> The Golden Falcon
>  by Blueelectric
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

17 years ago

A cry of a young filly filled the air one spring night. The filly was a beautiful golden and white pegasus. Each of her feathers have golden and white markings on them. And she was lost. 

She was walking in the middle of an empty field, surrounded by large mountains. "Mommy! Daddy! Where are you!" She called. She shivered as a wisp of cold air rushed by her. 

She stopped as she heard something screech. Frightened, she rushed under a large bush. She curled up, still crying. 

She shouted in fright as a feathery head popped under the bush. It was a falcon. The young filly perked up. "A birdy!" She hopped towards it.  The falcon step back a few inches, unsure what to think of her. The filly tilt her head at it. The bird tilt back. 

"You're so big." She said in awe as she circle it. She sat down and stared up at it. "Have you seen my parents?" The falcon just blinked at her. 

"You must have. You see, my parents were going to take me to see a show yesterday, but then this huge storm come out of nowhere! I was riding on my dad's back, when the wind blew me off. I fall down and landed on a bush. I look around but my parents are not there."

Tears fell from her clear blue eyes. "Please, Mr.Bird. I want my parents. I'm cold and I'm hungry." The falcon screech and flew off.  Hope lit up in the little pony's eyes. "Thanks, Mr. Bird!" She yawned.

She laid down on the soft grass. "I'm gonna take a nap. Then when I wake up, Mom and Dad will be here." She told herself. She curled up and tucked her wings in as she slowly fell asleep. 

She woke up as she felt a rush of wind. She opened her eyes to find she was way to high in the sky. She look up and spotted the falcon who was carrying her in his talons. 

He was holding her very gently as to not hurt her with his sharp claws. She smiled at him. "Your taking me to my parents?" He shriek gently back in return.

She noticed he was taking her to a large mountain. "Are they up there? Mom! Dad!" she yelled, filling with hope. The falcon slowed as he was flying near a large nest on the ledge. 

There was another falcon tucked in it. She raised up and revealed a newborn chick. The filly was dropped gently in it.

The filly looked around confused. "Um, Mr.Bird, you got a nice family. But my parents aren't here." The mother bird tucked herself over the small filly. She suddenly felt warm. 

Something else was dropped in the nest. It was red juicy apple. The filly sniffed at it hungrily, mouth watering. 

She glanced up at the father bird gratefully. "Thank you. I'm starving!" She picked it up and tucked in. The baby falcon watched her curiously.  Soon, she finished leaving the core.

The father falcon leaned in and picked up the apple core with his beak. He then dropped it off the ledge. 

"Thanks for the apple, but I want to find my parents now. Please!" She pleaded with large eyes. He shook his head. "Please! I want my mom and dad!" The mother nudge her further under her. 

The falcon look at her sadly. She caught on. "You can't find them?" He shook his head again. Her eyes start to water. "Mom! Dad!" She started to wail in anguish. 

She rushed towards the edge of the nest trying to get out. The mother caught her tail with her beak and pulled her back.

"No! I don't want to stay you, I want to go home!" She scrambled with her hooves, trying to free herself. She wailed again. "Let me go!" She struggled for a few seconds, but couldn't free herself. 

She collapsed to her side, sobbing as she was pulled back underneath the mother. "I wanna go home! Please take me home." She cried.

The golden and white filly laid there, as she continued crying her little eyes out. The crying slowed into a whimpering. She cried so much, that she started to hiccup. 

"I...hic...want...hic...to go home."She whimpered over and over again. She gazed up at the father with teary eyes as he slowly bent down.

He touched her nose with his beak. She stared in his eyes as something flashed from it. She shivered as something rushed through her body. 

Her eyes started to droop as she suddenly start to become very sleepy. She tried to fight it, but the feeling is too much. She slowly laid her head down.

As she closed her eyes, she thought she heard a voice. "Rest now, little one." 

She shivered as she slowly open her eyes. She rubbed them awake. "Mommy, I had a strange dream last night." She look around and notice she was in a nest. 

Her heart sank as she finally realized what happened. Her parents are gone and she was with a family of large birds.

"Good morning!" She turned to the source of the voice. The falconet was staring at her with a friendly look in his eyes. "My name is Stormy. What's yours?" The filly blinked her eyes. The voice was coming from him.

She slowly backed away. "How did you speak?" She asked. "Father must of used his magic on you. Take a look over the ledge." He explained as she walked up and looked over the ledge. Her eyes widened. She can see miles away, even farther than she can before.

Every bush, every mountain, every blades of grass. She spotted movement and notice a rabbit hopping by. It stopped and nibbled on some clover. 

She looked up to the sky and spotted an eagle as it circle a distant lake. She watched as it dives into the lake and caught a fat trout.

She turn and look back at Stormy. The downy white chick smiled at her. "So," he asked again. "What's your name?" She paused for a few minutes. "My name is Falcon Heart." The chick ignored the irony. "Cool!" She looked around the nest.

"Where's your parents?" "Hunting." She stared at him. "Both of them?" 

He nodded. "There's an extra mouth to feed now and one with a very different diet than us." He looked ahead. "And look they're coming back now!" She followed his gaze as the pair of adult falcons flying back each carrying something.

The father dropped a dead bird in front of Stormy. "Breakfast!" He cheered as he dig in. Falcon look away in disgust. "Look who's finally awake." The father spoke in a surprisingly low voice. 

The mother landed beside him and dropped an apple. She smiled. "You're awake!" 

She took a bite out of the apple.  She looked up at them. "What's your names?" The mother spoke. "I'm Swoop and this is my mate, Cliff. I see you already met Stormy." She smiled at her son as he finished his dead bird.

"Well, I'm Falcon Heart." She looked at Cliff. "So, you can't find my parents at all?" Both falcons shared a glance. Cliff sighed sadly. 

"No, I can't. I'm sorry." Falcon looked down at her hooves. "It's okay. I just hope they don't forget about me."

She gazed back at him. "How can I see things far away? And how can I understand you? What happened last night?" He glanced at her. 

"I gave you special abilities. You can see things far away, even farther than an average pony. And when your old enough, you will fly fast. Faster than any of your kind." He explained. 

"We're not your average falcons. We're peregrine falcons, the fastest animal in Equestria. You'll have our speed and agility."

"And about me giving you powers; there's a thousand year old legend. About a thousand years ago, there was a pegesus just like you. I don't know the whole details, just heard it from my folks. I thought it was all a myth until now." 

6 years later...

Falcon Heart was in the air, flapping her wings as she gazed at the apple, Cliff was holding. She narrowed her blue eyes in determination. 

"Just remember, fold back your wings when you do a dive. Then slowly open them as you get close to your target."  Cliff demonstrate.

"Come on, Fal! You can do it!" Cheered a fully grown Stormy said behind her. Cliff dropped the apple and time seems to slow down. She can feel her heart pounding in her chest. 

Falcon folded her wings and dived. She slowly opened her wings as she was neared the apple...and caught it in her mouth. She looked around feeling shock as the whole world rushed past before her. 

Her pale golden mane and tail was streaming behind her. She did a loop de loop in the air and head straight back to her falcon family. She slowed down as she neared her mountain.

She landed on the ledge, feeling proud of herself. Both male falcons landed beside her. "You did it!" Exclaimed Stormy as he hopped on her back. "And did you always have that tattoo on your butt?" The filly dropped her apple and gazed at her flank.

On it was a black symbol of a falcon taking a dive. "No, I don't. How did it get there?" Cliff walked up to her. "I guess you got it when you took that dive. I've seen ponies with symbols like these all the time. 

They called them cutie marks." He shrugged. "I don't know how they work, though." 

"Who cares how they work. It looks cool!" Stormy said, matter of factually. He glanced at the now setting sun. "I have to go back  go my nest. I'll see you guys tomorrow." He flew off as Falcon waved farewell at him. 

She walked over to her nest beside the old one. They build her a bigger nest three years ago as she was starting to grow bigger than them. She even put extra downy feathers in it. She settled down in it with a happy sigh. 

She preened her feathers as Swoop come back. Her mother figure had brought something different back. She looked at it curiously. It was long, curvy and yellow. "What is that?" She dropped it in front of her. "You guys won't believe what happened!"

"I was on a branch, minding my own business, when this yellow pegasus filly fell out of nowhere. Luckily a swarm a butterflies caught her one time. Then she was singing about how great everything is on the ground."  

Falcon looked at her in shock. "Then what happened?" 

"A rainbow exploded and scared off a lot of the animals. Then the yellow filly calmed them down and coaxed them out of hiding. Then a butterfly symbol appeared on her flank."

Swoop gazed at Falcons flank. Her eyes widened. "Sort of like that one! Then she gave me this fruit, she calls it a "banana"." Cliff gazed at his mate thoughtfully. 

"You know, I heard an explosion, but I didn't see the rainbow." Swoop pointed with her wing in the direction she came from.

They both followed her gaze. Falcon saw what she was looking at. It was the largest rainbow she had ever seen. She glance back at her parental figures. This had to be the second weirdest thing she had ever witnessed.
> Ch.1: The Pegasi In Blue and Yellow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

19 years later...

Falcon Heart raced through the mountain air, flying fast towards a particular large mountain as the sun went down.  She looked behind her to the falcon close behind. 

She laughed as she landed on the ledge. "Beat you again!" The falcon landed beside her. "You should do better next time, Stormy."

He gave her an annoyed look. "You're just showing off, Fal." He smirked. "I'll beat you next time!" Falcon nudged him with her hoof. "In your dreams, little bro." She turned and trotted towards a large cave in the mountain.

She paused to look at the view in front of her. She smiled as watched the setting sun. "Tomorrow's spring again." She said as she made her way into the cave. 

On one side of the cave was a large nest. On the other was a small pool of water. She walked over towards it and took a drink.

"I'm glad it is," agreed Stormy. "I'm sick of all the snow and mice. I can't wait until the smaller birds comes back from migration." He drink from the small pool too. 

Falcon got up and settled in her nest. Stormy settled beside her. "You know, I missed Cliff and Swoop." They shared a sad glance.

A few years ago, the falcon that gave her these powers, passed away. Heartbroken, Swoop stayed in her nest not wanting to eat or fly. Unfortunately, she joined her mate a few months later. The broken heart was too much. Cliff had told her that falcons don't have a longer life span than ponies.

Falcon is sadden that she has a few years left with Stormy. She curled up around her adopted brother and went to sleep.

Falcon was among other ponies, each of different types. She stopped to joke around with one. They both laughed and hugged. They then dared each other in a race. 

They took off flying, determined to beat each other. Other ponies were on the ground cheering for them. Falcon won. She turn around congratulate the other mare, even though she lost. 

They landed on the ground. A group of fillies surrounded them laughing excitedly.

Falcon shot up awake, feeling a sense of longing. She had been dreaming of other ponies since she moved to these mountains. 

Every time she woke she had been wanting to join her own kind. But she can't leave Stormy. She suddenly remember those group pegasi, she saw not far from here.

She nudge Stormy awake. "Wake up, you lazy bones." He yawn and look up at her. "You want to see those ponies again?" He gave her knowing look. 

She nodded. She flew out of the cave. She flew where she last saw them. She landed on a cloud above them. Stormy landed on her shoulder.

There they were, all dress in blue and yellow. She discover these ponies last year. She was excited that she wasn't the only pony living in these mountains. 

She glanced at Stormy thinking something funny. "Remember last year when we saw that buff white one with the tiny wings?" He nodded his head. "I still can't believe how he manage to fly. There's no way he can lift his type of body with those wings."

She giggled. "It's still impressive though." They watch as the ponies emerge from the buildings. 

They all line up as another pony appeared. She was brilliant gold with two shades of orange in her flame like mane. For some reason, Falcon thought she look familiar, but she couldn't put her hoof on it.

The mare bark some orders and they took off with the mare in the lead. "Wow, they fly in impressive formation." She said in awe. They landed on some black stuff in the middle and took a drink of water. 

The place was on a mountain plateau, flat on top with rings and trees. Clouds surrounds it with large buildings on them. She notice a rainbow waterfall pour down from a cloud and into a stream below. 

The stream flowed through under a flat long gray rock. Different color flags surround the place. 

There are large holes on one side with a large regular waterfall pouring out of one. She spotted a rainbow mane Pegasus walking among them. She pointed her out to Stormy. 

"Hey, they got a new recruit." Stormy watch her in admiration. "What a colorful pony."

She turn to her falcon brother and notice a love struck look on his face. "Stormy, stop looking at her that way. She's way out of your lead. Go find a female falcon." He look back at her. 

"I would, but they're not as pretty." Falcon rolled her eyes at him and return her gaze to the ponies.

They golden mare walked up to greet the rainbow one. She talk with her for a few minutes and led her towards the gray path. Falcon can see the excitement in the rainbow one's eyes. 

The gold one paused and look both ways as the new recruit went right ahead.

The golden one scowled and yank her back hard by her tail. Falcon noticed that she wasn't wearing a suit like the others yet.  The rainbow one glanced up at her sheepishly as a few of them rushed by. 

They both look both ways one more time and head towards one of the buildings in the clouds.

"I'm starving!" Exclaimed Stormy. He hopped off her shoulder and hover in front of her. "Do you want to head back with me." She gestured him to go ahead. 

"I'll be with you soon. I want to get a closer look at them." He nodded and flew towards his hunting grounds. "And bring me back an apple as well!" She shouted as she stared back at him.

She took off and swiftly flew towards the plateau. She circled it trying to find someplace to hide. She spotted a large tree near the edge and quietly landed on the lower branch. She crouched on it as she watched the scene below. 

The golden mare trotted from the building and head towards the rest of her teammates. She heard her voice clearly this time. "Alright, everypony. You may all take a small break. But you'll be back here, got it?" They raised their hooves in salute. "Yes, Captain Spitfire!" 

She nodded in approval. "Good. Now get out of my sight." They flew off into one of the buildings.  Falcon heard the mare sighed as she sat down. Falcon took that cue to leave and quietly landed on the ground. She slowly started to walk away.

"Hey! Your not a Wonderbolt!" She froze as she heard someone shouted. She slowly turn and notice the mare was staring at her. Falcon Heart was still far away from the mare, so she must look like a speck. 

But the golden and white Pegasus can see her fair and square.

The mare stand up and was walking towards her. She turn around starting to flee. "Wait, Falcon Heart?!" She look back and notice the staring at her with a look of shocked recognition. 

Falcon stared at her with confusion. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" The mare walked closer to her.

"Its me, Spitfire. We were friends at the time we were fillies. Don't you remember? But then you and your parents went missing in that storm." She explained. "My mother thought you were dead. I thought you were dead." Her orange eyes were watering.

"I'm sorry. But I don't remember you. I wish i did." Falcon said. Spitfire looked at her with a sad expression. She sighed. "I understand. You were just a small filly when you went missing. 

But I remembered you. I never forget about the filly with the unique feather patterns."

"I have to go. There's someone waiting for me." She flew quickly away. She landed on the cloud she was on. She glanced back and noticed Spitfire staring into her direction. 

She noticed a tear running down the golden mare's cheek. She suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

I'm so sorry, Spitfire. I truly wished I did. She turned around and headed back to her cave.
> Ch.2: Spitfire's Long Lost First Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spitfire stood were she was, as she was gazing off into the direction the golden and white pegasus went. Never once in her life, she would see her first friend alive.

When she was just a five year old filly back in Cloudsdale, her mother invited her best friend, Snowy Owl to bring her daughter over to play with Spitfire. 

When Spitfire had meet her the first time, she thought she was the most prettiest thing in the world. Falcon Heart was a little shy at first, but quickly warm up to the fiery filly.

For months, they had gotten close to each other. But then she went missing, along with her parents. They left to watch a birds of prey show and a stray storm had headed towards their direction. 

The authorities tried to find them alive. Unfortunately, they had found both of them dead in a middle of a field with little Falcon Heart nowhere to be seen.

They've looked everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found. They assumed that she was dead as well. When her mother found out, she was devastated. She eventually break the news to Spitfire. She had laid in her bed that night crying her eyes out.

Spitfire had then grown up, telling herself that she would never forget her. Her mother was still surprised that she did remembered. She even kept a little booklet full of pictures.

But she had never expected her to be still alive.

She never had expected her to show up out of the blue, fully grown at the Wonderbolts HQ.

And she never had expected her to not remember her. Spitfire knew the mare has been missing in forever and would likely to forget about her. But she was in shock, she couldn't even think.

"Spitfire, I'm ready for duty, mam!" Shouted a voice behind her. She jumped, as she was jolt out of her train of thoughts. 

She turned around spotted Newbie Dash, fully dressed in Wonderbolt material. Rainbow Dash looked at her face in concern. "Are you alright?"

Spitfire glace back and forth at the direction her first friend went and then at Rainbow Dash. Suddenly, she felt her flank vibrating. She look at it and noticed her cutie mark glowing and flashing outwards. 

She look at Rainbow Dash who look at her in shock. 

"The Map is calling you?" She gazed at her own flank. "It's calling me too. I can't see it, but I can feel it."  Spitfire gave her a confused look. "What does it mean?"

"It means that the Map is summoning us for a friendship problem," she explained. "It usually summons me or my friends. It only summoned Starlight Glimmer once, for now." Rainbow shrugged. "I have no idea why it's summoning you."

"But I have duties as a Wonderbolt captain!" She protested. 

"There's no way I'll be able to do this." Rainbow Dash pat her on the back. "Just put Soarin in charge until we get back. We have to do this." Spitfire sighed. "You go tell him and undress. I need to get something from my office."

Rainbow nodded in affirmation and flew off to the rest. Spitfire flew towards the direction of her office. She rushed in and rummage through the drawer of her desk. 

She gasped in relief when she saw what she been looking for: A small old booklet.

She put it in the pocket of her jacket. She took off her whistle and shades and laid them on the desk. She turned off the light and locked the door. 

She head out the building to find Rainbow Dash, out of her uniform, waiting for her. Spitfire see that her cutie mark was glowing too.

They both took off into the air.  She glanced at Rainbow Dash beside her. "Where is this map?" The other mare took the lead and led them towards the direction of Ponyville. "At Twilight's castle."

The town was in view, along with the infamous building. "She lives in that thing? That's the ugliest building I ever come across with." Rainbow chuckled. 

"I was thinking the same thing too. It remind me of that one griffin in Griffonstone who gave me a gesture with his talon. My friend Gilda said it wasn't a nice gesture." She shook her head. "Just don't tell Twilight, though."

They landed in front of the entrance. Spitfire step back as Rainbow knocked on the front door. Spike appeared as the door opened. He look at them with wide eyes. "Come on in, Twilight's waiting for you in the throne room." 

Spitfire looked around, surprised how big it is on the inside. Rainbow led her through another set of doors. In the room sat a large crystal table with seven chairs surrounding it. Six of them have cutie marks on them. Princess Twilight was there sitting in the largest.

Spitfire notice her cutie mark was glowing too. The alicorn looked up from the book she was reading. "Great! You're here!" She exclaimed. 

She poofed her book away with her magic. She hopped off her chair and walked up to meet them. She turned to Spitfire. "It looks like you're summoned too." She gestured to her flank.

"Where's this map, Princess?" Twilight gestured to the round table. She led them towards the table. On it was the whole map of Equestria. 

Twilight pointed at the spot in the Map. Images of their cutie mark circled a mountain range close to the Wonderbolts HQ. "That's where we got to go."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. "But there's no one living in those mountains. Not that I know of anyways." Spitfire wasn't paying attention. 

She was staring at the map with her eyes wide. This can't be a coincidence. "But why is the Map sending us there? And what does it have to do with Spitfire?" Twilight questioned.

Spitfire cleared her throat loudly, getting their attention. "What is it, Spitfire?" Twilight asked. "I think I know why it's sending us there," she reached into her pocket and pulled out her booklet and gave it to her. Twilight took it curiously. "What's this?"

"It's a bunch of picture's from when I was a young filly." Rainbow rushed to the purple alicorn's side. "Really?" Spitfire nodded.

She went to Twilight's other side. She grabbed it back and flipped to the page she want. In one page was a picture of filly Spitfire and Falcon Heart.

Falcon was lying on her back with Spitfire on top of her. They both were looking at the camera smiling. She showed it to Twilight.

Rainbow Dash squealed. "You were so cute!" She pointed to the golden and white pegasus filly. "Who's that other filly? I never seen feathers like these before." 

"Her name is Falcon Heart." She gazed at the picture fondly. "She was my first friend." Twilight raised her eyebrow. "That's nice and all, but how is that relevant to the map?" Spitfire closed her booklet and pocketed it. 

She sighed. "Because she's been lost since fillyhood." She gestured them to the chairs. They sat down to what she had to say.

"Her parents' were named Golden Eagle and Snowy Owl. My mother was best friends with Snowy Owl. She was this beautiful white pegasus with black mane and tail and yellow eyes. 

She had the same feathers as Falcon but black and white. Her father, Golden Eagle was a large golden pegasus with Blue eyes. Both of her parents were bird watchers and had such passion for birds of prey." 

She paused to look at her companions. Twilight smiled and gestured her to continue.

"One day my mother and her friend decided for us to meet for a play date. I never seen anything more prettier in my entire young life." She smiled at the memory.

"She was just as sweet too. She made everyone smile." She frown as she continued. "But one day, they decided to see a bird of prey show. My mother tried to warn them of a large storm heading in that direction. But they said it would be fine since the show is indoors. They didn't come back."

Rainbow Dash and Twilight gasped in horror.

"A search team was set out to find the family. They search for days until eventually they find the bodies of her parents. Falcon was nowhere to be found. They kept searching but come up with nothing. They all assumed she was dead too and gave up the search."

"But earlier this morning as I left Dash here, to get ready and gave the rest of my team a break, I spotted something moving in the distance. I thought she was this random pony, but as I walk closer I couldn't believe my eyes. 

She asked if I knew her, and I told her. But she didn't remember who I was. She apologize and said she wished she does. She flew away with incredible speed."

Her companions listened with tears in their eyes. Twilight wiped her eyes. She paused. "How in Equestria did she survived in those mountains alone? There's nothing but falcons." Her eyes suddenly shot wide. "What was her cutie mark?"

Spitfire gazed her with concern. "A black falcon taking a dive. Why?" Twilight hopped on top of the map staring at the mountains.

"Because I read something about a thousand year old legend." She gazed at Spitfire and Rainbow Dash. "You two go on ahead. I need to get something out of my library. Just wait for me at the base." She trotted towards the door.

She paused and look back at them. "The map may had send us to the mountains but this might be the longest mission yet."
> Ch.3: The Friendship Quest Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spitfire and Rainbow Dash sat at the base of the mountains wearing saddlebags while waiting for Twilight. The golden pegasus scanned the mountains, hoping to spot Falcon among the ridges. 

She hope that she can make Falcon remember her. Spitfire had even brought her picture booklet just in case.

"I hope that egghead hurries up," Rainbow Dash complained. She glanced at Spitfire. "Twilight was talking about a legend. Do you know which one it is?" Spitfire wasn't paying attention as she spotted two figures in the sky. 

One was pony shape while the other was a smaller falcon.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow and followed her captain's gaze. She gasped. "Is that her?" She squinted at the figures. "She got a falcon with her." The falcon suddenly dropped something. "Did it just dropped an apple?" Rainbow questioned. 

"I'm here." Announced another voice. Both pegasus turn to find Twilight landed beside them. "What did I miss?" She got out three binoculars and passed the other two to them.  All three of them look up through them.

Spitfire can see Falcon clearly now with the help of the binoculars. They watched as the golden and white Pegasus folded her wings and dived after the apple. 

Falcon slowly open her wings and caught the apple in mid air with stunning speed. "Whoa! That's even faster than me doing a sonic rainboom." Exclaimed Rainbow lowering her binoculars in shock. Spitfire nodded in agreement.

She watched as Falcon did a quick barrel roll and flipped herself around as she made her way towards the mountain with the  falcon in tow. 

The falcon paused and look towards their direction. It screeched, getting Falcon's attention. The pegasus paused and slowly made her way back at him. She followed it's gaze as her mouth opened with shock.

"She understands that falcon?" Asked Rainbow. Twilight nodded her head. "It seems so. Let's fly up and meet her." She took back the binoculars and put them back in her saddlebag. They took off and flew where the Pegasus was waiting. They hovered in front of her.

Princess Twilight spoke first. "My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is my friend Rainbow Dash." She pointed at the rainbow mane pegasus. "And I see that you already met Spitfire." Falcon nodded her head. 

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Falcon Heart and the falcon here, is Stormy." She gestured towards a mountain with a cave near the ledge. "Let's talk in that cave. I live in there." 

They nodded their heads and made their way towards the mountain. Falcon held back and flew next to Spitfire. "I'm sorry that I flew off like that yesterday without a explanation." She said softly. Spitfire glanced at her. She still can't believe her first friend is still alive. 

Falcon had grown to be even more beautiful than before. Her pale golden mane had grown long and windswept and in the sun her golden patches made her gleam. 

Spitfire smiled at her. "Don't be. I know you were just a young filly when we first met. I'm still surprised myself how good I remembered all of it." She dug through her bag and took out her booklet.

She gave it to her. Falcon took it with curiosity. "What's this?"  She asked as she opened it. "It's a book of pictures from my fillyhood. It has you in it." With a raised eyebrow, Falcon flipped through the pages. Her eyes went wide when she she found the page with them in it.

Falcon eyes water when she glanced at Spitfire. "Were we close?" Spitfire nodded. "Very. When I thought you were dead, I haven't left my room since. I missed you, Falcon. 

So much that I swear on my life to never forget you." They landed on the ledge of the mountain.

Falcon gave the book back to her as she wiped her eyes. She turned to Twilight, Rainbow, and Stormy who was waiting for them. Rainbow walked up to her. 

"You flew very fast! I know I'm a fast flyer myself, but even i can't compete to what I saw." The golden and white Pegasus blushed. "Thanks. But that's not all what I can do."

Twilight was writing some thing down on a piece of paper with her magic. "What else can you do.?" Falcon was eyeing her magic with interest. 

"I can see things very far away and I can communicate with falcons." She cocked her head. "How can you do that?" 

"It's a simple levitation spell. Every unicorn learns it when they are very young." Twilight explained.  "Your a unicorn? But why do you have wings." She asked as she took a hold of one of them to examine it. 

The Alicorn pulled it from her grasp. "I'm an alicorn. I'm actually all three races at once. There only five of us, one who's a baby. We are known as royalty."

Spitfire find her curiosity adorable. "But enough about me." The purple alicorn added. "Can you tell me what you can see from this ledge?" Falcon nodded as she walked towards the edge as the others followed behind. Falcon sat down as she scan the meadows below and beyond.

"I see a bee hovering patch of flowers. Near that, I saw a rabbit family near some burrows. I also saw a bear with some cubs near a patch of berries, which reminds me to collect some later. I'm getting tired of apples." Twilight nodded as she jolt something down.

"The sun is going down already?" Falcon got up as the falcon hopped on her back.  She turn to the rest. "Why don't we go inside? We can finish tomorrow." They nodded as she followed her inside. 

"You can understand falcons, right?" Rainbow Dash asked as she gazed at the falcon on her back. Falcon paused at the entrance of the cave and nodded back at her. 

"Then tell me, why the one on your back is googling me like a love sick puppy?" Spitfire and Twilight saw what she meant.

They both were trying to hold in their laughter. "He had a crush on you ever since we watch you guys yesterday. I told him find a female falcon but he told me you were prettier." Rainbow Dash's face went red.

"I'm not pretty. I'm awesome." She glared at Stormy. "Listen buddy, I am way out of your lead." 

It was too much as Spitfire and Twilight burst out laughing. Spitfire had collapsed on the ledge still laughing. "I guess Spike isn't the only one attracted to a different species!" Twilight breathed wiping the tear from her eye.

Rainbow Dash scowled at them. "I'm not attracted to no bird!" Stormy took this opportunity to fly onto the cyan mare's back. She turn her glare back at him. "Get off me!" 

Falcon Heart giggled with her hoof covering her mouth. "Cut that out, Stormy."   He flew back on her shoulder. They walked into the cave recovering from their laughter. 

All three of them look around the cave as they enter. On one side was a small pool and on the other, a large bird nest. The nest itself was weaved in sturdy branches.

It was filled with straw and feathers. Falcon had sat herself in it. Spitfire look at her friend with pity.

Twilight spoke first. "Falcon, I was thinking about something. How about you come back to Ponyville with us?" The golden and white Pegasus was quiet for a moment. "Plus, it will be good opportunity to be reintroduce to your own kind." The alicorn added.

Falcon sighed as she laid herself into the nest. "I don't know. I lived in these mountains most of my life and I can't leave Stormy." She gazed at the falcon beside her. "He can come with you." Twilight insisted. 

She sighed again. "Let me think about it. I'll tell you about it in the morning. All three of you can spend the night if you want." They nodded and curled up by the pool. Spitfire watched her drift asleep. Eventually,she fell asleep as well.

Spitfire woke up at the sound of footsteps. She lifted her head to find Falcon walking out of the cave with Stormy following behind. 

Curious, she slowly got up and followed them. "What! I can't leave you." She heard Falcon argued as she poke her head out. Stormy was hovering near her face as Falcon look at him with panic. Her sky blue eyes starts to water. 

"But you are my family. The only one since Cliff and Swoop died." Stormy screeched back at her. 

Falcon start to sob, tears falling from her face. "I don't know any pony. My home is here, with you." The falcon start to screech softly. The golden and white mare finally nodded. 

"I understand. But I'll miss you, your the best brother anypony could have had." Brother?! Spitfire thought with shock.

She took out her forehoof and Stormy landed on it. She tearfully nuzzled the falcon's cheek. He flew back inside, not noticing the golden pegasus watching. She look back at the bird who settle back into the nest.

Spitfire gazed back at Falcon, who had sat down with her head bowed. Spitfire felt her heart break. The filly she knew back then use to be the happiest thing in Equestria. She hate to see her like this. She slowly crept towards the crying mare.

Falcon's ears pricked and turned her head towards the approaching mare. "Spitfire? What are you doing up?" The mare in questioned walked up and sat down beside her. 

"I woke up to the sound of footsteps and followed you."  She answered. "Who was Cliff and Swoop?"

"They were the falcons who raised me and were Stormy's parents." She began as more tears fell from her face. "Cliff found me and took me to the rest of his family. Stormy was a hatchling at the time. He was the one who gave me these abilities and told me of a legend about it. They both died last year."

Without thinking, Spitfire wrapped her wing comfortly around her. She started to panic when she noticed what she had done. But Falcon didn't flinched and buried her face into her shoulder as she started to sob again.

Spitfire soften and wrapped her forlegs around the weeping mare. She lowered her head and nuzzled her. "I'm sorry for your lost." She soothed. Falcon look up into her eyes. "Did my real parents made it home? And did they forget about me?"

Spitfire sighed as she know the truth. "They did made it home. And they would never forget about you. They loved you too much for that." She looked away for a moment with tears in her eyes. 

She blinked them away as she gazed into her eyes. "What was that earlier with Stormy?" She softly asked changing the subject.

"He told me I have to leave with you and to be with my own kind. And he's not coming with me, saying his place is in the mountains." She said sorrowfully. Spitfire smiled softly at her. "You can still come back and visit." 

Falcon suddenly smiled and nodded. "Hey, your right. I'll come back with you. And maybe I can find my parents too." She said as she slowly drift off to sleep in Spitfire's grasp. Spitfire sadly gazed at the sleeping mare. If only you knew, Falcon.

She gently lowered her to the ground and laid down next her. She curled up around her and kissed her on the forehead. "It's good to have you back, Falcon." She whispered.  She laid her chin on her shoulder and went to sleep.
> Ch.4: Welcome To Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Falcon Heart slowly opened her eyes the next morning as she suddenly felt warm. She noticed Spitfire curled up next her, with her chin on her back asleep. Falcon remembered what happened the other day. 

Spitfire had showed her the picture yesterday and the golden and white pegasus knew she was telling the truth. She heard the sound hoofsteps walking from the cave and notice Twilight and Rainbow Dash walking out. Stormy flew out behind them.

They smiled as they gazed at them. "There you are. I didn't see you in the cave." Twilight said. Rainbow Dash point at them grinning. "Hey, Twilight. They look just like they did in the picture." Falcon shook Spitfire awake.

Spitfire popped her head up and looked around.  She gazed at Falcon with a realization. She got up and stretched, yawning. She held out a hoof to help Falcon up, who takes it. 

"So Falcon, did you make up your mind?" Twilight asked. Falcon nodded. "I'm coming with you." She gazed at Stormy sadly. "But Stormy said he isn't coming, that his place is here."

Twilight gave her a sympathetic expression. "I'm sorry that happened, Falcon." She stepped aside. "But I'm glad you're coming with us. We'll give you two time to say goodbye to one another." Falcon nodded and walked up to him.

"I guess this is goodbye, huh?" Stormy sadly exclaimed. The golden and white mare nodded and held out her hoof. The falcon hopped on it. 

"This might be goodbye for now, but I will come back one day and visit you." She nuzzled his cheek. He hopped off and landed on the ground.

Twilight used her magic to give Spitfire her saddlebag. "Thanks. I almost forgot about it." She slipped it on and walked up to Falcon. "Ready to go?" Falcon nodded giving Stormy one last look as tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped them and nodded. "Lead the way."

All four of them took off with Twilight in the lead in the direction of Ponyville. Falcon was getting nervous as she saw the distant town. She can see ponies already awake and starting their day.  They landed near the edge of town and she froze.

A pink earth pony was talking with a group of other ponies, when she twitched and stared into their direction. The pony smiled and walked away. Spitfire paused and look back at her. "Are you okay?"

"Uh.." Falcon notice the others staring at her. "Yeah. I thought I saw something. It's probably nothing." They nodded and continued to walk towards town. Spitfire slowed down to walk beside her.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. Falcon nodded as they enter the town. The golden and white pegasus look around, surprised at the many types of ponies. 

They paused as a big red stallion walked by carrying a large cart full of apples with a piece of straw in his mouth.

Falcon looked up and notice a gray pegasus with a wall eyed stare as she flew by carrying a brown bag and wearing mailmare uniform. 

They passed by a bench and she saw two mares sitting down on a bench. A mint green unicorn was sitting in the most weirdest position she had ever seen. Beside her was a cream mare, holding a paper book.

All of a sudden a pink blur knocked her over onto her back. She look up to find herself nose to nose with the same pink mare. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie! It's so nice to meet a new pony around here, don't you think?!"

"Deas bualadh leat." Falcon said. Pinkie Pie got off of her and cocked her head. "What did you say?" Falcon got up and dust her self up. "I said it was nice to meet you." She turn to the others who had a look of shock. "It's old falcish. The falcons who raised me taught it to me." She shrugged. "It's was pretty easy."

Pinkie Pie perked up. "Can you say other words in that language? For example, cake!" Falcon Heart nodded. "Caca milis." The pink mare bounced off giggling with delight. "Wow. I never heard of a language like that!" Exclaimed an astonished Twilight.

Pinkie Pie bounced back. "Oops! I forgot your name." Falcon smiled. "It's Falcon Heart." The pink mare nodded and bounced back to where she was going. 

"She seems to be a lively one!" Twilight nodded with agreement. "That's Pinkie Pie for you. Just don't question her or you'll be getting a headache if you try. Trust me."

As they kept walking, she notice a some of the ponies are staring at her with admiration. She doesn't like it one bit. She walked close to Spitfire who looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Falcon?" 

Falcon pointed at the ponies staring at her. "Why are they staring at me like that?" Spitfire followed her gaze and scowled as she walked around her other side and put her wing around her protectively. "They find you pretty." She said with a hint of jealousy.

The golden and white pegasus stared at her friend. "I am flattered but why are you acting like that?" Spitfire quickly retract her wing giving Falcon a sheepish smile. "Sorry." Falcon smiled at her friend. "Fadhb ar bith. It's alright." 

They soon approached a tall crystallize tree-like building. "What's that?" Falcon asked. "That's my castle. I live here." Twilight explained as she opened the front door. Falcon looked around as she stepped aside. She was surprised to find it was bigger on the inside.

A small purple and green dragon walked to greet them. Falcon froze stiff as to stand very still. "Twilight you're back! I want to tell you that I rearranged all the books in your library alphabetically and cleaned up the rest of the castle." The dragon said. 

Twilight pat him on the head with a smile. "Thanks Spike." She gave him a large ruby. 

Spike licked his lips in delight. "Thanks!" He said as he gobbled it down. Rainbow Dash gazed at Falcon. "Uh, what are you doing?" 

"If you stand very still, he won't see you." She explained. Spike stared at her. "You do know that I'm a dragon, not a dinosaur right? Plus I can still see you." "He won't hurt you, Falcon. He's been raised around ponies his whole life." Twilight added.

Falcon relaxed and stared at the dragon with guilt. "Leithsceal. I'm Falcon Heart by the way." Spike glanced at Twilight. "What did she say?" Twilight shrugged. "I was saying sorry." Spike smiled at her. "That's alright. It's actually pretty funny." He chuckled.

"Oh. By the way, Twilight, Starlight is making breakfast." Spike told the purple alicorn. "Thanks Spike. Also go tell her to make extras for our guess." Spike nodded and walked away. Twilight led the way another set of doors and opened it. 

Inside was large wooden table surrounded by cushioned chairs. Twilight gestured them to sit down. Falcon chooses the one beside Spitfire but unsure how to sit in it. She watched Spitfire and tried to copy her until she eventually got it. 

"So while we wait on breakfast, let's discuss on Falcon's readjustment to her own kind. Any suggestions?" She glanced around at the ponies in the room. 

Rainbow Dash raised her hoof. "I can get her a job as a weather pony. It's the easiest job for a pegasus pony."

Twilight nodded. "Of course. If you can show her the ropes." The rainbow mane pegasus nodded her head in affirmative. "What do you have to say about it Spitfire? She was your fillyhood friend." Twilight asked turning to the fiery pegasus. 

"She can come and watched the Wonderbolts train on some days. I'll also come by everyday to check on her." Spitfire said.

Twilight nodded her head. "It's official then. Falcon will go with Spitfire in the mornings and she will help Rainbow with the weather in the evenings. I got an extra room for her in the castle." They turn to Falcon with a smile. "So, what do you think?" Spitfire asked.

"Sounds like a good plan to me. Go raibh maith agat." Falcon said with a nod. "That means thank you." A purple unicorn with mint green streaks in her mane appeared along with Spike. 

Both carrying a plate of round flat brown things topped with white fluffy stuff and red berries.

"Breakfast is ready! Who's the extra guess.." She paused as she stared at Falcon Heart. Her mouth stayed open as she looked up and down at her. "Who is this?" She asked as she sat down the food. 

"Spike, Starlight, I like you both to meet Falcon Heart. She's been raised by falcons and the map send us three to fetch her. Falcon, you'd already met my assistant, Spike already. 

The unicorn is Starlight Glimmer, my student." Introduced Twilight. Falcon dipped her head. "Deas bualadh leat."

Starlight cocked her head as she sat in the chair beside her. "What was that?" Twilight spoke up. "She was saying nice to meet you. Can't you believe that falcons have an old language?" Starlight shook her head. 

"No." She turn her head towards her. "Can you teach us?" She asked as she glanced away nervously.

"Sure. I'd love to teach you guys." Falcon raised an eyebrow as she stared at Spitfire. The golden mare was staring at Starlight with anger. "Are you alright, Spitfire?" Spitfire shook her head and gazed at Falcon with a soften expression. 

"Yes. I'm alright." She stared at the others. "Let's eat."

They nodded their heads and began to eat. Falcon sniffed at hers curiously. "What's this?" She asked Starlight. "Pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberries." She gazed at Falcon. 

"Why, have you never had pancakes before?" The golden and white pegasus shook her head. "I've only ate apples."

"Really?!" Asked a very shock Rainbow Dash. Falcon nodded as she nibbled a strawberry. "Yep. Only apples." She put her hoof under her chin in thought. "Although, Swoop did gave me that one fruit when I got my cutie mark."

"What is it called?" Spitfire asked. Falcon shrugged. "I don't know what it's called, but it's long, curvy and yellow. " Rainbow Dash made a sound like she's choking. 

"A what?!" She wheezed as she blush. Spitfire said nothing as she focus on her pancakes. Confused, she turned to the others. "What did I say?"

"Did you meant to say "banana"? Because that's the only fruit that is long, curvy, and yellow." Twilight said, her face red. Falcon shrugged again. "I guess. But why are you guys blushing?" She glanced at Starlight who's face was red as well.

"They're just thinking about something, Falcon." Spitfire exclaimed with laughter in her eyes. 

"Why don't we get back to eating?" Falcon nodded as she took a bite from her pancake.

The others watched her reaction to the food. Falcon chewed thoughtfully. Her blue eyes lit up with delight as she swallowed. 

She smiled at Starlight. "Sobhlasta! The strawberries taste better than apples!" The purple unicorn blush. "Thank you." She gazed into her eyes. "That's means delicious, right?" The pegasus nodded.

As they finished up their breakfast, Spitfire notice something. "Hey Falcon. You got a dab of whipped cream on your nose." She said as Starlight walked out carrying the dishes. "Really? Where?" She crossed her eyes to try to look.

Spitfire grabbed a napkin and leaned in to wipe her nose. Falcon blushed. "Uh, thanks." Spitfire smiled at her. "No problem." She said, staring into her eyes. 

That moment ruined as Starlight walked in. "Hey Falcon. Want me to show you around Ponyville?"

Falcon glanced at her, nodded. "I loved to!" She said leaping from her seat. She followed her out the door. She glanced back at Spitfire. "Are you coming with me?" Spitfire, who was glaring at Starlight nodded. "Of course."

She hopped from her chair and stand closer to her. "I'll go anywhere with you, Fal." She said as she gaze at her warmly. Falcon giggled. "Only Stormy called me Fal before." She frowned. "I miss him." She added sorrowfully as tears welled up in her eyes.

Starlight gazed at her with concern. "Who's Stormy?" She asked as they walked out of the castle. Falcon paused as she started to sniff. "He's the falcon I've been raised with. He told me I have to go back with them alone." She whimpered as she starting to get homesick.

She felt strong hooves wrapped around her and noticed Spitfire hugging her. "You can still visit him." She soothed as she nuzzled her. 

"But it will never be the same!" She cried as some of the ponies stared at her. "Ba mhaith liom dul abhaile." She whispered, burying her face into her chest. "I wanna go home."

"I know that feeling." Starlight said with sympathy. "I wasn't from here either and I missed my father. But do you know what?" Falcon gave her a confused glance, her eyes still watering. "What?"

"Like what Spitfire said. You can still visit him. I always give my father letters." That made Falcon a little better. "You're right." She sighed. "I also want to find my parents." That made Spitfire wince. 

Falcon broke free from Spitfire's grasp and hovered in mid air.

"Come on, Starlight. You're supposed to show me around." She landed back on the ground and starts to walk off.
> Ch.5: The Tour Of Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spitfire and Starlight caught up with Falcon Heart as they paused in front of Sugarcube Corner.  Falcon look at the place in awe. "What is this place?" She asked Starlight. 

The purple unicorn glanced at her with amusement. "This is Sugarcube Corner. They sell all sorts of treats in this place and Pinkie Pie works here."

Spitfire brushed against her. Falcon had a scent of fresh mountain air, which Spitfire liked. She closed her eyes and breath in the scent. "Do you want anything from here? I could buy it for you." Falcon shook her her head. "I don't want to be a bother..."

The golden pegasus tuck a stray hair behind her ear. 

"You wouldn't be a bother to me. Go ahead and pick you out something, my treat." The golden and white pegasus sighed and nodded her head. "All right." Spitfire smiled and hugged her. "That's the spirit." 

She open the door to the bakery and said. "After you." Falcon and Starlight went in with Spitfire close behind.  

Spitfire watched as Falcon walked up to the display case and look at the various pastries and other treats. Pinkie Pie was watching her with a wide smile.

"Have you ever tried a banana split before?" The pink mare asked. Falcon shook her head. "No I haven't. What is it?" She asked cocking her head to one side. Pinkie Pie ducked down and put a large dish of ice cream on the counter.

Three large scoops of ice cream, different flavors between large slices of bananas. The flavors of ice cream are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. 

Each scoops are covered in chocolate syrup and whipped cream, top with sprinkles and cherries. Falcon's eyes widened. "That's too big. There's no way I can finish that."

Spitfire glanced at Starlight and saw an opportunity. "What if we both share it?" Spitfire suggested. Falcon nodded with a smile. "All right. I'll have that." Pinkie smiled. "Great! It's on the house!" Spitfire stared at the pink mare. "Really?" Pinkie nodded.

Spitfire grabbed the treat and gestured her friend towards a booth. Falcon sat down, while Spitfire sat beside her and sat the frozen treat between them. Starlight sat in front of them. She ordered a blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee.

"You can have the first bite." Spitfire insisted. Falcon nodded and lick at the chocolate scoop. Her sky blue eyes widened. "It's cold and creamy. I love it!" She exclaimed. 

Spitfire smiled and took a bite as well. Spitfire closed her eyes and bit into a long banana slice.

She slowly opened her eyes to find Falcon is eating the same slice. Spitfire's face was turning red as each pony getting close to the middle. Falcon paused and stared right into Spitfire's eyes. 

She blushed and bit through the middle, while barely brushing Spitfire's lips.

Falcon quickly turn away and giggled nervously. Spitfire giggled as well, finding her giggling adorable. They carried on eating the banana split until there was one cherry left. 

The golden mare smiled and nose it towards her friend. Falcon smiled and shook her head, nosing the cherry back. Spitfire nibbled half of it and gave the other half to her friend. Falcon smiled and ate it.

As all three mares walk out of Sugarcube Corner, Spitfire notice something on Falcon's nose. "Hey, Falon. You got whipped cream on your nose again." The golden and white pegasus swirled around and face her. 

"Really, where?" Spitfire leaned forward and licked it. She smiled. "There, it's gone now." Falcon blushed and rubbed at her nose. "Thanks." They didn't notice Starlight watching them sadly.

They look up and noticed the sky had turned gray. "Looks like we're gonna have a thunderstorm." Starlight commented.  "And it looks like one of them Everfree ones too." 

Falcon watched the sky in fear. "Thunder?!" Just as she said that, a large boom of thunder exploded in the sky.

Spitfire gazed at her friend with concern as large drops of water fall from the sky. Falcon was staring at the sky, frozen in fear. The golden and white pegasus squeaked in fright as lightning flashed in the sky and another clap of thunder was heard.

Spitfire look ahead and noticed the boutique up ahead. 

She nudged Falcon and gestured towards the round blue and white building. "Come on. Lets go in there." Falcon nodded, seeming to be out of her trance. 

They rushed over to the building as the rain came down harder. All three mares were soaking wet as they reached the building.

They walked in as the bell chime. "Just a minute!" Sang someone with a posh accent. Spitfire wrapped her wing around her shivering friend. Falcon leaned against her, whimpering in fear.

A white unicorn with an indigo mane walked towards them. "Oh! You poor dears are soaking wet!" She levitated two towels. "I only have two clean towels at the moment, so one of you got to share." Starlight grab hers. 

"Thanks, Rarity." The white unicorn smiled. "No problem, darling."

Spitfire wrapped hers around her and Falcon. Rarity gazed at the two pegasi. "I know who you are, Spitfire." She walked up to Falcon. "And who is this lovely dear?" She asked. "I'm F...falcon Heart." Falcon stuttered. Spitfire put her hoof on around her and pulled her closer.

"Rainbow Dash, Twilight and I found her on the mountains living with falcons. She was my first friend and I thought I lost her forever." Spitfire told Rarity, while briefly nuzzling her friend. "Her parents is still missing." She added.

Rarity gazed at Falcon with sympathy. "You poor dear. How about I make you a dress?" Falcon shrugged. "I don't know what that is." Rarity's eyes sparkle as she beckoned her closer. 

The golden and white pegasus share a glance with Spitfire and walk closer to her.

Rarity walked around her to examine her. "What gorgeous wings." She commented. Falcon glanced at the white unicorn shyly. "Uh, thanks."  Rarity's eyes widened as she thought an idea. 

"Follow me to the back, darling." Falcon nodded and followed the fashionista.

Curious, Spitfire and Starlight followed behind.  Rarity had Falcon to stand on the large round stand with three mirrors behind it. Rarity put on her reading glasses and got out a measuring tape. 

After she measured all angles on Falcon, she went into her storage area and got out some dark golden and white fabrics. She went to her sewing machine and got to work.

After a few hours she put blinds up around Falcon, so Spitfire and Starlight can't see. As soon as Rarity remove the blinds, Spitfire's jaws dropped.

On Falcon was a gorgeous white dress with dark golden feather patterns on it. Her pale golden mane was in a braid with two feathers hanging from it. Spitfire walked up to her. 

"Wow. Fal, you look so beautiful in that." She breathed. Falcon blushed. "Thanks. What do you think, Starlight?" She asked the purple unicorn. Starlight smiled. "Just like Spitfire said."

Falcon look up in fear as another rumble of thunder roared. Rarity stared at her. "What's the matter, darling, it's just thunder." 

Falcon sighed. "I'm afraid of thunder. I'm not afraid of anything else but thunder." She whimpered as lightning flashed outside. "I know it sound childish but it's true."

Falcon took off her dress and gave it back to Rarity. "I'll come back one day and pick it up. Not right now while it's wet outside." Rarity nodded and put it in a bag. 

"It'll be here when you need it okay?" Falcon nodded and went up to Spitfire. The golden pegasus nuzzled her check comfortingly.

They thank Rarity and went out of the shop. The thunder had stopped but it was still raining hard. Spitfire knows these Everfree storms last a good long bit. 

Spitfire lifted her wing to shield Falcon from the rain as they made their way towards Sweet Apple Acres.

As they approach the the orchard, Falcon look around in awe. "That's a lot of apples." She commented. They head towards a large red barn surrounded by white picket fences.

There was a small carrot farm behind it. Starlight walk up to the door and knocked on it. The door opened and an orange head popped out. "What're y'all doin' out in the rain? Come on in."

All three went inside, soak to the bone. The mare that let them in is an orange mare with blonde mane and tail and wearing a Stetson hat. She got three apples for a cutie mark 

"Howdy Starlight." Said a yellow filly with a red mane and wearing a bow. 

"Hello Apple Bloom. I'm just showing Falcon Heart, here the tour of the town. It's bad luck that it rained that's all." She explained, gesturing towards the golden and white pegasus standing beside Spitfire. 

The filly's amber eyes widened with disbelief. "Spitfire, the Captain of the Wonderbolts is here too? Scootoloo would be so jealous!"

As Apple Bloom walked closer, Spitfire can see that she have a cutie mark of a shield with a heart and apple in the middle. She gazed at Falcon Heart in awe. "You're purty Miss." She said turning to the large red stallion. 

"Isn't that right Big Mac?" He nodded. "Eeyup." He answered, agreeing with her.

Falcon blushed. "Thank you, little one." Apple Bloom smiled and walked away. They talk for a few minutes until a green elderly mare slowly walked in from the kitchen. 

"Lunch is ready." She announced. Apple Bloom cheered and ran towards the kitchen as Big Mac slowly follows.

Applejack stay behind for a few minutes. "You're welcome to stay and have lunch with us if you want." Falcon shook her head. "I don't wanna be a bother." Applejack nodded and went into the kitchen. They said their goodbyes and head out of the barn.

"I know a place for lunch if you guys are up to it. This stallion can be kind of crazy but he's okay." Starlight suggested.  Falcon smiled and nodded. "I'm up for it. What do you think, Spitty?" Spitfire blushed at the nickname. "I'm game. How crazy can one stallion be?"

They step inside a pizza place called "Pie's Pizzeria" and spotted a reddish orange unicorn stallion with a goatee and wearing a small fez.  He has a cutie mark of a black camera with two pizzas for film. He look up and gave Starlight an annoyed look in his blue eyes.

"Welcome to Pie's Pizzeria. Who's better to cook a Pie, than a Pie." He said. "Hey Jasper, this is my new friend Falcon Heart." She nodded towards the golden and white mare. 

"Falcon, this is Jasper Pie. He seems to not like me very much" she added. Jasper narrowed his eyes at her. "You want the long answer, She-Hitler or the short one?" 

"Are you kin to Pinkie Pie?" Asked Spitfire. Jasper sighed. "Oi vey. It's complicated, alright? Ponies never quit about that." He turn his head towards Falcon Heart and smiled. 

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Miss Heart. What could I get you? You first." Falcon narrowed her eyes at the menu. She sighed in defeat. "I'm sorry, Sir. I can't read."

"Illiterate, huh? Not to worry, how about I get you a plain cheese?" Jasper offered.  Falcon nodded and smiled. "Thanks. I never had pizza before."  Jasper's eyes went wide with shock. 

"Have you lived under a rock?" Falcon shook her head. "Actually, I lived in a falcon's nest. I ate only apples most of my life."

The pizza pony gave Starlight a questionable look. Starlight shrugged. "It's a long story." Jasper just shrugged it off. "On a different subject, what can I get for you and Spitfire?" Starlight look over the menu. "Can I have a small pepper pizza? And what do you want Spitfire?"

"I'm sharing with Falcon." She answered. Jasper nodded. "All right, your total is fifteen bits. Go sit down, my marefriend will bring you your orders."

Starlight payed the amount, while Spitfire and Falcon sat in a spot in the corner. Starlight sat down as a mother and her colt walked in. 

They talk for a few minutes and Jasper suddenly shouted, "Birthday?!" The orange stallion brought out a harmonica and played very loud. The mare and the colt screamed and ran out, with the colt crying.

Falcon and Spitfire stared at Jasper for a few seconds and laughed. "I guess you were right, Starlight. He is pretty crazy" Spitfire commented. 

A teal unicorn with a red mane came forward carrying two pans of pizza. "Here you go. One cheese pizza and one small pepper pizza." She gazed at Falcon's feathers. "Ooh, what pretty feathers." She complimented her. Falcon smiled at her. "Thanks. What's your name?" 

"My name is Harmony Dancer." She answered. "That's a pretty name. My name is Falcon Heart, by the way" Falcon commented. 

Harmony smiled. "Thanks. I like your name too. Are you new around here?" She asked. Falcon nodded. "I came from a range of mountains. I was raised by falcons there."

Falcon squeaked in fright as Jasper Pie suddenly popped in beside her. "Really? That's so awesome. Almost as awesome as Sam and Max and Power Rangers." Falcon breath deeply from being startled.  "I don't know what that is, but I'll take that as a compliment."

"Where were your parents?" Asked Harmony curiously. "We were separated in this terrible storm long ago. Cliff the falcon found me and took me to his family. Cliff, his mate, Swoop and Stormy was the only family I had now." Falcon explained with tears forming in her eyes. "I hope I can find them and I hope they'll remember me."   

They heard sniffling and noticed Jasper with tears running from his eyes. "That's one of the saddest things that i heard." He commented while Harmony was comforting him. "Why don't you try the pizza. Pizza always make things better." Jasper added wiping his tears away.

Falcon nodded and grabbed a slice of her cheese pizza. She sniffed at it and nibbled it. Stars formed in her eyes as she gazed at Jasper. "This is delicious!" She commented as she gobbled the rest down. "Sobhlasta!"

Jasper tilted his head. "What did you say?" He asked, curiously. "She was saying delicious in old falcish. I think it's amazing that falcons have another language." Starlight said. "Can you say pizza in that language?" Jasper asked. Falcon nodded. "Piotsa."

"Great. I'm gonna use that word more." Jasper said going back towards the counter. 

They head outside, while saying bye to the couple. They were disappointed that it was still raining hard. Starlight sighed. "Let's go back to the castle. The rain's not going to stop until tomorrow." Spitfire agreed. "We'll see Fluttershy tomorrow too."

A large clap of thunder was heard making Falcon jump. The thunder is back. Spitfire shield Falcon from the rain again as they made way back towards the castle. 

As they went in, Twilight beckoned them towards the fire. Starlight told them she got stuff to do and left to go to her room. Spitfire and Falcon curled up by the fire. 

Spike walked up to give them blankets.  Falcon buried her nose into Spitfire's shoulder and fell asleep.

Spitfire smiled at her friend and put a warm blanket around them. She laid her chin on Falcon's forehead and went to sleep as well.
> Ch.6: Strange Dangerous Crystals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Falcon Heart was walking through town after she finished helping clearing the clouds. It was her first day on the job and Rainbow Dash told her she did great. 

She had blushed at the complement. She did struggled a little, but she soon got the hang of it. And she was tired out.

She and Spitfire had visit Fluttershy the day after the storm, and was surprised to see the many types of animals. She even talk to her resident female falcon, Sheer. 

Fluttershy was amazed at her story of being raised by falcons and how she can communicate with them. After that Spitfire went back to the HQ and promised to come back every day to check on her.

Pinkie Pie had thrown her a "Welcome To Ponyville!" party that night and Falcon had a blast, despite never have been to a party before. She played Pin The Tail On The Pony and danced in a conga line. 

After the party, Starlight showed her her room in the castle. 

Thanks to Pinkie's party, she knows everypony's name in town. "Hey, Falcon!" Greeted a mint green unicorn as she past by. "Hello, Lyra." She greeted back. 

Wanting to be alone for a while and rest; she spotted a comfy looking cloud above town. She lifted her wings and fluttered towards it.

She sighed with relief as she laid down on it and watched the town below. Big Macintosh walked by carrying a cart full of apples, while Applejack walk up to greet him. 

Falcon look to the right as she heard laughter and saw the CMC's tossing a ball to each other. She spotted the red pizza unicorn talking to a blue unicorn with brown mane and glasses, who's wearing a red vest.

She look up and smiled as she spotted a familiar golden pegasus fly towards her direction. "Spitfire!" She exclaimed as she made room for her friend. 

Her heart fluttered as she smiled back and landed beside her. "How's the first day on the job?" Spitfire asked as she hugged her.

Falcon blushed and hugged back. "It was fine. I did struggled a little, but I think a got the hang of it." She giggled. "The others were impressed how fast I was." Spitfire smiled and laid beside her. 

"That's good to hear."  She leaned her head against Falcon's shoulder, causing the golden and white mare's heart flutter even harder.

What was that? Her body keeps acting up whenever Spitfire was around. Am I allergic to her?  She asked in her head. She shook her head. No that was too silly.

Maybe she was catching some illness, but she don't know what it could be. 

She caught her breath as she gazed into her friend's beautiful eyes. It was like staring into the sun, without burning her eyes out. Spitfire raised her hoof and stroke her cheek. 

"You are so beautiful, Fal" She breathed. Falcon's face turned beet red."Thanks. You're not so bad looking either." She giggled as Spitfire's face is equally red.

Whatever illness Falcon got, it looks like Spitfire got it too. Falcon gazed at her jacket and whistle. "So, what did you do? Did you had a chance to blow that whistle?" Spitfire followed her gaze. "Plenty of times." 

"I remember when we was fillys, before you disappeared, I told you I want to be a wonderbolt." Spitfire began with a hint of nostalgia in her voice. 

"I asked you do I cut out for it and you told me if I followed my dream, I could." She gazed back into her eyes. "After you went missing, I got my cutie mark and grew up to be a very famous Wonderbolt. I became Captain very fast. But something was missing."

Falcon Heart tilted her head. " What was missing?" She asked. 

Spitfire put a hoof on hers. "It was you. You weren't there to share my victories with. I thought you were dead back then. But since the day I found you my life was complete." 

She pressed her forehead against her own. "And now that you're alive, I can finally show you what I accomplished. I can't wait to show it to you."

Falcon smiled and nuzzled her cheek. "And I can't wait to see it." She pressed closer to her and watched the town below. "Do you want to try it on?" She heard her friend asked. 

She raised her eyebrow and turn to her, making a "hmm?" sound. "My jacket. Do you want to try it on?" She glanced away, blushing. "I want to see how it looks on you." She admitted.

"Sure. If that what you want." Spitfire smiled and sat up to take her jacket off. Falcon sat up as well, with her friend helping her putting it on. It was the perfect fit. "How do I look?" Falcon questioned. 

Spitfire squinted at her. "It's missing something.." She gazed down at her whistle, still around her neck. "Oh! I got it!" 

She took it off and put it around Falcon. She also ruffled her mane. Falcon shivered as a rush of breeze blew by and blew her mane. Spitfire gaped at her, with her face red. Her golden wings went up with a "pomf" sound. Falcon tilted her head at this.

Spitfire quickly put her wings away and exclaimed with a smile. "You almost look like a Captain. You just need a pair of shades. I left mine at the HQ."

Her smile quickly turn into a smirk with a playful glint in her eyes. "So "Captain" what do you want me to do?" Falcon giggled and smirk back. She found another cloud six feet away. 

"Race me to that cloud!" Falcon ordered mockingly. They narrowed eyes to each other and took off.

It didn't take long for Falcon to made it to the cloud first. She found out it was bigger than the one she rest on. "Hey "Captain", that's not fair!" Spitfire mock whined. "I wasn't raised by falcons!" 

Falcon puffed up her chest proudly. "I won fair and square. Don't whine at your Captain." 

She pounced on her friend and knocked her over. "Or your punishment will be tickles!" She warned, her hoof close to her golden tummy. Spitfire's eyes widened in shock. "You wouldn't.." 

"Captain" Falcon smirked. "Try me!" She brushed her hoof against her tummy, earning a little filly like squeak.

Then she full one attack her. The townsfolk look up as they heard loud laughter. "Captain, please! I surrender!" Spitfire begged between laughter. Falcon paused and bat eyelashes at her. "But I was having fun." She pouted. But she released her victim.

"Okay. That's enough Captain Falcon for one day." She took of the jacket and handed back to Spitfire. "I'll get you back one of these days. Just you wait!" Spitfire said as she put her jacket back on. Falcon heard her stomach rumble. 

Falcon giggled with amusement. "Is somepony hungry?" She teased. 

At the same time, her stomach rumble too. "I should say the same thing about you." Spitfire teased back. "There's this restaurant that makes the best daisy sandwiches. How about we go there?" The golden pegasus suggest.

"Sure. But I can only read a little, thanks to Twilight. Will you help me?" She asked with a blush. Spitfire's face had a look of sincere on it. She grabbed her hoof. "Sure. Anything for you." Falcon smiled gratefully.

They flew to the restaurant and took a seat at one of the mushroom tables. Spitfire ordered a sandwich and with her help Falcon ordered some daisy soup. For drinks they both ordered mint tea. 

"So," Spitfire began. "What's it like living with falcons?" Falcon sipped at her tea. "It's okay, once you get use to there eating habits." She explained with a shudder. "But they were so good to me and treat me like one of their own."

She stared at her tea. "But they're not like ponies." She shrugged. "Sure, even though they mate for life, they don't have a concept of friendship like we do. They mostly stick to themselves." She sighed. 

"But they were so good to me. I just miss my pony parents." A single tear drop run down her cheek. Spitfire leaned over and wiped it away.

After lunch, they walk together to the edge of town. Spitfire turn around to face Falcon. "Well, this has been fun. I have to head back to headquarters." She look into her eyes with a smile.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She gave Falcon a hug. Falcon hugged back. "Maybe we can do this again." Spitfire put a hoof on her cheek and smiled. 

"Yeah. Definitely." She leaned in and kissed her cheek. They then part ways. 

As Falcon walk back to town she heard a familiar voice. "Falcon! There you are!" She look up to find Starlight walking towards her with a gray earth pony slowly following her. Falcon smiled at her unicorn friend . "Oh, hey Starlight!" She trotted up to her.

She turn to the gray mare beside her. "Who's this?" Starlight turn to the gray mare. "This is Maud Pie. She is Pinkie's sister. Maud, meet Falcon Heart." Maud blinked at her. "It's very nice to meet you." She said in a monotone voice. 

Falcon stared at her in disbelief. She heard the sound of laughter and spotted the pink mare bouncing around. "But they look and act nothing alike!" She blurted out. Starlight giggled. "That's what I was thinking."

"Anyway's, Maud has discover a cave system near the Everfree Forest and she wants to explore it to find rocks." She explained. "Do you want to come?"

"Sure!" Falcon exclaimed. "I'm eager to explore new places! Let's go!"

*****

All three mares paused at the entrance of the cave, the forest looming ahead. Maud was wearing a yellow hard hat with a flashlight. "Let's get going." She took the lead while Falcon walk behind.

Soon it started to get dark very quickly. Maud turn her light on while Starlight use her magic. Suddenly, Falcon felt nothing under her feet and she fell. 

She landed on something sharp. "Ow." She moan. 

She look up and find herself in a cave full of glowing green crystals. She sat up with a wince. She look down at her side to find she was bleeding with a small crystal lodge in it. She leaned down and bite on it. 

She grimaced with pain as she pulled it out.

She look at her wound and find it was deep but not too deep. She put her hoof against it and shouted. "Hey! Down here!" A rope drop down and Maud and Starlight appear. The rock pony walk up to some crystals. "Malachite." She pick a small piece up.

"Some malachite has dangerous micro-organisms living on them. If you get cut on one, the bacteria will get in your bloodstream." She explain. 

"The symptoms starts off as a common cold or flu. Then you will get better. But eventually it gets worse as time goes bye. Left untreated, it will be to late for the victims."

Falcon laughed nervously. "Is that a joke?" 

Maud blinked. "Do I look like I'm joking?" Falcon gulped. "Wow, look at the time! I should really get going, I got weather things to do."

Falcon rushed out of the hole and out of the cave. As she help with the weather, she rest for a few minutes. She look at her wound. It stop bleeding, but it still hurts.

As she entered the castle, Twilight walk up to her. "Hey Falcon, ready for more reading lessons." She paused and look at her side in shock. "You're wounded!" She summoned a gauze and some antiseptics. She ordered Falcon to lay down.

The golden and white pegasus did as she told as the alicorn cleaned her cut. "What happened!?" She demanded. "I went caving with Maud and Starlight. It's just a cut, don't be too worried."

"It could be infected!" Twilight snapped as she wrapped her with the gauze. "I'm postponing the reading session. Go to you room and rest until it heals. I'll get Spike to bring you dinner." Falcon nodded and head to her room.

She sighed with relief as she laid down on her uninjured side.  Unknown to her, small organisms are already in her systems.
> Ch.7:Wonderbolt's Guest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spitfire flew towards Ponyville, as excitement fill her. Falcon can finally go with her to the HQ. Twilight had told her that the golden and white pegasus had an accident while caving and had a gash on her side.

Spitfire was wondering why she was caving in the first place. Falcon finally healed up with a scar.

She glide over the first houses as she made her way to the castle. She smiled as she spotted her friend sitting on a cloud, waiting patiently. 

With a burst of speed, she landed on the cloud, knocking Falcon over on her back in the process.

Heated up with embarrassment she apologized. "I'm sorry!" She yelped as she hopped off her friend and helped her stand up. Falcon was equally red but she shook it off. 

"It's okay, Spitfire." She said as she gave her an understanding smile. "I'm sure you mean no harm from it."

She gave her a comforting hug. Spitfire freeze up for a moment. How can her friend be so apologetic? 

She finally gave in and hugged her back, burying her face in her shoulder. "You're a good pony, you know that right?" She asked. Falcon giggled. "I don't know about that."

Spitfire enjoyed that laugh, finding it adorable. She parted from the hug to gaze into her friend's gorgeous blue eyes. It's like staring in an ocean full of water. From that moment she knew she was falling for her friend. 

She loved everything about her and wanted to be with her. But she doesn't know if Falcon feel that way about her.

"So, are you ready to go?" Asked Spitfire. Falcon smiled and nodded with enthusiasm. They both take off and flew towards the HQ.

Spitfire took a moment to secretly admire Falcon in flight. She watched in awe as her friend fly gracefully beside her.  Falcon rolled onto her back in mid flight for a few moments and rolled back around. Spitfire smiled. "You seem to enjoy flying. " she commented.

She shivered with joy as Falcon smiled back at her. Such a pretty smile! "It's one of my favorite things." Falcon said. Spitfire leaned over and nuzzled her check. "Mine too. And you're so amazing at it." She praised. 

Falcon giggled and return the nuzzle, making Spitfire all warm inside.

They arrived at the plateau and landed to were a group of Spitfire's teammates, all in there uniforms, waiting for them. A blue stallion smiled at them. 

"Is this your friend?" He asked as he trotted up to greet them. He held out a hoof. "I'm Lieutenant Soarin." Falcon smiled and took it. "Nice to meet you."

A paler blue mare with a short white mane walked up beside him. "And I'm Fleetfoot." The others start to introduce themselves as well. Falcon smiled back at Spitfire. 

"They seem like a great bunch." She said. Spitfire nodded and put her wing over her back.

"Alright team. We need to practice for the Summer Tour and what's the best way by showing our new friend?" She gave Falcon an affectionate gaze. 

"And I'll watch from that cloud." Falcon said as she pointed to a large cloud way above them. "Also my scar is starting to hurt." She whispered to Spitfire. The fiery pegasus nodded with a slightly worried expression. 

"Alright."  She leaned forward and touched her ear with her nose.

Spitfire watched as she took off and landed on the cloud. Falcon laid down on her side and gazed back down to give her friend an encouraging smile.

The Wonderbolts lifted themselves off the ground in coordination with Spitfire in lead. They headed towards the sky and start to loop the loop with trails of smoke behind them. 

They did a lot of tricks, amazing Falcon in the process. Spitfire felt a burst of pride as she heard her cheer.

Spitfire then made a mistake as she look towards her friend and crashed against a teammate. She lost her balance and started to plummet towards the ground. "Captain!" Shouted her teammate.

Then all of the sudden, something rushed towards her in high speed and catches her before she hit the ground.  She look to see who caught her and discovered Falcon looking down at her with a comforting expression. "Don't worry, I got you."

"You saved me." Spitfire breathed as they flew towards the ground where Falcon let go of her. They both landed on the ground and faced each other. 

Spitfire smiled and hugged her friend gratefully. Falcon hugged her back harder. "You should have been more careful you idiot." She scolded. "I don't know what I do if I lost you."

Spitfire felt Falcon's body shuttered and heard her crying. She really cares about me. she thought in shame. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that." She whispered. 

She parted from her and gazed into her eyes. "I didn't know that I hurt you like that. Don't ever let me hurt you like that again." She pleaded as put her forehead against hers.

Then she said the infamous three words. "Because I love you." She whispered. Falcon went stiff with shock, eyes widened. Spitfire took the moment to lean forward , grab her friend and connect her lips with her's. 

She was nervous that Falcon wouldn't return it. Then she felt her kiss back. She couldn't believe it. This beautiful mare and the love of her life was kissing her back.  

Even though Falcon never kiss before and found her kiss sloppy. But that didn't make this moment less sweeter. 

They parted from the kiss to stare into each other's eyes. Falcon touched Spitfire's face with a hoof and smiled at her with adoration. "I know you won't hurt me. And I love you too." 

Spitfire lifted her hoof and placed it on her newfound lover's. "You don't know how much that means to me." She leaned foreword and kissed her again.

"Uh, I guess she's okay." Said a voice behind them. They both turn around and find her teamates smiling at them. "Come on. Let's leave them." Said Fleetfoot. She nudge them away and followed behind them.

"Why don't you guys go to the mess hall. We'll meet you there." Spitfire hollered after them. "Yes Captain!" Shouted Soarin. She suddenly heard Falcon coughing. 

She turn her gaze back to her lover with concern. "You alright, Fal?" She asked. "Yes, I'm fine." Falcon breathed uncomfortably. "Must have swallowed a feather or something."

Spitfire got up and nudged Falcon. "Come on. Let's go to the mess hall to get you something to drink." She said. "That cough sounded bad." 

Falcon nodded gratefully and and began walk with her to the mess hall. Falcon have kept pausing the way there to cough, with Spitfire rubbing her back. 

They soon made to the mess hall, Spitfire's teammates were chowing down some salad and a pomegranate. Spitfire asked for two trays and a glass of water. 

She made back to the table with Soarin and Fleetfoot while Falcon had another coughing fit. They sat down and Spitfire nudged the glass towards Falcon.

The mare licked her lips and gulped it down greedily. Spitfire smiled as she finished. "Feeling better?" She asked. Falcon nodded as she cleared her throat. "Yes. Thank you."

Soarin smiled at the mare. "That was some fast flying earlier." He commented. Fleetfoot nodded in agreement. "I never seen such flying, other than Rainbow Dash of course."

"Thanks. I did what I have to save my friend." Falcon said. She smiled at the mare beside her and leaned against her shoulder. Spitfire wrapped her wing around her and kissed her head. "Don't you mean marefriend now?" She corrected.

Falcon stared at her with a confused look. "Is that what I call you now?" Spitfire nodded as the others laughed in amusement. "Man, were did you found her?" Chuckled Soarin.

They both shared glances and take turns telling them. Soarin and Fleetfoot had a look of astonishment as they finished. "Did you actually lived with falcons?" Asked Soarin. "And is it true that you can see things far away?" Added Fleetfoot.

Falcon Heart nodded. Fleetfoot grinned. "That is so awesome! Spitfire you are so lucky to find such a mare." She leaned over and gave her a playful punch. 

Spitfire smiled and punched her back. "Indeed I did." She nuzzled the golden and white pegasus beside her. "And I owe my life to her now." 

She leaned in and kissed her. "Awe! That is so cute!" Explained Fleetfoot as she pressed her hooves against her face.
> Ch.8: Sick In Bed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later, that night, Falcon went into her room to get ready for bed. All of bedrooms in The Castle Of Friendship has bathrooms. She went into her bathroom and turn on the bath, adjusting the right temperature. 

Falcon then started to cough again. That was weird. She thought it was a feather the last time she cough, but this time it was longer. She start feeling her throat scratchy and sore.

She feel the temperature of the bathwater finding it warm and she climbed in. As she sighed with relief, the coughing started  again. It felt like a minute past before it died down again. She took a brush and scrubbed her body with it, getting all the dirt and grime off her body.

When she was done, she hopped out, drained the water and dried off her body. She then brushed her teeth. She walked out of the bathroom, shut her door, shut the blinds and turned off the lights.

She got into bed and tucked herself in. She took awhile to fall asleep as she kept having her coughing fit. She then fell into a restless sleep.

She suddenly woke up in the middle of the night to find herself unable to breath through her nose. She gasped through her mouth, coughing in the process. She groaned as she felt cramps in her muscles and pain in her head. 

She shivered and pulled her covers closer to her. She sniffed and rubbed her nose on her foreleg to wipe the mucus running from it. She coughed again. She felt like there is needles piercing her lungs. She never felt this miserable in her whole life.

She got up and pulled up the blinds from her window and open it. She felt a little relief as fresh air blew in. She went back to bed. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Soon sunlight crashed in signalling that it's morning.

"Why do you have your window open, Fal?" Asked a familiar voice from outside her window. She heard hoofsteps as the pony in question landed and walked up towards her. 

The hoofsteps suddenly stopped. "Falcon, you're sick!" The pony gasped in horror and rushed onto her bed. She felt herself being turned over and spotted Spitfire hovered over her with a worried expression.

Spitfire gently put her hoof against her forehead and gasped to find her hot to the touch. "Don't worry, love. I'll get help." She rushed to the door to yell for the others. 

She sighed with relief when she heard footsteps rushing over.

She walked back to Falcon and hopped back on the bed. She then curled up next to her sick lover and rubbed her back with her hoof. She leaned forward and nuzzled her check, ignoring the hot skin. 

"Don't worry, my dear. Help is on the way." She whispered softly in her ear.

"It hurts." Falcon murmured. Spitfire brushed her matted mane from her face. "What hurts?" She gently asked. "Everywhere." Falcon started to cough again. 

Spitfire comfortingly rubbed her back and buried her nose into her neck. The door burst open as Twilight rushed inside with Spike at his side. 

Seeing the sick mare in bed, she rushed to her side and put her ear on her chest. "Spike!" She barked. "Go and fetch me a wet wash rag and a thermometer!" The dragon nodded and rushed out. "Starlight!" She added as the unicorn ran in past him. "Bring a box of tissues and make some warm vegetable broth."

"Can do mam!" Said Starlight. She gave Falcon a worried look and rushed right out. "Uh, Spitfire? Maybe you shouldn't be that close to her. It might be contagious."

Spitfire flattened her ears in defiance. "I am not leaving her." She growled. Twilight was taken back by this. She now know that loyalty resides in all pegasi, and knows that the Wonderbolt's captain would never leave her sick friend's side.

She sighed in defeat. "Fine, you can stay. You can be the comfort." Spitfire looked relieved. "Thanks. My marefriend needs me right now." The alicorn looked surprised at hearing the word "marefriend." .  She didn't notice Spitfire and Falcon  were a thing.

Spike walked in with the wet rag and thermometer. "Thanks Spike!" Twilight said appreciatively. "Now go get some pain pills and a glass of water." She ordered as she took both items with her magic. 

Spike nodded and rushed out again. She gave the washrag to Spitfire. "I'm gonna check her temperature and I want you to put it on her head when I'm done." She instructed.

She turn her attention to Falcon. "Open your mouth." Falcon did as she told. Twilight stooked the thermometer in. "Now put your tongue under it and close it for a couple a seconds. Spitfire smiled at her friend with encouragement. "You are a very brave pony." She softly praised.

Twilight took the thermometer out and checked it. Her temperature is way above average. Spitfire's eyes widened with alarm and put the rag on Falcon's forehead admittedly. Starlight came in with a box a tissues and a mug full of steaming hot vegetable broth.

Twilight took the mug and instructed Falcon to sit up a bit. She levitate it to her. "You need lots of fluids in your body right know and this will help. This will taste funny, but you need to drink all of it."

Falcon shakily grabbed it with both of her hooves. Seeing her lover struggling to hold the mug, Spitfire dropped the rag and held on to it for her. Falcon scrunched her face at the taste, but she drunk all of it down.

They look out side to find the pegasi patching up the sky for some morning spring rain. Falcon shivered at the thought of another thunderstorm, especially when she is sick in bed. She felt a warm wing wrapped around her and noticed it was Spitfire's

"It's okay, love. It's only suppose to rain, no thunderstorm at all." Spitfire said with a comforting voice. Falcon nodded feeling a little relived. She sniffed and about to wiped her nose with her forleg again, when Twilight stopped her and gave her a tissue. "Use this instead."

Falcon nodded and grabbed the tissue, using it to wipe her nose. She then coughed a few times in it. "Starlight can you fetch a small trashcan?" The purple unicorn nodded and rushed out the door. Spike came in past her and gave her a bottle of pills and a glass of water.

"Thanks Spike! You can go rest now." Twilight said. Spike nodded and walk out of the room. She open the bottle of pills and took out two tablets. "Here Falcon, take these. They will help with the pain ." 

Falcon nodded and put them both in her mouth. With Spitfire's help, she took a sip of water to swallow them down. "I have shopping to be done and I'll get some nasal spray." Twilight said. Both pegasi nodded as she walked out the door.

Spitfire use her foreleg to drag Falcon closer to her and massage her back. Starlight came in and drop off the trash can. She watched the couple with a sad expression and walked out while closing the door behind her.

Spitfire then hopped of the bed and walk towards the bathroom. She pause and glance back at her lover. "I'm gonna fill your bathtub with warm water. It's going to help with your pain, okay?" Falcon nodded as Spitfire went in the bathroom.

Spitfire filled the tub, making sure it's the right temperature. When she is satisfied with it she walked out and trotted to Falcon's side. She hovered and gently picked her up saddle style. "You don't have to do this, Spitfire." Pleaded Falcon .

Spitfire smiled gently at her and kissed her on the forehead. "But I want to. I care about you so much." She said. She nuzzled cheek as she made her way back to the bathroom. Spitfire then gently laid her down gently in the warm water.

She picked up a brush and scrubbed her lover down. She then brushed her matted mane, making it all soft again. She gave her lover a loving expression and kissed her lips.

Spitfire gently picked her back up and drained the bathtub, while drying her off. She laid her gently back in bed and tucked her in. She then curled up next to her and caress Falcon's cheeks. The golden and white pegasus was staring up at her with a sorrowful expression in her eyes.

"I'm sorry that I got sick." She said pitifully. Spitfire leaned down and kissed the golden diamond patch on her muzzle. "There's no need to apologize. Everypony gets sick every now and then, it's perfectly normal." She soothed.

Spitfire pressed up closer to her, to provide her warmth. "Now, you need to rest." She told her sternly. Falcon nodded and cuddled up closer and buried her nose into her chest. "I love you, Spitfire." She whispered. 

Spitfire wrapped her forelegs around her and nuzzled her cheek. "And I love you too, Fal."
> Ch.9:Ponyville Spring Flower Festival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spitfire was in her office, getting her paperwork done. She sighed in boredom as sign each paper with her signature hoofstamps. She couldn't wait to get these done so she can get to spend time with her marefriend.

She smiled as thought about her beloved. After Falcon's cold, that pretty mare got even more lively and affectionate with her everytime she went to see her.

Spitfire paused as she tought about Falcon's sickness. It looks and sound contagious, and Princess Twilight thought they all would catch it. But not one pony or dragon that's been around her caught the same thing. They were all find and dandy. 

Twilight thought her illness was linked with the cut she got from the cave. She's afraid Falcon caught something from that place and what ever pathogen she got was no cold virus, but acts like it and what ever it was lies dormant for now.

Spitfire hoped it doesn't come back. She hates seeing her beloved mare lying in bed so helpless like that. She never wanted to see such a beautiful strong pony in pain like that ever again.

Spitfire look at the clock and decided to pause her paperwork for another day and check up on her. She put her sunglasses on her desk and walk out the door, turning the light off behind her and locked the door. She decided keep her jacket on. She knows her lover loves seeing it on her.

She needed to give Falcon an accessory of her own. She trotted out of the building and took off, leaving the HQ behind her. She flew along above the clouds, taking her time to enjoy her flight. She smiled as she knew Falcon enjoys flying as well, which she's happy to have that in common with her marefriend.

Spitfire lowered herself below the clouds as she spotted Ponyville up ahead. Her heart quickens with anticipation at what's in store for her and Falcon.

She suddenly halted in midflight suprise as she look on at the town below her. Huge tents and booths popped up everywhere each covered in diffrent types of flowers. She lowered herself towards the groud and landed under a huge banner that said: "Welcome To The Annual Spring Flower Festival." Drawings of flowers surrounded the words.

Spitfire trotted along the path, looking among each booth and ponies, hoping to spot a familiar golden and white pony among the the crowd.

She paused as certain vendor caught her eye. The vendor in question was selling Wonderbolt merch, the tent colored in same blue and yellow colors the Wonderbolts are famous for with the symbol advertised on the front. 

The vendor was selling blue and yellow flowers of all types, posters, coffee mugs and accessories like caps and bandanas. She smiled thinking her beloved would love a Wonderbolt bandana and walk up to it.

She grabbed a blue and yellow bandana that would fit Falcon. She walked up to the flowers and eyed a bouquet of blue and yellow roses before deciding to grab that as well.

She walk to the vender pony and laid the merchandise on his table. "That would be fifteen bits please." Said the seller who was gray pegasus stallion with blue mane and tail. The pony did a double take at who was buying and his eyes widened.

"Captain Spitfire?! What are you doing buying your own merch?" He asked, flabbergasted. Spitfire glanced away and blush. "It's for a very special mare who means the world to me." She explained sheepishly.  "She been over a nasty cold and deserve a special treat, especially something that's a part of me."

She scraped at the ground distractingly as she tought about the most important pony in her life. She llok up as she heard sniffling. The pegasus vendor's eyes watered. "That is the sweetest thing I ever heard about." He pushed the merch back to her. 

"Here, it's the house. A Wonderbolt shouldn't have to buy their own merch any way. Now I have to find my wife and tell her how much I love her." And with that he took off, leaving the stunned mare behind.

Spitfire shrugged and grabbed the gifts with her wing. She continued to walk through the festival, making her way among the ponies as she tried to find Falcon among them.

She spotted Twilight, Spike, and Starlight on a picnic table near the food vendors, eating some oatburgers and hayfries. She trotted up to them. 

Twilight spotted the feiry pegasus and greeted her. "Are you looking for Falcon?" Spitfire nodded, looking around. "Have you seen her?"

"Yes, she was here earlier and told us she's going to the field near Fluutershy's cottage to stretch her wings." Twilight told her. Spitfire smiled and thanked her, while trotting away.

She grabbed the gifts in her hooves and took off, heading towards the field. Joy filled her as she spotted her beloved hovering above the field. She landed on a nearby cloud to watch the show, while hiding the gifts in her wing again.

Spitfire watched as Falcon flew even higher and look down below. Without warning, the pegasus took a nose dive, tucking her wings as she dived down in a breath taking speed. The fiery pegasus watched in awe and took out a stopwatch.

She widened her amber eyes as she look at it. Falcon is going at least 200 Mph, even more faster than an average Wonderbolt. Spitfire knew that herself couldn't top that.

She put her stopwatch back in her pocket and watched Falcon open her wing back up and made a little loop the loop and stopped in midair hovering again. As Spitfire watched, she couldn't help but blurrying out the rest of the world, focusing on her lover instead.

She put her head on her hoofs as she was head over hills in love, while her tail swished in excitement. Her heart thump even louder as Falcon looked around and spotted her on the cloud. Her beloved smiled at her with her beautiful smile making her golden yellow wings flittered with excitement.

"Spitfire! You're here!" Falcon squealed as she rushed over to her. Spitfire sat up and made room for her. She quickly embrace her as soon Falcon landed beside her.

Spitfire nuzzled her cheek and brushed her nose against her ear. "Of course I'm here. And I'll always be here for you." She whispered in it. She gave her ear a playful nibble and kissed her cheek. Spitfire leaned back a little to gaze at her beloved's pretty face.

The golden mare bat her eyelids at her with a smile as she added. "Because I love you." She leaned forward to give her a sweet kiss on the lips. Falcon blushed and pressed against her. "You're such a charmer, you know that?"

Spitfire's eyes glimmered with love. Her eyes then widened in alarm as she can hear her lover wheezing a little. Spitfire gave her a look of concern. "Are you alright Falcon? I can hear you wheezing."

"I guess that dive did a number on me." She said feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry Spitfire. I should have known not push myself like that. Not long after that sickness." She buried her face into her shoulder. "Please don't be angry with me."

Spitfire wrapped her hooves around her in comfort. "I'm not mad at you Falcon, not in the slightest bit." She put her hoof under Falcon's chin and lifted her face to face her. "But please promise me not to overexcert yourself too hard. When you feel like you've running out a breath, just take a breather and rest. Sometimes you need learn when to quit." She said, rubbing her cheek.

Falcon smiled with an understanding look and leaned forward to rub noses with. "I promise, love.". Spitfire smiled gratefully and gave her nose a butterfly kiss.

"Oh, by the way I got you something." Spitfire said as she reached for her wing. Falcons ears perked up with intress. "Really, for me?" Spitfire nodded and showed her the bouquet of roses and bandana.

Falcon was speechless as Spitfire gave her the roses. "Spitfire, they're beautiful. You got them from that festival didn't you?" She said in disbelief. She eyed the Wonderbolt bandana still in Spitfire's hooves.

"May I put this on you?" She asked sheepishly. Falcon nodded her approval. She lowered her head and let Spitfire put the bandana around her.

When Spitfire finished, she step back a little to see how Falcon look with it on. She smiled. "You look amazing." Falcon look down on it. "Thanks. I'll wear it everyday." She said leaning forward and kissed her on the cheek.

Spitfire, wanting more, gently grabbed onto her beloved and connect her lips with her own. Their kiss turned passionately as Spitfire placed her hoof on her cheek, gently carresing it.

Wanting to take it a bit further, Spitfire lick her lips as to ask her for permission to let her tounge slide in. Falcon complied, opened her mouth to let her tounge enter.

Spitfire slid her in, enjoying the salty and sweet taste of her lover's saliva. She shivered as she felt Falcon's own tounge slid in letting it intertwined with her own.

Spitfire suddenly felt herself being pushed onto her back, with Falcon on top of her. They both regretfully but slowly parting away from the kiss, wanting to breath. They both slipped their tounge out of each other mouth and broke free from their kiss their lips only connected by a sliver of saliva.

Falcon then lied down next her, but continuing to give Spitfire a loving smile. The golden pegasus gave one back to her as she watch Falcon grabbed a rose in her mouth, munching on the succulent flower.

She offered Spitfire a bite who complied.  They cuddled against each other and shared the blue and yellow snack.  Spitfire glanced at the mare beside her. She swallowed her mouthful of food and ask. "So I have been thinking, since my summer tour is on it's way. Do you want to come with me?"

Falcon chewed on her mouthful of rose thoughtfully. She gulped it down and smiled. "Sure. I always wanted an adventure. And I would love to spend it with you."

Spitfire grinned gratefully. She leaned forward and gave her beautiful marefriend another kiss. She hold her tightly and buried her nose into her neck. She stayed like that for a couple minutes, drinking in the soft scent of her lover. "You don't know how much that means to me." She breathed, rubbing her face along her neck. "I love you Falcon."

She felt her lover brush her mane and kissed her forehead. "I love you too, Spitty." She said back lovingly.  Spitfire laid her head close to Falcon while intertwining her tail with hers.
****

They stayed for almost an hour in each other's embrace until they decided to go back to the festival together. What they both don't know is the pathegon ravaging inside Falcon is slowly coming out of it's temporary dormancy growing more stronger than it did the first time it made sick.

And this time it's mocking the next virus, which is similar to H1N1 in humans.
> Ch.10: Oh No, Not Again!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Falcon Heart soar through the skies, bursting out clouds left and right from the rainstorm from last night. It's been like a normal routine for her. Cloud busting is her only weather duty since Rainbow Dash knew how she is around thunder. Rainbow understand and don't want her to get involved around it.

As she bust the last cloud, she thought about her parents. She always wonder were they are and if they are looking for her. They must be so distraught over the thought she was dead. 

Spitfire had thought she was dead before and she wonder if her parents thought the same thing.

She paused as she look at her handy work. The sky is now clear.  She started to breath heavily as she look around for a place to rest.

She then started to cough. Her eyes widened in surprise as the coughing stopped. It was dryer than the last time. She coughed again as she landed on the ground. 

She trotted towards the castle, deciding to to rest on her bed. As she made her way to the door, it opened revealing Starlight and Twilight with and excited grin.

"Good news, Falcon! We found you a place for your own. It's here in Ponyville and it's on the nearby mountain!" Twilight exclaimed, pointing with her hoof.

Falcon followed were she pointed and spotted a beautiful one story log cabin, lodge into the mountain. Her ears perked up, interested. 

She was looking for a place for her own ever since she can finally read. She had finished her lessons with Twilight and had read almost everything in Twilight's library. Rainbow Dash had introduced her to Daring Do and she fell in love with the series ever since.

Sure, she was gonna miss living with Twilight and the others, but she need her own space. And since she spotted the cabin she knew she spotted her potential new home.

She smiled as she spotted waterfalls surrounding the cabin and fell into a pool below. It's perfect in every way.

"Great, when are we gonna have a look?" She croaked between coughs. Twilight then look at her with concern. 

"Well, we were gonna go now, but right now you are sick again." She explained. Falcon frown and cough again.

"I'm...cough!...fine. It's...cough!...just a...cough! little cough." Falcon said between coughs. She took a deep breath and stared at her friends. Her eye sight started to blurred.

She narrowed her eyes. "Since when are there two of both of you?" She asked as she collapsed on the ground. The last thing she seen before she blacked out  was Starlight and Twilight hovering over her with a worried expression.

*****
The golden and white pegasus woke up finding herself on her bed. She slowly got out of bed, feeling nauseous as she felt her stomach turned.

She canter to her bathroom as she felt her stomach contents come up and emptied it in the toilet. She coughed again and leaned against the toilet, heaving hard. She flushed it and wiped the sick from her face.

She collapsed on her bed and breath heavily, feeling her muscle aches with pain. Twilight rushed in with Spike on her tail pushing a cart full of vegetable soup, medicine, and other essentials for a sick pony.

Falcon glanced at her with tears in her eyes. "I felt even worse than last time. What's happening to me?" She asked as Twilight took her temperature.

"I have no clue. This is certainly a mystery. Two sickness back to back and it's more than the last?" Twilight said as she check the thermometer. She winced and put an ice pack on her forehead.

"Spike, send a letter to Spitfire." Twilight ordered. Spike took out a paper and a quill and wrote quickly. He rolled it up and placed a Wonderbolt symbol on the strap. He took a breath and catched it on fire as it blew away.

*****

At the HQ, Spitfire was in her office, resting after a long day of training. She had took her uniform off and she placed her back legs on her desk as her chair leaned back a little. She sighed in content as closed her eyes.

Suddenly, with a poof, a rolled up letter appear on her desk, making the captain fell backwards all the way as she watched in surprise.

She got up and inspect the letter, spying the gold Wonderbolt symbol. Curious she opened it up and read what it said.

Her eyes widened in shock and she can only blurt out one thing. "Oh no, not again." She muttered as she rushed out the door.

*****

Back in Falcon's room, Twilight left the room after she gave her some medicine and left her to finished her soup. Falcon coughed again as she put the empty bowl on her nightstand.

She laid down and whimpered in discomfort as her head felt like a hammer pounding her brain. She heard hoofsteps running towards her room.

She heard her door opened and turned around to find Spitfire standing there with a worried look in her eyes. Falcon smiled in relief and painfully moved over to make room for her.

Spitfire closed the door behind her and walk towards her bed. "You're sick again." She stated as her ears drooped. She hopped onto the bed and curled up next to her. "I'm sorry that I didn't get to you sooner." She buried her face into her shoulder.

Falcon cough again and placed her hoof against her shoulder. "It's okay, Spitfire. You didn't know." She leaned over and nuzzled her cheek. "I didn't even exert myself this time. I made sure I had breaks everytime. But it just happened so fast. I have no ways of stopping it."

Falcon contitued to cough, as Spitfire watched on helplessly. She rubbed her back. "Do you need anything, love?"

Falcon nodded. "I need more water. My throat is so scratchy." Spitfire winced. She can hear it. She spotted a empty glass on the nightstand, picked it up, and went into the bathroom. She filled it up from the water from the sink.

She gave it to her lover and helped her drink from it. She set it aside after she is done and curled back up next to her. Spitfire leaned forward and kissed her lover's cheek.

Falcon sighed in content as Spitfire moved to her muzzle and kissed along it. She smiled and gazed into her beloved's amber eyes. Those eyes seem to sparkle as they gaze back into her own.

Spitfire smiled softly. "You seem to feel better already." She commented as she gently pressed her forehead against hers. Falcon smiled and kissed her nose, making the Wonderbolt blush.

"I guess. You are the best medicine. " Falcon commented as she rubbed her nose with hers. She laid her head on her shoulder.

"Twilight found me a place of my own." She said as she brushed her face against her soft fur. "It's beautiful, Spitty. It's located on a mountain, surrounded by waterfalls. And it's near here too."

Spitfire grinned and nuzzled her beloved, feeling happy for her. "That's great, Fal. We can check it out when you're better."

Falcon coughed again. "Yeh, definitely."

"Turn over on your stomach." Spitfire said. Falcon raised an eyebrow. "Why?" She asked as she did as she told. Spitfire sat up for a bit and placed her hooves on her back. "What are you doing? You look like a kitten."

Spitfire smile and made a cat like noise.  She start to massage her back with hooves. She leaned forward and pressed her nose against Falcon's neck making the golden and white pegasus shutter. 

"I thought your muscles might be acking, so I'm giving you a massage." She whispered in her ear. Falcon smiled and closed her eyes enjoying her beloved's touch.

She sighed. "I guess you got that right, kitty." Falcon teased. She coughed again.  Spitfire leaned down and pressed her cheek against her beloved as she continued to rub her back.

The door cracked open as Twilight stepped in, carrying a spare ice pack. She blushed as she watched the pair on the bed and backed out, closing the door deciding not to bother them until later.