> No more burden > by Mystic_Hooves > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ‘’C’mon, Crash, keep up!’’ For the fifth time since the damn training session began, Rainbow Dash were just lying on a cloud, feeling dizzy and frankly embarrassed. Never have Spitfire been so demanding, so pushing, enough for the blue Pegasus to reconsider her place among the Wonderbolts. Am I really the fastest flyer in Equestria? Am I really Wonderbolts material? On these unusual thoughts, Rainbow tried to keep up with her comrades, half-listening to the instruction and avoiding talk as much as possible. Her torment finally came to an end, as she was ready to head back in Ponyville, in hope of drinking a glass – maybe a barrel – of cider with Applejack, she cringed as she heard the rigid voice of Spitfire yelling: ‘’Come here this instant, Rainbow Crash!’’ Even after the events of her first days as a full-fledged Wonderbolt, the dreaded nickname still annoyed her. ‘’If you want to yell at me, go on, I won’t stop you…’’, said Rainbow Dash, on a defeated tone. ‘’That’s not what you need right now, Rainbow Cr…, Dashie. But you have to know, I noticed you’ve been degrading for a couple of weeks now. I should have talked to you sooner, but the truth is, I don’t always have the luxury of dealing with personal problems. So now I want to help you with whatever’s going on, not only for the good of the team, but as a friend.’’ It was the first time rainbow ever heard Spitfire used that much of sweet talk. I’m that pathetic, he? ‘’I haven’t really been myself lately, but I’m not… wait a minute, did you call me… Dashie?’’, she declared, shocked. ‘’Oh, hum, I guess so. It felt more… appropriate… than the usual one.’’ ‘’… Please don’t.’’ ‘’Anyways, what’s going on?’’, said Spitfire, breaking the awkward moment like nothing happened. ‘’You wouldn’t understand… Like you can ever be stressed by anything…’’ With those words, Spitfire just stared at the blue pony, without expressing anything until she gently started to laugh. ‘’Oh dear, such innocence, but still one the most amazing and ‘’Coolest’’ pony I met!’’, Spitfire declared, still amused. ‘’…I don’t know if I should thank you or be angry…’’, replied Rainbow dash, confused. ‘’You really think I’m never nervous? That I never feel any kind of tension? You honestly think that no Wonderbolts, even during the worst crisis, never been scared? And what about your friend, the princess? Has she stayed completely calm at every challenges she faced? That’s cute…’’ Rainbow narrowed her eyes and gave Spitfire an annoyed glare, ‘’I’m not c…’’ ‘’Think about what I said over the weekend, and I want you to come earlier at the next session, so we can talk.’’ Rainbow didn’t bother answering, she already knew she had no excuse for her behavior… The fact was, the only pressure she felt was because she failed to execute some flying tactics, and was scared she would to be outclassed by her colleagues… She was right about Twilight… maybe she can help… --- Twilight was exhausted. The only thing she wanted right now, was to lay on her bed and rest until the next season. But as soon as she was closing her eyes, the pressure kept coming back. So many officials to meet… so many speeches to write… so many lessons to prepare for Starlight … at least she’s busy for some time… But is Trixie really a good influence on her? Ah well, I should trust her more… And so on… Needless to say, the princess of friendship hasn’t felt well rested in a long time! Instead of pointlessly laying on her bed, Twilight decided to go look for a book, hoping that a calm story could lessen her tensions. But she didn’t expect to find a blue tornado creating a mess in her library! ‘’Rainbow Dash! What are you doing!’’ she yelled. Apparently she wasn't loud enough, because her blue friend just kept on grabbing random books, mumbling to herself and dropping them, grumbling. After a couple attempts, she finally heard the Alicorn, and stopped her circus. Is that all your books on magic, ‘’the pegasus casually asked while showing an anarchic pile of books – next to an empty bookshelf’’. ‘’Hum, probably not? Would you care to explain what are you doing?’’ ‘’I need a spell! My wonder-career depends on it!’’, she answered, dramatically. ‘’What are y…’’ ‘’You don’t understand! I’m losing my Coolness! And THAT is not cool! The worst! I can’t live like-like … Fluttershy!’’ ‘’That’s not nice… And you don’t make any sense!’’, replied Twilight, starting to get impatient. ‘’I need a spell to never feel nervous again! Not that I am – you know – nervous, or maybe a tiny bit, but I kinda need it for… training and… stuff.’’ Convinced by the precision of her explanation, she stared at Twilight desperately waiting for an answer, but only to realize how tired her friend looked. ‘’And how exactly did you want to cast the spell?’’ ‘’Good point,’’admitted Rainbow, blushing a little. ‘’So, which book?’’ ‘’Hum, maybe in the Tumultuous Compendium of…’’ ‘’Thank you! You are such a great friend!’’ ‘’I didn’t… He, yeah, of course, anything to help!’’ ‘’Are you okay‘’, asked Rainbow, on a more relaxed voice. ‘’Of course, I'm fine! It's research!‘’ As the ponies were searching, Twilight realized that she could take benefit from this situation as well. Rainbow don’t want to be nervous… She is feeling too much pressure, like me… but altering emotions is dangerous, event forbidden in several places… but what if… a comforting spell… ‘’Rainbow!’’, suddenly yelled the Alicorn. ‘’What? What? You found it?’’ ‘’We don’t need a book! Follow me!’’ Both ponies left the library, heading for one of the guest rooms, large enough to contain two beds. As rainbow was wondering what was going on, Twilight explained: ‘’Okay, this is the first time I try this spell. Well, second time, but it requires at least a partner to succeed... You’ll understand. First, get on one of the bed, and make yourself comfortable. ‘’ As odd as it seemed, Rainbow didn’t argue and just decided to silently follow her friend’s instructions. ‘’Now, you will need to close your eyes and think about the most comforting things you can. You have to feel happy and relaxed. I will feel it when it’s ready. Next, I’ll cast a spell that will give us that same feeling anytime it’s needed! I cannot do it on my own, since the casting itself takes a great amount of concentration! Understood? Okay, let’s begin!’’ It was hard at first, but Rainbow managed to calm herself, diving deeper and deeper in her memories. She first thought about the races she won, then about that amazing party Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich organized for her last birthday, her meeting with Tank, her first time at the Wonderbolts academy…She lost track of the time, but it seems like at least an hour has passed… She decided to open an eye and at that very moment, Twilight’s horn lit up. Rainbow became a bit stressed, hoping not to make the spell fail, so she tried to go back in her soothing thoughts, but the only thing she could focus on, strangely, was Spitfire’s word's earlier. Dashie… Such innocence… cute… And more strangely, thinking about these words made her smile… A bright purple-ish light filled the chamber in an instant. Next Chapter 1: Magical Mystery Charm > Chapter 1: Magical Mystery Charm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 1, Magical Mystery charm "Now now, I want you to eat that yummy salad I made just for you, I mean, if it’s okay with you." Angel, as stubborn as ever, gave a menacing look at Fluttershy (well, as menacing as a bunny can be) and kicked the bowl, not satisfied with his meal. He acted like that all week, driving the yellow Pegasus crazy but always getting was he wanted in return. ''Okay, that’s it''! calmly shouted Fluttershy (Yes, she can shout calmly, it’s her thing). ''I have to be firm with you, it’s for your own good! If you don’t want to eat, fine! But you will have to wait until dinner, and I will prepare the exact same thing! Now, thanks to your behavior this week, I have to go buy some food in town. Have a good day!'' The bunny just stopped moving, furious about the situation, but completely froze, not used to his caretaker authority. He did witness it a couple of time before, but rarely against him! He was even more surprised when he saw Fluttershy leaving the cottage, without looking back. His anger rapidly turned to culpability as he decided to clean his mess, feeling the heavy weight of defeat, resigned to wait as long as needed. As she stepped outside, Fluttershy couldn’t hold her tears longer. Why must I be so weak? Gosh, if I can’t stand up to a cutesy little bunny, how would I do with a foal? I thought I learned my lesson with the Breezies… With those sad thoughts in mind, she started walking towards town, more precisely, towards Twilight castle without noticing it, completely forgetting about her chore. -- ''You sure you want to race, Rainbow Crash?’’ taunted Dumb-Bell. ''You are just a filly! How can you win?'' ''We are the same age! ''replied Rainbow, with a high pitched voice. Suddenly, Dumb-Bell, Hoops and Score started to grow, to quickly become full grown stallion. ''It’s okay, Dashie'', said filly-fluttershy, with a voice so-low you could barely hear her. ''You don’t have to do this. Look how big and scary they are, and how tiny and feeble you are…'' ''Yeah, you tell him, Klutzershy!'', added Dumb-Bell. Rainbow Dash tried to reply, but he wasn’t able to process any other sound than: ''Gah'' and the like. While the bullies were laughing, the blue Pegasus felt more and more tiny. It was then Fluttershy turn to grow into a mare, and during all the process, she was looking at him with a motherly grin, humming some lullaby. Soon, the clouds were all occupied by mares and stallions, all staring at him regressing back into babyhood… ''Wake up! Wake up, you donkey!'' screamed Twilight. Rainbow Dash woke up in terror, confused and covered in sweat. After realizing she was just dreaming, she took a look around, noting she was still in Twilight’s guest room… and noticing by the window it was already morning. ''Are you okay?'' pursued Twilight. ''You were… screaming and… crying in your sleep.'' ''Wha... I thought you knew better than that, Twilie. I don’t do crying'', she said while whipping her tears. ''If you say so. Did you have weird dream like...'' ''The spell! `` interrupted Rainbow. ''Did it work?'' ''I guess we’ll only know while under some stress! That said, I better get back to those speech preparations'', she whined. ''Under stress? Oh damn, I have to go! Spitfire will have a piece of me if I’m late!'' Without another word, Rainbow dash flew by the door, and a couple of seconds later, Twilight heard some commotions, a scream coming from a shrill voice followed by Rainbow quickly saying: ''Hi Fluttershy'' from a greater distance. Narrowing her eyes, Twilight left the room, ready to greet her forever-timid friend. ''Sorry about that. You know how she is when in a hurry! In fact, I’m surprised she didn’t used a window.'' ''Y…Yes, I know.'' Twilight waited a moment, but her friend didn’t seem to have anything else to say. ''So'', started Twilight, familiar with the situation. ''What brings you here? Is it Pinkie harassing you with plans for Angel’s birthday?'' It didn’t take any more for Fluttershy to burst into tears. ''Oh, I’m so going to have a talk with that pink pony!'' Not knowing what else to do, Twilight gave a warm hug her friend; Fluttershy than tried to say something. ''Not Pinkie. I am a terrible mother!'' was the only things the princess managed to hear. ''That’s nonsense, Fluttershy. Every animal around here loves you, and I’ve never known any pony as caring and gentle as you!'' ''I guess you are right'', replied the Pegasus, with softer crying. ''It’s just… Angel was more demanding this week; it was too much pressure for me...'' ''Trust me, I completely get how you feel!'' ''Thank you, Twilight. You are a wonderful friend!'' She was still sobbing a little, but she obviously felt a lot better. ''What are doing here, Twilight?'' ''What are you meaning?'' replied the princess, amused. ''You are in my home!'' ''Oh dear, I didn’t even notice. I thought I was going to the shops...'' ''Do you want me to come with you?'' proposed Twilight, worried about her friend.'' Or you could stay here if you want! I’m alone for a time, I gave Spike some vacation and he decided to visit his friend Ember.'' ''I really have to buy some food for Angel. And he is probably doing a mess at home right now… Oh Twilight, can you stay with me today? I mean, if it’s not much to ask…'' ''Of course! Anything for a friend!'' happily replied Twilight, now with the perfect excuse to delay her work. I am still too nervous to work? Wow, that’s unusual, thought the princess. I guess the spell didn’t work after all… Feeling better and better, Fluttershy leaded the way, quickly followed by her friend. -- When Rainbow Dash arrived at the barracks, there was still only Spitfire present. That’s a good start, she thought. ''Good, you’re here'' simply greeted the captain. ''I hope you came to your senses during the night.'' Not as good start. That was harsh. I have to prove I’m still two-hundred percent ready. '' I never lost my senses, Cap’n. I was just… just…'' What’s happening? I don’t know what to say! ''You were just what, Rainbow crash? Too awesome for my training?'' At the word awesome, the blue pegasus suddenly felt jubilant, like she was praised. Without thinking, she jumped as high as she could and started flying around Spitfire, yelling: ''Yeah, I’m awesome! Try to catch me!'' ''Rainbow Dash, get down this instant'', screamed the captain, ''and stop acting like a child! You are dishonoring yourself, and the wonderbolts!'' At the mention of dishonoring, Rainbow realized how strange she was acting, clearly embarrassed judging by the tone of her face. She slowly got back on the ground, not able to look at Spitfire in the eyes. ''Care to tell me what happened just there?'' ''I… I don’t know'', replied Rainbow, with a soft voice. ''Just… you know… want to play…'' ''To play!'' yelled Spitfire, passing from angry to utterly furious. ''Where do you think you are, in kindergarten? We are wonderbolts! We are proud servants of equestrian, and best flyer in all of Equestria! It certainly not by playing that we can keep this reputation! Tell me, Crash, are you a wonderbolt?'' ''Yes, me wonderbolt!'' ''You dare speak to me like a child! For Celestia’s sake, use complete sentences at least!'' ''Me awesome wonderbolt!'' tried Rainbow, with the most confidence she could. ''I am not convinced! That’s it, I had enough! I don’t want you on these fields until next week!'' ''But...'' ''Just leave!'' Spitfire interrupted. Defeated, Rainbow slowly left the barrack, ignoring her comrades who were just arriving. I want to see Twilie… -- Twilight and Fluttershy spent all morning shopping, forgetting about their respective problems. With bags full of various vegetable, treats and toys (for some reason, Twilight really wanted to buy them) both ponies headed for the cottage. When Fluttershy opened the door, she couldn’t believe what she saw. Not only the bowl and the salad had been pick up from the ground, but everything was cleaner, and it smelled like flower. As soon as she heard the door, Angel bounced towards her caregiver, giving the warmest and cuddliest hug ever. ''Did you do all that, Angel?'' ''See? You had no reason to worry!'' joyfully announced Twilight. Without losing any more minutes, Fluttershy dropped her bag and began to empty them, giving some treats to her bunny and humming a cheerful melody. As her pet was eating, she took all the vegetables to her kitchen and started to prepare the most complex, most garnished salad she could think of. It took her only around ten minutes. She then headed back to the living room … and what she witnessed was truly unexpected. Twilight was sitting on the ground, with the toys previously bought scattered all around her. She was playing with a teddy bear, making him ride a small plastic train and imitating the sound of the vehicle. Fluttershy than put down the amazing bowl of salad (that could possibly feed half of the critters around the cottage) and stared at her friend, troubled by her sight. ''Here you go, Angel'', she said, with a voice so off you could mistake her with the buzzing of a fly. Twilight kept on riding the train, that seemed now to have the capacity to ride on walls and sometimes jump instead of rolling. ''Hum, Twilight'', started Fluttershy, unsure of how to react. ''I thought the toys were for Angel and Spike? I didn’t know you wanted to… you know… play with them. But it’s okay! I’m not judging you! I just… hum…'' More and more confused, she didn’t know how to act. ''Of course you silly!'' replied the princess. ''Angel is sure to love it and even thought Spike won’t admit it, he is going to be very happy!'' ''Hum… Okay... So why are you...'' Noticing she were holding the toy-train, Twilight let it fell on the ground and quickly got up. She seemed to came back to her senses, but as she saw Angel eating literally from inside the bowl, she started to giggle, similar to a filly, and shouted: ''Look how cute he is! I want to play with him!'' ''Of course! But do you want to go back to your castle? You will have more place to play!'' Fluttershy herself was surprised by how quickly she reacted. ''Okay! Let’s go!'' The princess grabbed the train, the teddy bear and a random bag of toys and – completely forgetting about the bunny – headed out and then towards her home. Oh dear, what is happening? thought Fluttershy while following her friend. Needless to say the poor pony wasn't prepared at all for what was about to follow. Next: Chapter 2: The Care master to the rescue!