just two pegasi?” He stopped picking altogether to ask the question.

“Well, its very cloudy today. Especially over Ponyville. After we get this done, I’ll explain further. You've closed the holes in the clouds, right?"

“Yeah. Man!” He laughed a bit. “If ya know what you’re talkin bout, this is gonna be awesome!” He finished with a big, excited smirk. She blushed a bit, deciding to go back to her berry picking when a thought hit her.

“Aren’t you supposed to be filling that bag?” She arched an eyebrow indicating the one Candy was carrying around. Prism looked over to where she was pointing, then shrugged.

“Eh, She got it.” This was the first time she was actually apt to call him lazy, though she was sure he’d heard that one too many times. Perhaps she could outsmart him? Shouldn’t be too hard.

“You’re odd.” She was satisfied that it wasn’t often he was called that.

“Me?” He took to a hover as he spoke. “This coming from the teen pegasus that can’t fly?”

“Yes. You’re odd.” She turned back to the berries, starting to pick more of them again. “You know, we’ll be done quite a bit quicker with your help.” She got no response, which was quite odd in itself. She looked back up to see if he’d heard her, to see he wasn’t there.

“Well,” She jumped to the side, away from where Prism had appeared next to her. She definitely regretted telling him of her fear.

“For a weird pony that can’t fly, you’re pretty alright.” He continued, ascending. “Call me when you’re done!” He yelled out before laying on a cloud. Lyla sat there where she jumped, blushing heavily.

“………Alright…..?”

“Lyla!” She turned to see Candy running up to her. “I got another bag, is this enough?”

“Hey Candy..?” She wasn’t really one to ignore somepony, but what he said was really … intriguing her. “Is it a good thing if somepony calls you “Alright” ..?”

The smile never left the blue mares face, though she did cock her head a bit in question.

“Usually. I think you’re alright!” She smiled a bit more when she said that. Lyla smiled in return.

“Thank you, I believe the feeling is mutual. Now, what were you saying?”

“I got another bag.” She picked it back up. It seemed she was quite a fast berry picker.

“Great, put it in your saddle pack.” Candy did as she suggested, pulling out an empty bag in the process.

“Hey, Lyla?” Lyla turned back to her hearing her name. “Are we going to fill all of these?”

“Oh, no.” She laughed a bit. “I suppose it depends on how long we want it to last. It can’t last too long, however, or we’ll get caught.”

Seemingly satisfied with that answer, Candy went back to berry picking. She followed suit, repeating the motion of pulling a berry from the vine. It was quiet for a small while, the only sound heard being Prism’s snores.

“Hey, Lyla?” Candy started again, this time not waiting for her to respond. “What was that monster-wolf-dog thing yesterday?”

It seemed nopony knew what it was, she and Starburst apparently weren’t the only ones. Perhaps some research before bed would help…

“I don’t know. I have never seen anything of the like. Not even in my books.” Perhaps research wouldn’t help too much. If such abundant and old books as were located in the Crystal Empire hadn’t mentioned them, she had great doubt the ones in Ponyville would.

“Has Annie said if she’d asked her mother yet?”

“She said Fluttershy didn’t know either.” So she had asked her mother. It sounded like Star’s only lead was a dead end.

“You think there are more?” Her eyes widened at the realization. She hadn’t thought of that. There very well could be. But there just as well couldn’t be.

“I doubt it.” She put on a smile. “I suppose thinking on it wouldn’t help. We aren’t going looking for more anytime soon, right?”

“Right.” Candy gave a happy smile, going back to her berry picking. Lyla did the same. There truly could be more. And if there were, it could be huge trouble for… all of Equestria, not only Ponyville.

But what could she do? Even if there were more, there was no way to prove it. There was no way to prove there was even the one.

But would she be able to live with herself if there were more and nopony was told?

She had a lot of thinking to do about this, but now wasn’t the time. She shook the thoughts from her head, focusing back on the prank of the decade. If not century.

She turned to put the now filled berry bag in her mouth into the saddle pack, to see it was half full. She put the berry bag in it and turned to Candy.

“Hey Candy, how many have we filled?” Candy turned back to her, then smiled.

“No clue. I filled…” She paused a second, looking quite thoughtful. “Ten or eleven.”

“And I filled six... So that’s seventeen.” She turned her attention to the cloud the snoring was coming from. “Prism!” There was no response.

“Prism! ...Prism!” Still nothing. She sighed. “Well, I suppose I’ll have to attempt this sooner or later to pull this off…” She extended her wings.

“You gonna fly?” She nodded at Candy’s question, going into a hover. She stabilized rather quickly and ascended to the cloud easily… for about five minutes.

She’d started out right under it, and going straight up, ended up about three feet under it. How was she going to land on it if she was under it?

She didn’t have to long to debate her options before her wings would tire on her, so she did the best thing she could, going back to a swimming/flailing motion, making it around the cloud.

… Now what? She was going to turn around and grab the cloud when she realized she had no idea how to turn.

She couldn’t swim for that, so she opted to start swinging her body to the side she wanted to turn to.

It was working, slowly, but she was tiring out quicker. She was halfway turned when she felt a hoof wrap around her swiftly and pull her up. She “eeped” in shock, rolling onto the cloud.

She opened her eyes to see Prism scratching his head.

“You know you have the loudest panting ever?” She blushed at the proximity. The cloud was not very big at all, though he didn’t seem to notice or mind, she couldn’t tell.

She moved, getting her hooves back under her, blushing when she had to move closer to do it. She moved her hoof again, poking at the cloud with it. It felt… airy and weightless. Like a ridiculously large pillow.

She missed Prism arching an eyebrow at her odd behavior, getting up himself.

“So, what were ya tryin to kill yourself for?” She didn’t honestly hear him, too preoccupied with bouncing on the cloud. She giggled as she did, laughing more when her hoof went through it.

“Oh, right.” He took flight, but didn’t go too far. “You never been on a cloud, huh?”

“No, never!” She laughed again, pulling her hoof out. “Fourteen years… I’ve wanted to do this…” She fell over on it, looking up at him with a smile.

“Thank you. I truly thank you, Prism.” He looked to be shocked at her gratitude. She momentarily wondered why before another thought came to her. She got up, frowning.

“You were awake the whole time?”

“Nah," He laughed a bit, answering with a smirk. “I heard ya, barely.” He leaned back. “I was just hopin you’d leave me alone. Wasn’t expecting ya to come up here.” He leaned over to her a bit.

“You’re pretty stubborn ain’t ya?” She tried to be upset. Truly she did, but it wasn’t working well. A blush made its way back to her face under his joking gaze.

“Not in the least.” She looked away, frowning.

Though he laughed, she said nothing else on the matter, moving to his abandoned saddle bag. After counting how many bags of berries he had, she came to the conclusion they had enough to go through with the plan.

She leaned over the cloud to see Candy, pretty far off and yelled. “Head to Ponyville square! Remember the signal!”

“Ok!” Candy yelled back before bouncing off towards the city. Prism flew up in front of her from under the cloud, startling her again, though not noticing.

“This is the most work we’ve ever done for a prank. This’d better be good.” She couldn’t tell if he was irritated or excited, but smiled anyway.

“It should be. The psyche of ponies is quite amazing. If Candy does her job right, it should work properly. And if we do our jobs right, we shouldn’t be caught.”

“Ok, then, lets go.” She watched him fly off, standing on the cloud.

What would be the best way to get there unseen? She couldn’t fly. She didn’t trust herself, and she’d most likely cause too much of a spectacle.

“What’re you doing?” Prism, having come back noticing she wasn’t following, she assumed, asked as he flew up to her.

“Well, I don’t trust myself to fly… Give me your saddle pack.” He gave her an odd look, but did so anyway. “Now go get Candy’s. We’ll have to just use them like this.”

“How are you even going to get there?” That was a good question… She smiled, spotting a cloud not too far off.

She moved to the edge of the cloud she was on, jumping. She used her wings to extend her jump, landing on the cloud. She smiled when it worked, though the smile was exchanged for a blush when she heard Prism laughing.

“What?”

“Never seen a pegasus jump clouds. It just looks funny, I guess.” She rolled her eyes slightly.

“Oh, go on.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Finally done..” Del said with a sigh. Starburst did the same, letting out a tired sigh, looking over their work. She swore she saw the barn sparkle. Them cows had sure better be grateful.

They’d finished cleaning the tools out as well. They’d lost a good number, but it was needed. The ones they had lost were a waste of space.

“We did pretty good huh?” She turned to him with a light half-smile. He smiled back before turning to head out. She followed quietly, hiding a yawn.

She was so tired. Sorting was a mental strain, but cleaning all that hay was hard labor. It took a bit out of her. Which reminded her she still had to shower.

“So, ya hungry?” She turned her attention back to Del when he spoke. She was, a little but…

“You don’t have to cook.” She said the thought out loud. He’d been at this longer than she had. He had to be about ready to pass out… though he didn’t look it a bit.

“So what do you want?” He turned back, asking her with a smile before looking away again. She let a small pout show, since nopony was around to see, when he ignored her statement. Stubborn mule.

“Mm.. How about those spicy apple muffins?” She was sure they, as usual had an over-abundance of apples, and she vaguely remembered him saying they were pretty easy to make.

“No prob.” They fell quiet as the farmhouse came into view. It was beginning to get a bit late. Not dark yet, though. She yawned again, and snorted when Del did the same. Now she knew he was tired.

She looked to him with a small smile. He didn’t seem to notice, being lost in his own thoughts. He was pretty dirty, she observed, most of the filth from the days work. Though she was sure she didn’t look much better.

She knew she was small, and had grown used to being referred to as such, but walking quietly next to a towering stallion like Del, she felt every bit her size. Or lack thereof…

“Ya’ll can clean up while Ah get ta cookin.” He said, entering the house. She followed with a nod, and held back another yawn.

Normally she’d object, but being covered in…. what all she was covered in, she really wanted to get it off. She went upstairs, already knowing where the bath and shower were located, and he left to the kitchen. She turned the water on, going through the motions, noticing she didn’t see anypony on her way up.

In all likeliness Apple Bloom and Api had gone home by now. Cheerilee had probably gone back to the school and was staying after…

Granny could’ve very well been sleeping in her rocker. She did that so often Starburst only noticed when she wasn’t there.

‘Come to think of it…’ She was sure they’d missed dinner. It was odd for nopony to try to come and get them. She yawned once more, stepping into the now heated shower, deciding to ask about it later.

Now, if anypony were to ask, she wouldn’t admit it, but she did start to nod off in the shower. She was sure she actually fell asleep through it, the reason being she didn’t remember most of it.

She shook herself awake a bit more before going to the kitchen, where she saw Del mixing up a batter. He looked completely normal. She went over and took a sat at the table before voicing her thoughts.

“How are you still moving?” She asked as she lay her head on the table. She tried her best not to show how tired she really was, but it was hard. Her muscles ached, her eyelids were heavy... She was exhausted.

As she closed her eyes, she barely heard him laugh.

“Ah’m used ta working like this. A farm don’ stop runnin' jus cause you’re tired.”

“Can I help..?” She felt she had to offer, though she didn’t even hear his reply…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lyla felt she was doing good, making it to Ponyville Square by cloud hopping. It took a bit of work, but it wasn’t too unlike how she had gotten to Ponyville in the first place.

She saw the giant blanket of cloud Prism had prepared right over the Square. It was perfect. She made a jump for it, falling slightly short. Her front hooves ended up on it, but her back end was kinda hanging off.

She felt a pull on the saddle bag she was wearing, and was rolled over onto the cloud to see Prism looking down at her with the usual arrogant smirk.

“You know, you’d so be dead without me.” She blushed at his comment, knowing full well how much truth it held. She got up quietly, looking away. She didn’t have much in the way of pride, but she really didn’t want to say he was right. She chalked it up to her struggle for independence.

“Thank you…” He waved her gratitude off with a “no prob”, then walked over to the middle of the cloud.

“So, we ready?”

“Yes,” She stopped. “Oh, no, not yet.” She moved over to him. “Get a bag out of your pack.” He did as she said, getting one out. She reached over and bit a small hole in the bottom of the bag.

Big enough for the berries to fall through with a small bit of force.

“Now, put it in the other side.” They did this until each bag had a small hole in it. Some seemed a bit too small, some a tad big, but all would work fine.

She left a bag in her mouth, and he left one in his. She giggled a bit as they started running.

It didn’t take too long for them to get up to a speed where the berries in the bag were forced out of the hole, and fell. They fell down through the cloud to land in Ponyville Square, where Candy was waiting.

After they had gotten up to speed, berry after berry after berry fell, a few hitting some ponies on the head.

After a few seconds, she heard Candy play her part perfectly.

“Its raining berries!!!! EVERYPONY RUN!!!!” She did her best not to giggle at the sound of the panic that ensued. When one pony panicked, all others would.

She pulled out another bag, letting the berries fall, hearing yelling, screams, crashing, and it went on after the last berry fell. She pulled Prism away from the cloud before they were caught.

The pair went to land next to Candy, who was just standing back and watching the mayhem. They joined her watching all the ponies run back and forth, freaking out. She swore she heard somepony say they were poisoned because they ate one.

When everything finally settled and everypony had “taken cover” the Square was dotted purple and red where berries had been smashed, and a few market stalls had gotten trampled.

She sat there in shock at everything. That was what she expected, but perhaps Candy did her job a bit too well.

“That was awesome!” Prism was the first to speak, laughing wildly. “I can’t believe it! All that over a bunch of berries! That’s great!”

Well, when he put it like that, it was rather funny.

“You have a point. If berries caused this much damage, imagine what would happen if it started raining fireballs of some sort.” She and Candy both laughed at that.

“That really was pretty cool. We had to have got the whole town.” Candy finally spoke. It was true, they got a lot of ponies.

“See?” She smiled a bit. “I told you it would be amusing. Was I right?”

“You totally were!” Prism took to a hover in his excitement. An amused smirk on his face, he reached his hoof out.

She knew this! She smiled, moving her hoof to his with a “clunk”. She and Candy both giggled.

“How did you come up with that? We prank all the time, and never thought of getting that many ponies.” She thought on Candy’s question.

“I’m not quite sure. It's somewhat of an epiphany. They just come to me.” She smiled it the two.

“Besides, it was a team effort. I suppose we should get going before we get questioned?”

“Probly a good idea.” Prism agreed, leading the way out of the square. Candy followed happily with a “yeah.”

She was about to follow when she looked back on the square. It was in need of a small bit of…repair. The fact that she was sure they wouldn’t get caught didn’t do much to assuage her guilt.

It was fun, but it might’ve gone slightly too far… She looked back to see Candy and Prism chatting back and forth about something. She wasn’t quite sure.

She turned back to town square, seeing it empty and broken… She slowly and quietly started backing up, turning behind a house. She’d catch up with them later.

She made sure one more time that nopony was watching before closing her eyes to let her horn glow, removing the berry stains, and repairing the broken stalls.

She was glad Princess Celestia had bestowed this gift upon her… but looking at what she did, it wasn’t exactly history worthy. She opened her eyes, the glow of her horn dying.

Her ascention was something that usually bothered her, but at times, she couldn’t help thinking on why the princess had chosen she and her brother to gift it with…

Neither were quite remarkable in much of anything. Well, Valiant more than she. Her brother had a lot of great ruling qualities. He’d make a wonderful prince when the time came.

She thought harder as she walked back to where she broke up with Candy and Prism. What was it about her spell that made her worthy of being a Princess..?

“Lyla!” Prism said her name, suddenly right in front of her. The shock caused her to jump back, landing on her haunches.

Where’d you go?” Candy asked, coming up from behind him. Still somewhat startled by their sudden presence, she lagged in answering.

“… Huh? Oh…. I…” She looked away, getting up. “I suppose I…. Got lost?” That seemed plausible.

Candy giggled a bit at the revelation. Prism was more vocal.

“You’re weird.” He said simply as he landed. She held back a pout as he continued.

“So guess we’re heading home?” Oh, that was right. It was about to be dark any minute now.

“I suppose it would be a good idea.” Candy nodded in agreement with her statement.

“I’ll walk ya home.” There was silence at Prism’s decision. She noticed he said it to her and immediately blushed.

“Huh?!” Candy’s shocked voice was the first one heard. She shared in the mare’s shock, though was a bit less loud about it.

“That’s… rather nice of you…” Oddly nice. He just rolled his eyes slightly, scratching the back of his head.

“D’ya want me to or not?” He looked back to her, a mischievous smirk on his muzzle. He continued, not allowing her to answer.

“I just figured knowing you, you’d get lost and end up back in the Everfree Forset. Or kill yourself trippin on a rock.” Candy moved a hoof up to her mouth, keeping the laughter she knew she was hiding behind it in. Lyla pouted slightly once more. Not at the fact that he said that, but that she couldn’t deny it.

“… Ok…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Del-

"Nah, Ya’ll don have ta help.” He got no reply from the little orange mare, though he didn’t think much on it, being that it was quite usual for her to give no response, and continued on with his baking.

As used to baking as he was, the task was like clockwork to him, talking nearly no time at all. He put the muffins in the oven with a small yawn, and turned back to see Starburst dead asleep with her head on the table.

After noticing she had, in fact fallen asleep, he rolled his eyes slightly with a warm chuckle. She always pushed herself too hard, but he ‘d be lying if he said he didn’t like that about her.

Though he didn’t like her working so hard when she was so tired, he was grateful to have her. Even June wasn’t that much help cleaning out the barn, and she was twice Star's size.

He took a few steps over, deciding to sit while the muffins were cooking, and laying his own head down on the table to watch the small mare in front of him.

She was so full of surprises. Never backing down from a challenge, no matter how hard, trying anyway, even though she knows she’ll fail for sure, having such huge dreams so unfitting of her image…

Mares don’t come like that anymore. She was one of a kind in every meaning.

He knew how he felt about her. He had for a while now. Six or seven months or so, and ever since he had known of them, they’ve been getting stronger… the opposite of what he wanted to happen.

He sighed, getting up to get to get the filth of the day off of him. He took a look back at her to see her snore. He smiled warmly, turning out of the room. He was pretty sure she wasn’t going to wake up. He’d take her home after his shower.

He took a very quick one. He was quick anyway, but with the oven going, he hurried even more. He’d burnt things before, of course. Who hadn’t? But there was no way he was burning Star’s muffins. Especially after she (most likely unknowingly) gave him so many compliments on it today. He arrived back at the kitchen to see it just as he’d left it. Applejack in the middle of it was new, though.

“That you, son?” He heard her speak softly. She turned a lamp on after she asked, being as he turned the lights off when he left, the oven wasn’t a very good light source.

“Yeah, careful a Star.” He went over to the sleeping mare he was pretty sure his mother wasn’t aware of.

“She still here?” He saw her look to the table, continuing when she saw Starburst was asleep. She chuckled softly. “That little mare darn near work herself ta death again?”

“Ah told ‘er she could go, but she wouldn’t hear none of it.” She never did hear it. He wasn’t even sure why he bothered telling her anymore.

He subconsciously smiled another warm smile, one that seemed hard to hold back whenever the little pegasus was around. A smile that didn’t go unnoticed by Applejack.

“Ya know…” She paused to get a drink of the water he assumed she’d come for. “ She’d sure make one heck of a marefriend.”

His face fell at her statement. He wasn’t angry by any means, it was just getting tiring to repeat it.

“She would. She’ll make some prince or guard a wonderful marefriend someday.” His mother and June were the only two who knew of his feelings for the princess, even then, he wasn’t sure they knew how deep they went.

He really didn’t know how deep they went. He did know he’d die before seeing her hurt. When he saw her pinned by that…. Thing the day before… even if he could’ve never used that leg again, it would’ve been worth it.

“I ain’t so sure them stallions are her style.” He sighed when his mother continued. They’d been over this… he didn’t even know how many times anymore.

“What,” He chuckled a bit, “Ya think them mares’d be more her style?” He didn’t mean it, of course. He just found it very annoying when his mom talked to him about her. Her face fell as she sighed.

“Ya know what Ah mean, boy.” He did. He knew all too well.

He walked over to the oven before it could go off, turning it off and opening it.

“An you know why nothins gonna happen.” He heard Applejack walk over, going around him. Thank Celestia, it looked like she was leaving. He sat the muffins in his mouth, oven mitt between it and the pan, on the stove to cool.

“Ya know, Gold,” He looked back when she started talking again. “You’re smart. There times Ah’m sure you’re the smartest colt came outta this here farm…” She looked back to him frowning a little, but she didn’t look mad.

“An then there times like these when Ah think you’re dumber than a pile a hay.” It wasn’t said with any anger, but she did leave after it. What the hay was that supposed to mean?

He shook his head, figuring his ma was just upset. He knew how much she liked Star, too. Like the daughter she never knew she wanted or something.

He got a brown bag out from the cupboard they were kept in, tapping the muffins out of the tin as quietly as he could. After he got through packing them, he sat the bag on the table. He then turned his attention to the sleeping mare.

Luckily, the way she’d fallen asleep left a good space for him to get under her. He did so, lifting her onto his back, and making sure he had her good before grabbing the brown bag and heading out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lyla walked quietly through the abandoned streets of Ponyville, Prism at her side. It was quite a change from Starburst, but a welcome one.

Though around Star, she would’ve said something by now… She had no idea why her nerves always seemed to get the better of her around him.

“So…” She finally started. “I wonder what Whirlwind did today. After we split up, of course.”

“Not sure. She don’t usually come pranking with us anymore though. The first time she did, she got chewed out by her parents. I did too, but it didn’t bug me.” That definitely intrigued her.

“What did you do to get in such trouble?” She spoke her mind, causing him to snicker a bit.

“We put bleach in the rainbow pools. It was great.” She giggled a bit, giving him a knowing look out of the corner of her eye.

“Ah, so you’re a bit of a troublemaker, are you?” She smiled a bit as she said it, already knowing the answer.

“I try.” He said with a proud smirk. “But I’m an angel compared to some things Illusions done. From what I’ve heard.” Oh, Illusion. Now that was a troublemaker. Not that she didn’t like him, he just… had a playful streak that got out of control here and there. At least that’s what she told herself.

“Yes… I’ve been at the receiving end of quite a good number of his jokes…” She missed the look he gave her when she said that.

“You know Prince Illusion?” To her surprise, he seemed a bit shocked.

“Well, Yes. He and my brother are best friends.” She was confused when he arched an eyebrow.

“Huh, I always though Prince Valliant was his best friend.” Her eyes widened at the realization of what he'd said. He shrugged it off, most likely thinking he was mistaken. “Who is your brother anyway? You talk about him a lot.”

“Um…” She looked away a bit, thinking of what to say. “You… wouldn’t know him.” He looked at her a second before looking away.

“If you don’t wanna say, you can just say so.” He said it plainly, and didn’t seem to really care, but it seemed her statement had gotten the wrong meaning across…

“Well, he….. He works in the royal guard…. And he’s…. um…. He lives in the palace…” She tried her best to think of what all she could say, not much coming to mind.

“ He’s… very nice… though he used to be a bit of a… jerk? For lack of better word… and Star thinks the world of him…”

“What’s his name?” Prism finally spoke, watching her with an expression she couldn’t place.

“…………Um………….. Val? I suppose…” He arched an eyebrow,

“Prince Val?”

“No!” She thought a second, gathering herself. “No… not the prince…. Val’s short for…………. Valentine..?” She said the name slowly, trying to piece it together as it came out. To her surprise, Prism sat, giving her a look of disbelief.

“Wait, lemme get this straight…. Your brother is in the royal guard, lives in the palace, and his name’s Valentine?” Why is it he was able to make everything she said sound stupid?

“… Yes?” There was a bit of silence before Prism fell over laughing. Seeing how dumb her blatant lie was, rather than curl up into a bal as she wished, she just joined him, laughing as well.

“You’re so weird.” He said getting up, and resuming their walk. He seemed to say that quite a bit about her. She hoped it was a good thing.

The library came into sight a few minutes after. She was able to catch a small glimpse of who she thought to be Del before the figure disappeared behind a building. She only saw his back end though.

Not that she looked at it enough to know what it looked like, he was just the only pony she knew who styled his tail so, and whose hair color was brown and blond.

She turned to Prism when they came up to the door.

“Well, see ya in the-”

“Prism!” She cut him off, seeing he was about to take off to Cloudsdale. She blushed realizing she was a bit too loud…

“Um… well, that is…” She looked down, blushing a bit darker, poking at the ground with her hoof. Her nerves were not going to get the better of her this time. She’d been battling since she’d gotten to the cloud to ask what she was going to ask, and by Celestia she was going to ask it!

“Yeah..?” She was knocked out of her mini pep talk by Prism, obviously waiting for her to continue.

“… Well….. After tomorrows flying lesson…. If you and Whirlwind don’t have anything else planned…… And well…. Since I can fly up to clouds now…. Would you…” She trailed off again, then took a deep breath.

“Would you give me a tour of Cloudsdale tomorrow?”

She blushed, wondering if he would agree, since he and Whirlwind were obviously an item… but it was just as friends. She had no ulterior motives. None. At all.

She looked down during the small bit of silence. She’d face a whole hive of hornets to get this feeling to stop… She felt so vulnerable. Her heart jumped when she heard him sigh.

“Ya know…” He started, “You’re gonna be the end a my afternoon naps.” She looked back up in confusion. What was that supposed to mean? He flew into a hover.

“Sure. See ya.” She saw a smirk grace his muzzle before he flew off.

She sat there blushing quietly. Sure? That meant yes right? She let out a long calming sigh. She always felt as if she’d run a marathon around him… it was quite a foreign feeling.

She shut the door behind her as she went in. There was a lamp on, telling her Starburst must be home. She used her magic to flip on a few more lights.

She looked around, finally seeing all the books the library had to offer. After a certain amount of time, the books had a way of fading into the background. She momentarily wondered if any of them held the answers as to what that monster was…

She flapped her wings, flying up the stairs, deciding to get comfortable before beginning her research. She landed at the top of the stairs, seeing Starburst had gone to bed already.

She went over to the mirror, removing the invisibility spell from her horn, and letting her hair down. She used her magic to levitate a brush over to attempt to get the creases where the tie had been out.

After she was done, she flew back down, taking a few extra steps on her landing, but landing. She looked around at the books, then looked through the directory to see which books might be of assistance.

After gathering said books, and reading through most of them, she concluded that it had to have been some form of hell hound.

Though none of the books mentioned that breed specifically. They shouldn’t be able to breathe fire, nor should they be as big as a full grown stallion. ‘What if there are more?’

Candy had a very legitimate point. She was sure other ponies stood no chance against the demon.

She got a blank piece of paper, and quickly doodled what she could remember of the thing, then prayed her Aunt Twilight forgive her when she ripped the page on the hell hounds from the book.

She folded her drawing in with the ripped page, and a note. She decided she’d send it in the morning… and then it would be out of her hooves.

She sat the letter down on a small end table, and flew back up the stairs to prepare for bed.

It hadn’t taken her as long as she thought it would to find what she found on the demon, so when she got back to the room, sleep wasn’t quite ready to find her yet.

Writing the letter to her brother had let her mind wander to her family. ‘I cant believe how long I’ve been gone… Mother and father must be worried sick.’ thoughts of her mother loosing sleep and her father running the guards rampant plagued her mind. She trotted over to the window, opening it. One spell wouldn’t hurt. She didn’t put a return address on the letter…

She was sure she wouldn’t be found. She let her eyes close, her horn beginning to glow once more. A light pink heart made its way from her horn, and flew off in the direction of the Crystal Empire.

‘I hope it makes it.’ She’d never cast her spell over such great of a distance before.

She folded her forelegs, laying her head down on them, looking out the window to see the moon. Through all these years, she still didn’t know why she found the moon so comforting.

There were many things she didn’t know. Too many. Why was she chosen to be a princess? Why did she feel she had to run away..? What was she starting to feel for Prism..?

She wasn’t a dumb pony. She was very smart, in fact.. But when posed with questions such as this, she didn’t know what to think. None of it made sense.

She looked back to the moon one last time before falling asleep, as if it would answer her questions, though it never did.

When Hearts Take Flight

by cemfin

A normal day..?

Meet Lyla

Flying Lessons

Everfree Demon

Late Morning

Meet the Apples

Raining... Berries?