> A Fluttery Day: RotE Episode 5
>  by Dream Volt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Flutterboom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The glade was very nice.  I think Rarity called it that first, and I think it sounds lovely.  It wasn't that true before, but Applejack suggested I actually try planting some fruit trees, and that worked nicely, so now it really is a sort of little forest.  Though Twilight suggested I try some rare varieties of tree not from around here, and those worked too, so it's a nice mix.  She also suggested I try a clipping from my bonzai and seeing if I could grow that into a full fledged tree.  I looked up at the pink blossoming Neighponese cherry tree.  Mom always just called it a Sakura tree of course.

I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be blossoming right now, but I was beginning to expect things like that.  My talent is animals, but I've always loved all nature.  Dash thought it was weird, but it just made sense to me.  Twilight said there were six material elements just like there six elements of harmony, and nature is always the one I felt closest too.  I was even letting myself enjoy some of the things I could do.  I then held a hoof to my head, touching my hair clip.  Luna said not to wear it if I could help it, but some things just really scared me.

I then blinked.  I was done again.  I figured out I could somehow simply know if any animals nearby had any problems.  It made taking care of everyone so much easier.  Some of the extra plants meant I didn't need to feed as many animals, which was nice.  I still had to ask some of the plants to release their berries, but that wasn't hard.  Some how they didn't seem to get hurt anymore either, or at least not as often.  I smiled.  It was strange it kept getting easier, but Dash is right, I shouldn’t complain.  I took to the air, and flew off for Dash's house.  I think she was right, and my flying was a little better.

I smiled as the gentle breeze passed over my wings and through my mane.  It was such a lovely day.  Perfect for a flight.  I was never the strongest flyer, and had horrible trouble when I was younger, but that doesn't mean I'm bad at it now.  I mean I've watched the best flyer in Equestria for most of my life, I just had to pick up a few tips.  I hated to disappoint Dream Volt, he seems like such a nice pony, but I wasn't really afraid of heights or falling.  Fear makes my wings lock up a lot, but it's always something else.  Dash is right and I need to get over it.  I mean Pegasai are supposed to fly away from things they fear, not just freeze.  It's just hard.  I mean some things are just so scary.  Though I guess when I'm scared I panic, and when I panic everything seems scarier, even tall things.

"Hay Fluttershy."

I yelped.  My wings didn't even freeze for a second though.  Then I looked up to see Dash just a little bit above me.  I smiled.

"Sorry about that Flutter.  So where you going?"

"I was coming to visit you."

"Ooo, already?  Sounds like it won't be too long before you can take care of your animals In ten seconds flat."

I laughed.  "I don't think I'll ever be that fast."

"Maybe not, but we're all at least 56% cooler, so maybe one day you'll be fast enough, even if I could clear the skies for all of Equestria in ten seconds by then."

I briefly frowned, then smiled.  "Yea, that would be, nice."

"Hay, what's wrong with that?  I mean do you think that was too boastful, cause I didn't say now just..."

"I bet Luna could do that if she really wanted."

"Well maybe, but what does that have to do with…"  Then she blinked.  "Oh, this isn't about doubting me, it's you think I'm right?"

I nodded.  "It's just so scary Dash.  I mean it's nice, but to have so much power.  Even though it's not the same, the idea that we might be equal to Celestia and…"

I then dropped a few feet.  I closed my eyes and focused.  Antlers weren't quite the same as a horn, but sometimes Twilight almost made them sound better.  Dash was smiling and shaking her head.

"Oh man, I still don't get this.  I know it upsets you somehow and want to help, but how can practically being an alicorn not be awesome."

I looked down.  "I just, uh…"

"Look, you don't want to think about it, fine, whatever.  I can't seem to help, so lets just forget all about that.  So what do you want to do?"

"Uh, maybe…"

Dash sighed.  I really didn't have any idea.  Helping my animal friends has always been very rewarding, but also very time consuming.  Even when I did get time town is so full of ponies, most of whom I didn't know.  Dash started flying off somewhere, I followed, smiling.

"You really gotta learn to make up your own mind."

"I know Dash.  You know it used to be just you and Rarity.  Now not only are Pinkie and Twilight in town, but I go to see them on my own sometimes."

Dash nodded in front of me.  "Yea.  It took forever for Rarity to convince you to have a weekly spa day even though you said how nice that sounded the very first time she mentioned it."

"And you remember the first time I met Applejack?"

"Yea, I don't know what was harder, coaxing you out of the bush after that hoof shake, or convincing AJ you were just like that and not to worry."

We both laughed.  It's strange.  I used to be afraid of everything.  Sometimes I'm still bad, but ever since I helped vanquish Nightmare Moon everything seems just a little less scary.  I mean she was really scary, but with my friends we turned her back into Luna, who isn't scary at all.  Just thinking of Dash always helped, but now I think of all my friends and it's just so much easier to not be afraid.

"Hay, did I ever tell you the story how I met AJ?"

"I don't think so."

"Okay, well this was not long after your parents bought your cottage so you could spend more time on the ground.  I'm sure you remember that."

I nodded.  "I was so happy.  Even if daddy almost never had enough free time, mom would take me down as often as she could.  We started fixing it up and…"

"I helped, remember?  AJ and some of the others probably haven't heard that story, but I don't need to.  Hay, with AJ's uber family thing I bet she'd love to hear it."

"So it was after that?  Did you come to visit me?"

She nodded.  "Yea, see you didn't know about it at the time."  Dash blinked.  "Or at least didn't care enough to tell me, but that doesn't matter.  The point is the running of the leaves was going on one day I came to visit."

"Oh, so you met her near the race?"

"I met her in the race.  It seemed cool enough, and even foals can enter, well, sorta.  They make you take an easier route behind the adults but it's still kinda the same thing."

"I thought you said the running of leaves was stupid and you'd stick to sky races?"

"Well, yea, but I said that because she whipped me good.  We were really close for a while, but near the end I was exhausted and she didn't even look tired.  That's probably why AJ suggested it last fall in the first place.  She remembered the first time."

I giggled.  "So that's why you didn't compete most years, because AJ beat you when you were still a foal?"

She nodded.  "Yea, sorta.  I mean eventually I just forgot about it.  Also, compared to the Cloudsdale slalom it really is boring."

I gasped.  "Oh my, that race is so frightening.  I get scared just seeing you dive so low, and take such tight turns, and especially when you go though such narrow gaps."

"Yea.  I'm actually pretty excited about it for the first time in years.  I'm finally out of the junior division, and can get some real competition again.  I haven't been this excited since I graduated out of the foal division."

"Oh, uh, that's, nice."

"Hmm, lets try something.  You still remember how to follow my slipstream right?"

"Uh, yes but…"

"Don't worry.  I'll make sure I don't go too fast.  Still, we can get to AJ's at least a little bit faster this way, and you do like it."

"Yes, it's, fun."

I smiled, then focused as Dash sped up.  I did like flying, but mostly I didn't really like flying so fast.  It would only take one little mistake and suddenly you crash into something.  I don't know how Dash can do it, even if it really doesn't hurt her as much as it looks like it does.  Following Dash's slipstream was neat.  I didn't have to be half as good as Dash and as long as I was following her I didn't have to worry about hitting anything.  I just lost myself in the task at hoof.

Then I noticed something strange.  I was keeping up with Dash, but she kept going faster.  I wasn't trying nearly as hard as I should be to keep up, even with her slipstream.  I decided to try something even though if I was wrong Dash might be upset.  I fell into a hover.  I was still behind her.  It was almost like I was being pulled behind her like some banner on a string.  Then the most amazing thing happened.  A sonic rainboom and I was right behind her.  I spun around to marvel at it.  Up close it was even more amazing than ever.

"Oh crud I was going way to fast.  I better go back for Fluttergraaaa…"

I turned back around to see Dash dropping out of the sky.  She quickly recovered then just stared up at me.

"No way.  I mean I know I said, but there is no way you're already fast enough to…"

"Oh, it's not that.  I stopped generating forward thrust and I was still behind you."

Dash blinked.  "What?  You mean you were behind me like some cart or something."

"Uh, well, maybe?"  I smiled

"Hey, I bet you were.  I mean Twilight said something about how multiple pegasai are required to pull big stuff, and their magic syncs up to make that work."

"But isn't it the slowest flying among them?"

"No, that's a speed and thrust thing.  I guess this means I'm so awesome, that as long as you're trying to fly behind me I can pull you along at full speed.  Awesome."

"Something about that sounds wrong."

"Oh whatever, we're already here, lets just find AJ."

"Uh, isn't that Sweet Apple Acres all the way over there?"  I turned around and pointed with one hoof.  "Oh I'm confused.  I'm sorry."

"Heh he.  I guess I overshot a bit.  Come on Flutter, lets go."

I followed, but mostly focused on the rainboom.  I had seen the smaller ones up close, but this was different.  It was a real full-fledged rainboom just like that first time.  Just like the young flyer's competition.  It was amazing.

> Apples
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	They were very big trees.  The line of overgrown trees, tops crowding together, stretched across the farm.  I was looking down, even though I think Applejack was focusing more on Dash.  Then she sighed.

"Oh, consarn it.  I can't stay mad at you for this Rainbow.  This ain't really your fault, though if it happens again I might be a bit more ticked off."

"Uh, yea, sure."

"Sorry again." I said

"Why is this a big deal again?"

"Cause this is a farm, not a forest.  There is a reason we got all them trees spaced out like we do, and now suddenly we got some that ain't.  Also they'll probably block the light to some of the other trees."

"Okay, so just move em so they don't.  I mean know it's a bunch of work, but apples the size of your head have to be valuable, right?"

"Uh, huh, that does make a touch o sense, don't it?  Still you don't really know how hard it is hauling a tree, much less one of these."

"You're worried about hauling it?" said Dash

"Uh, Applejack, didn't you push that one really big rock off Carrot Top's property so she could use that area as a new field?"  I said

"She sure did, it was awesome.  It didn’t' even take that long either."

"Oh shoot.  You two are right.  I'm not sure how much use my strength will be for moving about something I don't want to leave big cracks in, but I guess pulling the cart ain't going to be a problem."

"Twilight probably has some book about it." Said Dash  "I think this is the sort of thing you use a bunch of pulleys and junk for."

"Yea, though maybe some magic would do just as well.  I mean magic caused this mess, would be a might silly to refuse any to fix it."

"I'm so sorry.  I had no idea just being dragged along would make the rainboom do something like that."

"And neither did I.  Really."

"S'okay ya two.  I belive ya.  Gotta wonder what would happen if you had Pinkie back there instead."

"Talking trees." Said Dash

"Wha?"

"Seriously, they'd be talking, or something like that.  It would be weird whatever it was.  I don't think it will work with anyone but Fluttershy because she's a pegasus, but maybe all I really need to do is tie a rope to any of my friends and it would work."

"A rope?  Seems like that would snap mighty fast."

"Oh, it wouldn't.  Pegasai don't really put much stress on anything they're pulling, as long as it's small enough."

"Yea, airship flight crews are awesome since they all have to be in synch when they're pulling something or the flight gets all bumpy and stuff.  Supposedly it's good training for the Wonderbolts, but I hate pulling stuff."

"Just pulling something slows you down."  I said.  "That doesn't even count wind resistance.  I don't mind it at all."

"Yea, though it didn't feel like I was pulling you at all.  It was strange."

"Well that's mighty interestin' fer sure, but why did you say friends?"

"Oh, cause obviously the full rainboom has something to do with friendship, or maybe even specifically the elements of harmony.  I don't know exactly."

"Ah, ya mean like when ya had to catch Rarity?"

"Not just that, but all you guys needed me.  I didn't know it, but you did.  You wanted a sign, Twi needed a magical jump start, Pinkie needed, uh, something…"

"Yea, figuring that girl's head out ain't for the faint o heart.  It made her smile when she needed a smile, like she said, that's enough."

Dash nodded.  "Anyway, Rarity needed that rock to bust open, which I still think is awesome that the rainboom did that, and Fluttershy needed a good reason to come back to the ground, her cutie mark being perfect for that."

I blinked.  "Huh?"

"What, I mean you're the one that said you never wanted to leave right?  So some way to discover your talent is just what you needed."

"Oh, I guess."

"But how you figure this all worked?  I mean other than you and Fluttershy, the rest of us hadn't even met."

"Hay, you knew Pinkie, even if it wasn't exactly the same Pinkie.  Fluttershy met Rarity right after the Rainboom when she came into town since she couldn't make it back to Cloudsdale on her own and…"

"Uh, but that was after the rainboom."

"Yea, I, uh, knew that.  I just didn't stop to think ya know.  Anyway, it probably doesn't matter.  I mean if we are the incarnations of the elements than we've always been connected since we were born so it doesn't matter at all."

"Now that actually makes some sense."

I nodded.  Then I looked down again.  Dash and I together caused this.  All six of us defeated Nightmare moon before things started changing.  What would all six of us be capable of now?  I shivered a little.

"What's wrong sugarcube?"

"Nothing really.  It's, not important."

"Did you hear that last word?" said Dash

"Not really."

"Anyway, she's just freaking out about all this.  I mean come on, who does that?"

"Dash, ah find this whole mess a might unsettling maself.  Ah mean you gotta understand, when I said rocks I meant really big ones, and well to really get the job done ah had to go a bit bigger."  AJ looked slightly away.  "Ah knocked down a mountain."

"Hah, ha." said Dash.  "Very funny AJ."

"Ah'm serious as can be Dash.  You really think ah'm lying."

Dash stared at her for a second, wide eyed.  "Oh."

"Ah mean mostly it sorta collapsed, well, on mah, but ah still knocked it down when ah knocked out a bit a troublesome cliff, but ah just don't dwell on any of that."

"Oh." Dash repeated

I cringed.  Then I gave Applejack a hug.  She kinda squirmed a little but then calmed down.  I decided she probably didn't want it to be too long anyway, so I let go pretty quickly.  She gave a little smile.

"Well, I don't think I really needed a hug, but thank ya kindly regardless sugarcube."

"It's no trouble at all."

"Talk louder." Said Dash  "I mean just a little louder, I know you can do it.  I mean that one time at the Gala you…"

Dash then covered her mouth with both hooves.  I think she forgot she wasn't flying, because she then tipped forward and smacked into the ground.  Applejack laughed for a second, then covered her own mouth, and glared at Dash.  I smiled.

"Really girls, it's okay.  Celestia said I can come back any time, and the animals were just spooked something awful by all the activity that had to go though the garden to get everything set up."

"Oh, so that was why?  I thought you were just acting weird or something."

"Dash."

"Sorry AJ, Fluttershy."

I laughed.  "It's okay.  I know you don't mean anything by it."

"That sorta thing right there is why you ain't no element of honesty."

"I guess.  Whatever."

I blinked.  "Uh, if it's not to much trouble, could you explain?  I'm confused."

"Oh, yea, I never told you this." Said Dash  "Twi got me an AJ together and tried to figure out why we really fit our elements since she thought I actually lied less, and AJ was really more loyal.  Of course at first we didn't have an answer for her."

"But then I got a notion.  See it's like this.  Dash may be honest, but her blurting out whatever she thinks of feels without a thought ain't no how harmonius."

I was tempted to mention how often Dash told lies in the same thoughtless manner but that sounded really mean.  Most of the time you can even trust her because she only lies about really silly things like how she's not scared, or she doesn't like something because it's too frilly even though it' so obvious she loves it.  Though sometimes she brags about things she can't quite do yet, and them makes them become true, no matter how unlikely.  She is just that amazing.  I don't know why Dash things she needs to hide her fear.  Daddy always said real bravery isn't being afraid, but going forward anyway.  I wish I could be half as brave as Dash.  Then Dash interrupted the brief silence.        

"Yea, I mean I know if you weren't so kind you totally wouldn't be my friend anymore Flutter."  Dash then laughed.  "AJ is slightly less honest, though she is a really awful liar, but she also knows when it's best for everyone to not be honest."

"Whereas Dash is right that I'm a bit too loyal ta my kin.  There is more than a few times, where I shouldn'ta picked their side."

"Yea, loyalty goes two ways.  Gilda didn't see messing with my friends as any big deal, but my loyalty to you guys came before her being disloyal like that."

"What about Appaloosa?  Never did figure that bit out."

"Huh, oh, simple.  I was defending the train with my friends on it, and your tree.  I never really had any loyalty to Appleloosa in the first place.  How could I?  So I was ticked at Little Strongheart a little at first, I fight with you all the time."

"Ah suppose that all adds up, don't it?  Course what neither of us can figure is how Rarity is really the best choice fer Generosity."

"Yea, I mean Flutter is hecka generous, and Pinkie and Twi give stuff away a lot."

"Though Pinkie can be downright greedy at times.  Ah mean…"

"You're wrong."

They both turned to me and blinked.  I looked away and down.  Oh now, I went way too far, didn’t I?  I even interrupted AJ.

"I'm so sorry, I didn’t' mean to be so loud, or so rude."

"Your definition of loud is so broken." Said Dash, rolling her eyes

"Sugarcube, what do you mean?  How are we wrong?"

"Rarity doesn't think about it at all.  She just gives something away regardless of the consequences.  She's so generous and kind.  I think the only reason I represent kindness is because she's just so much more generous.  And I'm not really generous at all."

"Now ah don't think either of those last two things can be a bit right."

"Forget that AJ, it's a losing battle.  Yea, Rarity gives stuff away, but it all benefits her."

"But if that was true, why is she always almost broke?"

"Oh come on, that can't be right."

"Ya'll are pulling mah, leg, right?  Ah mean you two have a planned spa day."

"Well, she says there are some necessities, but that's in her budget.  Also, maybe, she is exaggerating a little bit."

Applejack just laughed.  "Shoulda known."

"Hmmm, actually she only gets all drama queen over real stuff.  So, almost broke might be pushing it, but she really does have problems keeping enough bits on hoof I bet.  She's just good at getting bits and favors out of ponies too."

I nodded.  "Yes.  She often says if not for nice ponies she'd be long bankrupt."

"Okay, I gotta go talk to Twi about this.  You two do whatever.  If you need my help fixing the trees just find me and I'll help.  Well not right before the thunderstorm today, but whenever else is good."

"Now wait a sec Dash ya get back her and explain why ya gotta…"

Dash was gone, only her rainbow trail hinting she was ever here.  Applejack smiled, then turned to me.  I smiled back.

"I'll help too, if you can think of anything for me to do."

"Well normally I would worry quite a bit about the shock of something like this, but I'm sure you could be a might helpful in making them all peaceful like once they're transplanted.  Though maybe I could be doing it mahself, even if not as good."

"Ooo, really?  Do you mean…"

"I done bucked a few trees Big Mac overdid a bit, probably trying to impress some filly he has his eye on, and they healed right up.  Took about a day and can't be sure it was me, but ah felt a little something weird that I think might ah been magic."

"Might have?"

"Well I'm still new ta all this, and so far your karate…."

"It's not karate it's…"

"Whatever.  Point is it been a big help but an off switch clearly ain't quite what ah wanted.  Still, a little extra work never hurt nopony."

"But it's still better right.  I mean I want to help you as fast as I can but…"

"Ah get it Sugarcube.  It's a touch frustrating but ah get it.  And as ah said ah think ah felt a bit oh something flowing though me even with all the earth magic bound up nice and tight so ah figure ah can practice that by maself at least."

I smiled.  "That's great.  I'm sure soon you'll be able to do everything I can with plants."

"Somehow ah doubt that sugarcube.  Still, if ah ever need a bit oh help ah know who to call.  Clearly, working together…"  She looked at the trees.  "…we can do big things."

I laughed.  "We can.  I mean I didn't really do much but I guess…"

"Anyway, I gotta get.  Not only am ah curious 'bout what Dash wants with 'er, but Twi is the one to talk to about something like this here undertaking."

"Okay.  Have fun.  I'll see you later."  Then I blinked.  "Oh unless now is better, I mean it's inconvenient and…"

"Just stop right there."  She shook her head.  "Ya really gotta show a bit more of that there backbone of yours.  I know you got one.  Besides as ah said got something else ta do."

"Oh, uh sorry I…"

Applejack sighed.

"Oh, uh, I guess apologizing is not the right thing to do huh?"  I smiled

"No, it ain't.  Not in this here case.  Now just you stick to your own plans and I'll stick to mine and I'll see you later."

"Okay.  I think I'll go see Rarity if you need me."

"Have fun."

I waved, and she waved back.  Then she outright galloped off.  I think she was faster too, but I wondered if it was magic, or punching giant rocks is just good exercise.  I then lifted off.  Not too high, I still wanted to be able to see all the lovely animals and plants.  Also not too low, I didn't want to bump into anypony, or worse have everypony look at me.  I smiled as I flew off at a nice, comfortable speed.

> Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Moving things with my magic was strange.  Just the idea that my magic could do anything other than help me fly was strange, but now it can do all sorts of things with plants and animals, but I'm starting to get used to that.  Now though, I can move things around, just by focusing and wanting them too.  My antlers still feel weird too.  I wish I could just put the hair clip back on and forget about all of this.  Rarity was giving me a look again, so I smiled as big as I could, but she shook her head and sighed.  We were up in her studio, and I was floating around a lot of needles.

"Now darling, I know you are having trouble with all this, but that's no excuse not to develop your abilities."

"I'm sorry.  I just, well…"

"I know, darling, I know.  Still, a proper lady must always seek to better herself.  Like fashion even if you think you are the top of your game, there is always something else you can do to keep things fresh."

"Uh, okay."

"Hmm, maybe that isn't quite the best example for why a pony should improve themselves, but the idea is the same.  Now, get ready to catch this."

I blinked.  Then the dummy soared into my line of veiw.  I didn't try to jump after it like last time, and caught it with my magic.  It wasn't really much harder to lift than the needles.  Twilight told me it's because with magic until you start pushing your limits nothing is any heavier than any other thing.  She also explained how I can tell how heavy something feels, but I forgot that part.  Rarity was smiling at me, and I smiled back.

"Oh very good.  Now I know you aren't into the idea in general, but haven't our training sessions together been great fun."

"They have been very, nice."

"Really?  Nice is al you can say?"

"I'm sorry, but I just, well.  Magic is strange."  I then blinked.  "Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

Rarity waved a hoof.  "Oh it's no matter.  Though I enjoyed it a great deal, I thought flying was rather odd at first too.  It only makes sense you are going though a similar phase."

"Um, you're probably right.  I think."

Rarity sighed.  "You did tell me how useful it is when feeding your animals right?"

"Yes, it's so helpful, and makes things much faster."  I looked down.  "But I would still do it the old way if you and Twilight didn't insist."

"Yes, isn't it wonderful.  Just think how amazing it will be once you start learning real spells.  I can't wait to…"

I squeaked, and stepped backwards.  Everything fell except the dummy, Rarity catching it with her magic.  She sighed.  I smiled and she shook her head in response.

"I'm sorry.  It's just I panicked and dropped everything and…"

"Go no further.  I still have no idea why you are so against this sort of thing, but no matter.  As long as you master this we can leave things alone."

"Okay."  I smiled, then tilted my head.  "Wait, why do I have to master this again?"

"Spark horn dear.  Magic can build up in a horn, or in your case antlers, if you don’t let it flow regularly.  You have to do something with it or there can be problems."

"Really?"

"Yes, though not much is required to clear any build up, just a little telekenesis here and there is plenty.  Also it teaches magic control.  Twilight thinks it would help you controlling all your magic as well as unicorn magic, or possibly more accurately deer."

"Oh.  Uh, okay.  I guess that means that I should pick up all these needles and…"

"No.  Lets do something other than simple practice.  I think you are making wonderful progress, so I think we can try something more practical, even if some more exercises would be a bit faster."

Rarity then picked up all the needles with her magic and stuck them back into a pincushion.  She made it look so effortless.  In fact, a lot of what Rarity did looked so effortless.  She said I was elegant and graceful but I still don't think I was half as elegant as she is.  I'll never understand why Photo Finish thought I was more beautiful than Rarity.  She explained it in great deal once but it didn't make any sense why she thought I was such an amazing model to photograph.

"Hmmm, yes, this should do nicely."

"What should…."

I then let our a little yelp when something dropped in front of me.  I then realized it was just a few bolts of cloth.  I smiled.  Rarity shook her head.

"Really darling, you need not be so jumpy all the time.  Ponyville is a safe place."

"But Derpy dropped all that…"

"A Random fluke."

"And there was that time with Pinkie and those goats."

"Unlikely to be repeated, and only those poor gentlegoats themselves were injured.  At the very least when inside you have…"

"Scootaloo went right past me after she smashed through Bon Bon's storefront.  If I was just a little more to the left I would have been sent to the hospital instead."

"Oh it was a minor injury really and the crusaders…"  Rarity paused, then sighed.  "Won't do exactly the same sort of thing again.  And now I am suddenly doubting this myself.  A great deal of chaos does sweep the town, doesn't it?"

"So, what are we doing?"

"We are making you a dress.  I have the design in mind, and know you can follow one of my designs with proper precision.  Now lets see if you can do the same without using your hooves."

I gasped.  "You mean using my magic but…"

"I think it will work.  If not Twilight and I found a wonderful little spell that repairs the weave of cloth, so I can simply remove the stitching and start over.  Or if you're willing you can try again yourself."

"This, could be fun, but are you really sure that…"

"Darling.  I treasure my gala dress for many reasons, despite the way that night turned out, but most of all because you and the others put it together.  I can also tell that most of the stitching being smooth delicate loops means you did most of the work yourself."

"Oh I wouldn't say that.  All of us…"

She rolled her eyes.  "I could see all of the others as well.  Applejack's was rugged but uneven.  Good for repairs on the farm I'm sure, but not high fashion.  Dash's was of course rushed, but surprisingly decent."

"I convinced her that the Wonderbolt…"

Then I suddenly stopped and smiled.  Rarity looked at me.  I shouldn't tell her about Dash having me repair her Wonderbolt plushies.  She loves them so much, but she seems a little embarrassed about still wearing them out.  I think it's sweet.  I've always found it very comforting to have some animal, plush or otherwise, between my hooves when I sleep.  Dash probably didn't want anypony knowing though.

Rarity smiled.  "Ah, I see now.  Dash has a Wonderbolt costume, doesn't she?"

"Yes, but…"  Then I stopped.

"Say no more.  Hmm, where was I?  Oh yes.  The overly precise stitching obviously had to be Twilight, meaning Pinkie is my only friend that has no skill whatsoever sewing.  Though somehow it does stay together, regardless of how it looks."

"We made sure to put her on the areas that wouldn't show at all once we saw how messy it looked.  It was really hard to get her stitching out though."

"Yes, and to return to my point.  Each stitch is as obvious a sign of your personality as can be, and also the care put into your work, and that is why I love it so."

"So even if I mess up, you'd keep it?"

"If it was for me, but of course.  But this is not for me.  It is a design for you.  Now, let us begin.  I have the sketch right here."

I stood there while Rarity turned and looked over a board filled with sketches.  I was about to ask her why she made me the dress, but suddenly I knew.  It was the antlers.  Somehow they inspired her and she designed something wonderful that would accent them and make me look as lovely as possible.

"Uh, Rarity.  I don't want to be mean, but if this is what I think it is, I don't really want it."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean it has to do with the antlers, doesn't it?  Green, a few shades of brown, including one that matches my antlers.  I'd really rather…"  I stopped  "I mean it will be amazing but well, I…"

"You what dear?  You've done so well so far.  What is the problem?"

"I don't like them.  They're useful, but they look strange, and feel stranger."

"Come now they are a part of you.  You should accept them."

"They don't have to be."

I then used my magic to take the butterfly clip off a table across the room and clip it to my mane.  In an instant I almost felt normal again, but not quite.  I then noticed Rarity frowning.  I teared up.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Rarity.  I know I shouldn’t be such a cry baby, and this doesn't bother you just like the others, but it scares me so much.  I don't know what to do."

"Although I freely admit I went a great deal overboard, I am right there with the other girls in accepting…"  Then Rarity blinked.  "This isn't about the antlers, is it?"

"It is, but well maybe…"  I looked down.  "Never mind.  Forget I said anything.  I'll stop bothering you."

I was halfway to the window before I heard her shout stop.  I turned around to see Rarity standing there with a blank look on her face.  I smiled.

"Really Rarity, it's not important.  Nothing worth worrying about."

"Nothing?  I doubt that.  Fluttershy what exactly…"

I smiled so big it hurt.  "I was just, over reacting.  You know me.  Afraid of my own shadow and all.  Don't worry about it, please.  See you later Rarity."

I then flew out the window hyperventilating.  I can't tell her.  She'd worry, and then Twilight would start to worry, and that would worry Applejack, and then Dash and Pinkie might even get worried with everypony else worried.  It's better this way.  I mean it doesn't bother any of them, so I shouldn't bother any of them with it.

> Twilight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The short fly calmed me down.  They always did.  Everypony seems to think I'm afraid of heights but that's just silly.  How can you fly and be afraid of heights.  There are so many other actual things to be afraid of.  In fact I love being high because it's just so calm, but there are also no cute little bunnies, or sweet smelling pine trees, or apples or all the other things on the ground.  I don't see how anypony can spend so much time away from such a wonderful place.

I landed in the grass next to Twilight.  She was reading a book of course.  It was nice to know she at least got outside without us sometimes.  I didn't see Spike around anywhere.  I just stood there in silence for a while.  I didn't want to interrupt.  Then Twilight looked up and started.  Apparently I landed too quietly for her to hear.  I looked down at the ground.

"I apologize Twilight.  I didn't mean to scare you."

"No need Fluttershy, really.  I should have heard you coming but I was just so engrossed.  This is a good story.  However I think that's enough for now."

She then concentrated and the book vanished.  I blinked.  I wasn't sure exactly what that spell was but it seemed new.  I'd certainly never seen her do it before.  Twilight then smiled broadly.

"How about we find something to do.  I've been cooped up in my library with my not so little project for a bit too long I think and…"

"It isn't your fault Twilight.  The others didn't notice Rarity…"  I then stopped  "I can't think of a good way to say it."

"Her problem.  Luna and Celestia have both promised me it was very temporary.  Most likely brought on by a combination of stress and your refusal to remove the hat being in some way a refusal of her fashion advice."

"Oh, that's bad, isn't it.  But Rainbow Dash and Applejack…"

"Yes, but that's more a matter of personal style.  Also I would guess you've never said anything even remotely negative about her work or style before."

I hung my head.  "Uh, once, maybe.  But she asked.  But I still said it was nice, because it was.  I could see a few ways it could be better but, she didn't over react at all."

"Well as I said.  Some sort of stress was probably involved considering the small nature of things."  Then she smiled.  "Lets just forget about that.  It's all fine now."

I nodded.  Things were fine.  Other than the fire thing with her mane, which she didn't use much, and being a little taller, nothing was different.  Every pony else was the same.  Even Pinkie in a strange way, even though she was often anything but.  I smiled.

"So, what do you want to do?"

"I'm, not sure really.  Honestly the reason I let you girls pick something to do so often is because reading and studying was just about all I did."

"Oh.  Um."

We sat there in silence for a while.  I could be content just looking at the nature all around us, but I think Dash isn't the only one who would get bored with that eventually.  I shuffled back and forth on my hooves for a bit, then noticed the flowers below me and took a step to the right.

"Did those just grow because you were standing there?"

"Yes, I think so.  Flowers tend to do that for me now."

"As well as all the other plant growth that's very interesting.  I wonder if…"

Then Twilight planted her face on the ground before coming back up with a smile.  Her horn carved out a little divot in the ground, and was quite dirty.  Then it glowed and all the dirt fell off.

"Rarity's right.  I have been underestimating the usefulness of cleaning spells."

"Why exactly did you…"

"I'm trying to not focus so much on research and then I did it again.  Maybe we need some help thinking of something fun to do."

"Oooo, I have lots of ideas."

I turned to see myself bouncing toward us.  At least for a second I thought so.  But my mane may be that pink, but I'm not, and I don't sound like Pinkie or have her cutie mark.  Otherwise she did a very good job.  Twilight was staring.  I guess she hasn't seen any of Pinkie's impressions yet.

"Pinkie, is that really you?" asked Twilight

"Of course it is silly.  Who else would I be?"

"Uh, Fluttershy?"

"Oh yea.  I totally forgot."

Then she flapped her wings for a little extra height on the top of a bounce and dove at the dirt.  It looked like it hurt to smack into it with her face, but then a moment later the normal cotton candy maned Pinkie we all know and loved popped up, smiling broadly.  Her face was a little dirty but otherwise she looked fine.

"Pinkie, how did you do that?" asked Twilight

"Oh, well see I figured out how make myself go all floopy, and when I do if I smack into stuff it doesn't even hurt, it's so fun.  Of course to answer your question, I can change my shape and I've been practicing.  I know you girls like really well, so of course I thought to change into you.  It's fun."

"Pinkie I want to know…"  Then Twilight blinked.  "Wait, you actually answered my question.  And you could tell which one I meant even though I was vague."

"Duh.  I mean why wouldn't I?"

"But you…"  Twilight's right eye twitched, then she hung her head.  "Never mind."

"Pinkie, do you have an idea of something fun to do?"

Pinkie nodded.  "Yea, lets go to Cloudsdale.  I mean Twilight is so much better at casting that cloud walking spell now."  Pinkie smiled broadly  "I've been really annoying."

"Oh I'm sure that's not true."

"You have been slightly aggravating constantly asking for…"

Pinkie then narrowed her eyes and looked at Twilight.  "No, I've been annoying, and I know it.  But never mind that."  She smiled.  "We can get the other girls too."

"There is more Dash and I could show you.  I'm sure Rarity would like to see the clothing stores, and you might like the library, even if is mostly scrolls instead of books."

Twilight's eyes widened and a huge smile crossed her face.  For a long time she just stood there like that.  Pinkie walked over and waved a hoof in front of her face.  Then she sat down and waved both front hooves in front of Twilight's face.  Then Pinkie smiled, stood back up, took a step to the right, and gave Twilight a great big lick up the side of her face.  Pinkie then pulled back and stuck out her tongue.  Twilight just stood there, one eye twitching randomly, some of her hair in little out of place curls.

"Ewww, you're all bitter and sour.  Not at all like Rainbow Dash."

"Dash let you lick her?" 

"Not exactly let me, but she just seemed so lickable and I was so curious what she tasted like.  She didn’t like it either."

Twilight shook her head.  "Pinkie, why did you lick me?"

"To snap you out of it, duh."  She tiled her had to the side and smiled

"And that was the only way you could think of?"

"No, but it was the most fun."  Then she stuck her tongue out.  "But I don't like sour candy.  If I knew you would taste like that I wouldn't have done it.  I really thought you'd taste much more sweet, maybe chocolatey, or at the worst a little boring like vanilla."

"Pinkie, how much time have you thought about how your friends taste?"

She giggled.  "Oh, I dunno, the normal amount.  I mean don't you ever wonder if Fluttershy's mane is as sweet as she is."

I looked away, blushing madly.  That was such a nice thing to say.  I felt I should turn around and say something, but I just couldn’t think.  Pinkie giggled.  Twilight then cleared her throat.  I then turned back to her and Pinkie, hoping my blush wasn't still that obvious.  Neither seemed to react.

"I think that's a wonderful idea Pinkie.  Though maybe we should skip the library.  Although it would be amazing to use the Cloudsdale library directly, instead of making requests though Canterlot university, I am trying to spend some time with you girls."

"It's a nice building.  Maybe we could just take a quick look around, and then leave."

"Uh, maybe.  It will be rather tempting though.  I can't believe I didn't even consider this until now.  What I need on pegasai might be right there, just not in the catalog list in Canterlot.  It's possible that…"

"Muffin?"

Pinkie shoved it in Twilight's mouth, making the question a bit silly.  Though I guess Twilight didn't have to bite down.  She did and fairly quickly ate it.  She gave Pinkie a brief glare, but said nothing.

"Thank you Pinkie, that was very good.  Okay, Pinkie you go get Rarity, I'll get Applejack, and Fluttershy, you find Dash."

"I don't really need to look.  She's probably rolling in the storm right now."

I then pointed to the dark clouds quickly filling the sky, pegasai putting them into place.  I couldn't see Dash, but she had to be up there somewhere.  Twilight then sighed.

"I guess the trip to Cloudsdale will have to wait."

"Ooo, ooo."  Pinkie bounced.  "If we get everypony together fast enough we can be up in the air above the clouds before the rain starts."

"Good idea Pinkie."  Twilight smiled.  "Lets get going and meet back at the library as quickly as possible.  This is a great way to beat the storm."

"Whoo!"

"Okay."

Pinkie was gone almost immediately.  I think she waved before she left, but she could really move when she felt like it.  Twilight waved for sure before she trotted off.  I waved back, but I'm not sure she saw me.  I looked up and sighed.  I guess not everypony likes the rain as much as I do.

> Rain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I was standing in the rain.  Twilight and Pinkie hadn't come back.  I found Dash easy enough, but she had to keep working.  She should be back any moment, but it seems like this trip isn't going to happen.  I should still wait at least a little longer.  The door then opened behind me.

"Oh darling, really.  No need to wait out there in the cold rain."

"It's okay Rarity.  I like the rain."

"But if you stay out there you'll catch a cold."

"From rain?"  I looked up.  "That would be strange."

"What do you mean?  Many a pony has…"

"But none of them were Pegasai, duh."

Dash dropped down between us, then walked inside, not bothering to wait for Rarity to move.  Rarity backed up, Dash of course getting her wet.  I sighed and walked inside, shaking my head.

"Rainbow Dash, that was very rude."

"Oh come, it's just a little water.  She's not a pegasus, but it's no big deal."

"Now hold on here.  Why does that matter?"

Twilight had come over, and rolled her eyes at that comment.  I couldn't see Pinkie or Applejack, but could smell something wonderful wafting from the kitchen.

"Rarity, Pegasai are immune to nearly all the negative effects of weather.  This includes rain in various ways.  It can't even soak into their fur or wings."

"Yea, unlike birds we can keep going in the heaviest downpour and it doesn't matter.  We can even fly in a snowstorm if we don't get wet." Said Dash

"Frost is very dangerous, but flying in a bad storm isn't really safe either.  It's much harder to keep the airflow going and stay aloft even with…"

"Then how come I see you flying in the rain sometimes?"

"Well, I don't go very high."

"Hmmm, so Rainbow saying she has no need of winter wear is not an exaggeration?"

"Nah, high altitudes are really cold, Ponyville usually has really mild winters too.  I mean maybe if I was flying though the mountains or whatever I would need something, but I'm a little more awesome than some pegasai I guess."

Rarity turned to me.  "But wait, Fluttershy you…"

"I like the snuggly feeling of warm clothes.  It's nice.  Also we feel the cold almost as much as any pony, it just doesn't matter."

"Well, it looks like I should break out that book of rainy day activities.  It looks like we aren't going anywhere for a while."

"How did you all get past me?"  I then blinked.  "Oh, that sounded far to accusatory, you didn't do anything wrong."

"Well Pinkie got me quite quickly." Said Rarity  "I didn't see you here."

"They probably went in when you were talking to me." said Dash

Applejack then came out the kitchen, a plate full of cookies in her mouth.  She set it down on the floor, then spit out the napkin she was using to hold the plate.

"And I reckon you didn't see us cause Twilight up and teleported us over here."

Twilight looked down.  "Sorry AJ, I guess no matter how much I've improved just teleporting myself, I still need to work on teleporting others."

"It weren't too bad, but I'd prefer you practice on someone else."

"A fellow unicorn might make it easier.  I seem to remember that book saying so.  I still can't master the art so I'm not sure."

"If it's a motion sickness thing pegasai are immune to that to.  We never get vertigo."

"Dash that's…"  I then paused.  "Oh, maybe I shouldn’t say?"

"Just go head and say it Fluttershy.  Ain't gonna hurt nothing ah'm sure."

"I am pretty sure that's just you."

"Nah, that's not right."

"Actually you're both somewhat right I believe." Said Twilight.  "Your ears do have a slightly different configuration which should lessen effects of sudden changes of orientation, but it shouldn’t eliminate it."

"So I'm just that awesome?  Cool."  Dash then smiled

"Oooo, I'll do it.  I love that fizzy, fuzzy feeling."

Pinkie then bounced out of the kitchen, a basket of muffins on her head.  I guess that is a pretty useful hat, but did she really bring it with her?  Twilight smiled, then frowned, then blinked.

"You can feel teleport static and you like it?"

Pinkie nodded.  "Yeppers.  It's fun."

"Don't go asking about something which there ain't no answer sugarcube."

"Applejack can't be aware of what you mean, but I agree with her." Said Rarity  "Just leave it be Twilight."

"It's probably some sea pony thing."

"Dash, the proper term is hippocampi, and mermare is also acceptable, but not sea pony.  Though I think you might be right, even if Pinkie is still an earth pony."

"Er, you sure 'bout that.  No offence, but Pinkie not being an earth pony explains a lot.  Though being part pegasus woulda made more sense."

Pinkie giggled.  "Oh, cause like father always said, you need to get your head out of the clouds?"  She giggled again  "Of coruse that was silly.  There was only that one time I even had my head in the clouds."

"Girls, Pinkie is still an earth pony, just with a very high water affinity.  Much like Dinky has a high air affinity because of her mother."

"Yea, that little one has started hanging out with the crusaders lately.  Ain't all the time, but enough that Ditzy complained."

"Yea, Derpy is way overprotective."

Rarity smiled.  "You think she's overprotective?  Berry is an absolute horror.  Personally I'm quite glad that her daughter has joined Twist in the belief that hanging out with the crusaders much is somewhat trying."

"They're such nice girls."  I said  "I worry about them being safe though."

"Yea, well Rarity and I talked it over and we figure it don't really matter too much whether we try and watch them or not."

"As bad as they seem at times, they rarely do anything truly dangerous."  Rarity then laughed.  "Furthermore Scootaloo seems to have mostly run out of ideas so things promise to be much calmer."

"Actually ah think some of the worst ideas came from Applebloom.  Ah swear, sometimes it seems like that sister o mine ain't got a lick a sense."

Rarity and Applejack laughed.  Pinkie was struggling with her hat, but then shrunk down and easily got it off.  She now looked like a little filly again.  It was so cute.  Twilight then walked off, looking over the shelves.  Dash sagged.

"Ah man, you weren't kidding?"

"It's just a book of ideas.  If you have something better, just speak up."

"Well, you have big TV downstairs."  Then Dash blinked.  "Ooo, I bet with all that fancy stuff down there you have some video games too."

Twilight turned to Dash and rolled her eyes.  "That stuff, is scientific equipment, and while I might be able to run a game on one of the computers, I don't have any."

"Why not.  I mean I know there isn't some little box you can just plug into a TV to get games, you need some big expensive computer to…"

"Yes there is."

"Huh?"

"There is a box.  It isn't especially small, but there is a game box.  I forget the name but this pushy salesmare was trying to sell it to me."

"Oh man, I bet I've totally been missing out.  I love the way the arcade games challenge you.  I mean it's kinda weird standing in one place like that, but it's still plenty of exercise.  Though I guess you can use the unicorn controller huh?"

"Yea, ah played one of them games in an arcade once.  Was kinda fun.  Those ones with the controlers on the floor make way more sense ta me.  Ah mean the little stick thing is easy enough but pressing the buttons sure ain't."

"I like the dance games." Said Pinkie.  "My favorite is Dance Dance Dancey Dance Dancer Dancealoution."

Twilight sighed.  "Pinkie."

"Acutally that might be the name."  Said Dash.  "I think she has at least once extra dance in there, and there is some other word, but it's close."

"Oh."  Twilight shook her head.  "Forget that.  We're trapped inside so we won't be going anywhere, unless you're all willing to be my guinea pigs as I practice long distance teleportation with a group."

"Oooo, guinea pig."

I blinked.  There was now a only slightly oversized pink guinea pig where Pinkie used to be standing, or clearly still was.  I wasn't the only one staring.

"Well that ain't never gonna get any less strange."

"Indeed." Added Rarity

"It's completely fascinating though, isn't it?" said Twillight

"It's sorta cool I guess."

"It's, neat."

Twilight then went back to searching her shelves.  Spike didn't seem to be here.  I wonder if he got caught in the rain?  I hope Derpy didn't forget to post the weather schedule again.  She's good at her job, but she can be so forgetful.  And clumsy.  Poor Twilight, that must have really hurt.  I then walked over to Pinkie to get a closer look.  I smiled.

"Awww, so adorable."

"Ugh, lets just do something.  I'm bored."

"Then I know just what to do."  Rarity smiled.  "Makeovers."

Then a bag of cosmetics appeared in front of Rarity.  Dash cringed.  She was pretty, but never really took the time to even brush her hair.  AJ once said something about it being lazyness, but it was a specific choice.

"Oh come on.  Please princesses, save me from this fate."

"Really Rainbow, a little brushing will not…"

Then with a flash, Luna was in the room, looking around wide eyed.  Then she smiled.  Everypony else, including me, just stared.

"Wow, talk about service."

"You're all here, that's excellent.  Okay, three of you…"  Then she put one hoof to her chin.  "No, that might be too many, I have the full choice, I can make do with two."

"Princess, what's going on?" said Twilight  "Why are you what…"

"Hmmm, Pinkie, can you be stealthy?  This is an extremely vital matter."

Pinkie was back to normal, saluting with one hoof, face strangely neutral.  Dash laughed at the sight.

"Oh man Pinkie you…"

"Ready and willing mam.  Just give the word." Said Pinkie with no hint of emotion

"That sounded so, serious." I said

"Okay, Dash and Rarity, yes, speed and persuasion, and if Pinkie doesn't look like a pony then a full three isn't that suspicious.  That will work."

Dash pumped a hoof and smiled.  "Yes.  No makeover for me."

"I am coming with you or did you not notice…"

"But clearly we won't have time for a makeover."

"She's right.  Goodbye everypony."

Luna briefly waved, and then she was gone, along with Dash, Pinkie and Rarity.  Twilight just stood there blinking.  Applejack looked over to Twilgiht.

"Well I reckon that was important, but I don't get why she didn't take Twilight.  Seems like any sort of jam she would be something useful in."

"I'm, sure she had some reason.  I guess I should find that book."

"Ah reckon.  I ain't keen to walk home in the rain, or go teleportin' anywhere."

"It's perfectly nice here."

"Okay then.  One moment."

I wondered if the others were safe.  Hopefully it's nothing dangerous, and just urgent.  That would be nice.  Twilight went back to looking for the book.  I sat there, just waiting patiently.  I'm sure the ideas from the book would be great fun.

> Practice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applejack's form still wasn't that great.  It was so hard telling her.  I mean she said to be as blunt as I could and she said she wouldn't mind but I still felt mean.  She was standing on two hooves going though the motions but still a little too fast.  I then heard another "ooph" behind me, and turned to see Twilight sprawled on the floor again.  Giving applejack her lesson for the day here seemed like a good idea, and Twilight joining in an even better one.  But she wasn't doing very well even though I was keeping things very basic.  She seemed to understand the philosophy so well too.

"Twilight are you sure…"

Her brow furrowed.  "I'm fine and I'm not giving up.  While eastern thought refers to it as Ki, magic is magic and that means I should be able to get this."

"Ah don't think it's understanding magic that's the problem Twi."

"And Ki isn't magic, or well…"  I looked down.  "I guess it is, but it really isn't and…"

"Sugarcube, just tell her.  I got a notion of what ya might mean, but ah ain't sure."

Twilight sighed.  "Right now it seems like just about anything would be a better use of my time.  I could use a rest."

"Oh, okay.  If you're both sure.  Ki is the flow of all energies in the universe, not just magic.  While the main focus of martial arts is of course fighting in some way, even if focusing on how it should only be use as a last resort and peace the ultimate goal, there are other common goals as well.  Balancing your internal energy is good in all sorts of ways, not just enhancing your combat abilities, but health as well."

Applejack briefly paused.  "That still seems a might strange."

Twilight nodded.

I looked down.  "So it's not exactly the same thing.  But I guess for casting it should be the same, so really I shouldn't have said anything and…"

Twilight shook her head.  "No, that's very helpful.  It also sounds like maybe I should be less surprised by your progress.  I knew eastern meditation techniques could be helpful with magic but I think I need to study this subject more closely."

"Oh, uh.  Yes."

Twilight was looking at some books along a shelf, but then she turned around and sighed.  Slowly she walked back over to me and once again just tried to hold a single pose.  She looked wobbly.  I wasn't sure if this was a good idea since it didn't come up much, but it probably wouldn’t hurt.  I knew Twilight would get hurt less.

"Uh, you can just hold yourself up with magic, as long as you're in the right pose and don't make it too easy on yourself.  I mean I think…."

She sighed again.  "No I can…"  Then she nearly fell over but caught herself with her magic.  She then was back in the pose.  "Well making sure I don't hit the floor should be okay right?  I mean I've already failed anyway so what could it hurt."

I nodded.   "That, uh, does sound better."

"Ya know when Dash first told me I thought she had gone plum loco, but standing nearly still and going though weird motions slow as molasses seems more like your kinda thing.  Not any real fighting at all."

"Oh yes.  I really hope I don't need to teach you throws and kicks and such to help you.  That would be just awful."

"So Fluttershy, whoa…"  Twilight almost fell over again  "…how is Applejack doing?"

"Oh she's doing much better than Dash.  She's still rushing it a little but she's getting better.  She's also doing really well without wings.  It makes it easier to balance."

"So that's why Twi is falling so often?"

"Except you aren't."  She sighed.  "I'm just bad at this."

"This still seems a might weird for you to be good at."

"Well."  I smiled.  "It was something we could do together.  Mom and daddy love each other very much but most of their shared interests aren't something you could do with a foal, but this was something they could do with me.  Sometimes Sky too."

"Ah, well ah guess ah can see that.  Still, if you are as good as Dash says, and she don't go bragging about other ponies, then why are you scared all the time."

"Well, uhm, everything.  I mean it's not really designed for something that isn't a pony so there are all sorts of ways that could go wrong.  And ponies could have all sorts of weapons, and dark magic and…"

Then I was hyperventilating.  There were so many more dangerous things I wanted to mention but I just couldn't.  Twilight and AJ soon had me in a hug and I felt so much safer.  It was nice.  I then looked down.

"I'm sorry.  I should be trying to help you not being a scardey pony."

"It's alright sugarcube.  Ah still say you gotta try harder to be a bit less afraid but we don't blame you for being who ya are."

"Yes.  Logically speaking I would think this would give you more confidence, but fear isn't rational I suppose."

I smiled.  "Thank you."

AJ let go of me.  "Now how about we get back to work.  I'd really like to be able to buck all proper like again.  Still weird I need two kinds of magic to get it just right."

Twilight let go too.  "Yes.  Magic is a key part of every unicorn's life but apparently this may be true of everypony, even if it's subtle things you don't even notice."

"It's too bad you can't just make yourself stronger like Applejack.  You might be less wobbly.  That would be helpful."

Twilight went wide eyed and rushed off.  I sighed.  I really hope this ends well.  Sometimes when Twilight tries new spells they don't work quite the right way.  I turned to see Applejack going though the exercises.  She looked a little bit better than even a few minutes ago.  She also was looking off in the direction Twilight had gone with her brow furrowed.

"Ah really hope Twi can't find what she's looking fer.  Seems like there is a whole lot of ways that could get out of hoof."

I smiled.  "I'm sure it will be fine."

"Ah hope so.  Ah guess she said she weren't that good at earth spells so maybe it won't be like that last mess.  That girl is just too good at magic for our own good sometimes."

Twilight then trotted back into the room with a smile on her face.  She balanced perfectly, the wobble just gone.  I clapped my hooves together, my wings keeping me upright.  I smiled.

"That's great Twilight."

"I decided not to even try the strength spell, but there was this perfect balance spell that was much easier than the last time I tried it."

"That's great.  Maybe I can even teach you another stance."

Twilight smiled.  "That sounds great.  This is all so interesting.  I feel like there is so much to learn about earth magic and clearly this is the key."

I nodded and quickly shifted up on two hooves, my wings keeping balanced.  I think I saw Twilight raise an eyebrow since so far it didn't look any different than the first, which wasn't really a proper stance at all, just the most basic practice holding your hooves out in front of you and staying upright.  I smiled.  It was nice to be doing something so familiar with my friends like this.  I know Pinkie and Rarity already know some of this, and Dash is way ahead of them, but it might be nice for all of us to practice together.  It would be just like with mom and daddy.  

> Sunset
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After my session with Applejack I went home.  Sunset was just beginning.  The sunrise was so fast, but sunset was much slower.  It was so pretty too.  I didn't do it too often, but there were plenty of little white clouds left over after the storm so I grabbed one to watch the sunset.  Celestia was such an amazing artist, but I guess Luna did the night sky in the first place, and that was lovely too.  I then heard some hoofbeats.  Thankfully one of the little clouds was near my house.  I have such trouble moving them.  They seem so slippery.  I don't know how other pegasai move them so easy.

"Oh my."

I blinked.  I spun around and looked down.  I thought the voice sounded like Celestia, but I was still surprised when I saw her in my yard.  Though I suppose from up here it does look a great deal like a clearing in a forest, even if it is a small one.  I fluttered down, landed in front of her and bowed.  When I looked up she was smiling, but she also had tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry.  I don't know what I did princess but…"

"Oh you did nothing wrong.  Nothing at all.  There are simply some memories that evoke great emotion, regardless of time.  It's been so long since I've felt a magical grove like this.  Luna is right, or at least nearly so."

"I'm sorry, but I don't understand."

"That's perfectly alright dear."  Then Celestia blinked.  "Or maybe it isn't.  You are confused both about Luna being right and what memories I mean, correct?"

"Yes, but you don't have to tell me anything.  It's okay, really."

"Well first as to Luna being right, I mean about you being the incarnations of the elements, rather than just wielders.  I'm still not truly sure of such, but you are at the very least far more than normal ponies."

I looked down.  "That scares me.  The others don't seem to care, but it's so much.  All that responsibility.  And the danger.  And the immortality.  It's already bad enough when I'm mortal.  Now all my little friends will die over and over forever."

"Oh my.  That…"  She trailed off  "That is certainly different, but something I should have seen.  Do you know why I am here little pony?"

I shook my head.

"I am here because Rarity came to my student with her worries, and while you think none of your friends care, Twilight most certainly does."

"But she never shows it, and, uh…"  I then stopped.  "Oh, I shouldn’t say that, it sounds so mean."

"Yes, Twilight is for the most part not good at hiding worry, but that doesn't mean she can't.  She also guessed what might be troubling you, as well as what I now believe to be a surprisingly accurate guess what is happening to you."

"You mean with the antlers.  They're, fine, really.  I don’t' like them but I'm sure Rarity's right and with time…"

"No.  That is not true, and I think missing the point.  Come with me.  There is something I wish to show you."

Then she took to the sky.  She was so graceful in the air.  She really was incredible.  I couldn’t help but think how horrible my flying must look next to hers.  It wasn't as bad as it used to be, but still really awful.  She flew off at a nice pace.  I could easily keep up.  Then I noticed we were flying over the Everfree forest.  I was about to say something when her horn glowed.  The mists seemed to suddenly clear around us, and the winds became eerily calm.

"Oh, I guess you can…"

"You can probably manage the same, though I'm not sure of that."

"What but…"

"It is not any great magic, and it is mostly even air magic.  Though I suppose your affinity with that is unusually low."

"So any pegasus could do it?"

"No, but any alicorn could."

She stopped right before I did.  I barely managed to stop my wings from freezing up.  Celestia had a big grin on her face, but it was gone in an instant.

"Oh dear, I guess that is not a little problem for you, is it?"

"I'm sorry."

She sighed.  "I'm the one that nearly shocked you out of the sky and you apologize?"

"I'm sor…"  Then I stopped.  "Uh, I guess I don't need to say that."

"No.  But this is something you already knew didn't you?  You may not understand how little it means, or how close you really are, but you do have some idea."

I nodded.  "But what do you mean how close I am?  I remember Twilight saying how Pinkie looking like an alicorn doesn't mean anything but…"

"You have the antlers, but what you don't understand is having a horn, wings, and the full magic of both is not what makes us astral beings so different from other ponies."

"But I'm almost there?"

"Somewhat.  You went in the other direction to reach the same relative point, but the equivalent for nature, yes."

She then turned around and started flying again.  It was a little slower, but I was so distracted it was harder to move forward.  I tried to keep it all strait in my head, but it was a lot to take in.

"Are you sure about this?"  I then gasped.  "Oh, I'm so sorry.  I'm sure you're sure.  I meant no disrespect.  Please don't put me in jail the place you banished me too."

Celestia laughed.  "Oh Twilight, you silly mare.  She reads the full penal code but then forgets what the harshest punishments are even for."

"Oh, so you can't even banish me if you wanted to?"

"Under the law.  My sister has been fond of banishing ponies to the moon for brief periods of time since she's returned.  I think banishment to the sun is very harsh, even for a moment, so I don't do such a thing."

"Oh.  Uh…"

"Come on my little pony.  By air this journey is not nearly as long."

Then we came up over it.  The old castle didn't look half as scary in the light.  I followed her down to the back of the castle.  The bridge led right across the chasm to the front of the castle, but there seemed to be a little forest behind the castle on this side of the chasm as well.  It looked odd somehow.  The trees were much lighter than the surrounding woods.  As we landed it was clear this was not jus the leaves, but the bark and grass too.  Everything looked strangely overgrown, but so much more healthy.

"Is this really part of the Everfree?"

"This is the true heart of the Everfree, but in some ways no, it is not.  Come now."

I followed her, noticing how there were ruins all around us, but also so overgrown it was hard to tell.  In many cases the trees grew right though the stonework.  I felt sort of strange as I kept following Celestia.  Then I saw it.  The ground sloped downward, and at the lowest point there was a huge tree.  In fact I now realized what I thought was a small forest from the air was almost entirely this single tree.  In fact all the other trees around me might be connected to it through their roots.  The roots were not as obvious, but they were everywhere.

"What is this place?"

"As I said, the heart of the Everfree.  This area used to be the Everwood, a lightly wooded area that surrounded our castle.  It was a very pleasant place."

"What happened?"

"Two events.  The second was nightmare moon.  She corrupted the forest in an attempt to torment and threaten me.  It worked fairly well."

"Oh, Luna did mention that.  Though she didn't put it like that."

"Even that much surprises me a little."

Then she walked down the steps that led to the tree.  She stopped in front of a small stone in front of the tree.  I couldn't help but notice that there were a great deal of statues of alicorns with specific features on top of small grey buildings.  As I looked around I realized something.

"Is this place…"

"A graveyard?  No, merely a monument to those who once walked these halls but for one reason or another left.  With one special exception."

Then she looked at the stone in front of her, and with a brief shimmer of her horn, the vines clinging to it were set aside.  There was a mass of greenery about the base.  I noticed she was crying again.  Then I saw the text on the stone.

"Here lies the horn of Gaia, greatest and last Queen of Equestria." I said

Celestia nodded.  "My mother."  She looked up at the tree.  "Somehow he found a way to do the impossible.  To stop the unkillable.  To render she who controls nature into countless pieces and left control of her domain to no one."

I took a step back.  "A-a-a-are you saying."  I swallowed hard.  "Y-y-you saying, I'm…"

"Her replacement, long overdue?"  Celestia nodded.  "I believe so.  We hope to one day restore her, but it is difficult to say the least."

"B-b-b-but I…"

"Calm yourself.  It is even more than you expected, but it is also not something you need to take up immediately.  Or even at all.  Accepting responsibility you are not truly ready for is dangerous as well.  It can wait."

"But it must be important."

"It has…"  Celestia the paused, wings ruffling a bit.  "…been empty for many years now.  I'm sure a few more will hurt nothing."  She smiled.  "Yes, no matter how long it's been a few more years…"

Then suddenly she fell to the ground sobbing.  I was confused for a second, but then realized how painful this had to be for her.  All this was so scary.  What it meant for me was terrifying.  Somehow Gaia was in pieces, but not dead.  It was confusing and made no sense.  There was also the fact there was something so powerful the mother of the Princesses couldn't defeat it.  All of this scared me so much I couldn't stand it.  But ultimately there was a pony in front of me who needed comfort, even if the idea of trying to comfort her scared me too.  But I stepped forward and sat down next to her, draping one wing over her as she cried, and rubbing the back of her neck with one hoof as she cried.

I muttered a "there there" or some other little nothing phrase every so often.  Her mane had somehow become just plain pink, like in the storybook Twilight showed us.  It was so strange to see her like this.  She just cried and cried, not stopping.

> Not yet
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Celestia was back to normal, regal as ever, and smiling again.  She still shed a few tears every so often, but she didn't start really crying again.  It had taken her a while to recompose herself, mane once again a shimmering multicolored marvel.

"I probably shouldn't tell anypony about this, should I?"

"No, though I wish I could ask you too.  In fact, I insist you tell your friends.  You are not my equal in power yet Fluttershy, and may not be for many, many years, but someday you will be.  All of you will I believe."

"Oh my.  Tha-tha-that's…"

"I know.  Now, let us get back to business.  I did not take you here to have a breakdown."

"Oh, uh, you wanted to show me the tree and…"  I stopped.  "I'm sorry, I don't know."

"I want to help you.  Rarity is worried about you accepting the antlers, but I think that's wrong.  Take off the clip please."

I almost asked why, but instead just did so.  Most of the time putting something in your hair could be tricky with hooves, and taking it out worse, but it was so easy to move it.  It had to be magic.  Also it kept in place really well too.  I then felt that odd sensation of the antlers coming back.  Celestia then laughed.

"That isn't very nice."

"Oh, yes sorry."  She laughed again.  "I'm not even laughing at how you look, but something else entirely.  Luna really should have explained this better to me, and clearly better to you."

"I don't understand?"

"They're supposed to fall off.  Magic can be very strange at times, and your own personal magic can at times give you messages.  Did you know I had scales for a while?"

I blinked.  "What?"

"I was being stubborn about dragons.  They tend to be very grumpy, but most aren't that bad.  Gems and rare metals are their preferred foods even if they can eat meat."

"Uh, but what does this have to do with me?"

"The antlers are there because you need to see the deer."

Celestia then raised a wing and pointed at something.  I had thought it a root, or stump, or something similar, but it was no clear it was a strange carved wooden pole.  It seemed to be made of petrified wood, stone grain clearly visible.  There were several scattered around the tree.  The carvings were hard to see, but looked like figures of some sort.  Probably deer.  They were also covered in gently glowing green runes.

"Ooo, they're so pretty.  Especially the green runes."

Celestia smiled.  "Already?  Very good."

"So, those are deer made, and I have to go into the white tail wood and…"

"That is one option, but not the right one I think.  Of course we could try a shortcut, if you are willing.  It does have some risk."

I stepped back.  Celestia looked confused.  I guess Luna hasn't told her how many stories about her sister she's shared.  I recognized that grin and what it meant, even if this was the first time I'd see it for what it was.  I don't think it was as bad as Luna made it sound, but it was hard not to worry.

"Oh, I have come up in conversation with Luna, haven't I?"

I nodded.  "I'm sorry I know that…"

"You really don't know anything about that.  Things between us are complicated, and will remain that way.  Nightmare Moon destroyed simple.  How about I tell you the risk and you decide."

"Oh, that's fair."  I smiled  "You're not as bad as she says, are you?"

She giggled.  "I think with some things I'm probably worse, but we each tend to see the other though a distorted lens.  First, the shortcut is simply to go touch the tree."

"That's it?"  I then sighed.  "Oh, it's what happens next that's the risk, right?"

She nodded.  "Yes.  If you had asked me before my sister's return I would say with certainty absolutely nothing.  Now, I have almost no idea.  I can say for certain it won't do any true harm, but I can't promise it won't hurt."

"You mean like the antlers growing?"

"Mother said pain is part of life.  Also you may lose the antlers, but gain, well almost anything else.  I really can't guess what."

"What else?"

"It shouldn’t happen, but it could count as you accepting the empty, seat is the best word, of nature.  I have been wrong about a great deal lately."

"Oh I'm sure that's not true."

"I was never supposed to fight my sister, but I was supposed to be there to help you should things go wrong.  To insure there was no risk to you when Nightmare Moon returned.  But she not only broke the seal, but subverted the spell."

"So you were trapped in the sun.  She told me."

"She tells you a lot doesn't she?  If I hadn't kept her busy she would have explained about the antlers earlier I'm sure."

I looked up at the giant tree.  It was really amazing.  It seemed to have every kind of fruit imaginable, and countless flowers spread among its branches.  I walked closer to its large trunk, with rich brown bark.  It looked so alive.  Then I swallowed.  I could feel, something.  If I touched it something would change.  I know it would.

"Would it be better if I did take the seat?"

"Yes, but you need not rush into things.  You ponies don't even see how nature is broken, but any minder would be better than none."

"Would it help the little animals?"

She laughed.  "Mother was kind in many ways, but if she was still here, the animals would not have a better life.  She was very fond of tough love."

"Oh."  I looked down

"But if you replaced her, things would be different.  I'm sure she'd love you even if you would disagree on some points.  You could help the animals in ways not even I can imagine."  Then she laughed.  "Though maybe the point is you can."

"Then, there really isn't a choice."

"What do you mean?"

I walked forward, trembling slightly.  I then was going to reach with one hoof, but instead lightly touched my antlers to the tree.  I saw the small stone tree poles flash brightly and some strange feeling wash over me.  Then I heard a vast voice as if across some great distance, but it didn't seem to come from anywhere.  It was strange, sort of like Luna's and Celestia's combined, but so soft.  She sounded very kind.  It said two words and then it was gone.  I took a step back.

"Well that did she say?"

"Not yet.  So was that…"

"My mothers voice, yes.  This tree is mothers horn.  How much of what she was remains within it has been the source of many an argument, but that is without a doubt her voice and this tree does have some sort of limited will and power."

"So what does it mean?"

I think she was going to answer, but then suddenly my head felt lighter, and I heard a clattering.  I looked down to see my antlers.

"Rarity will be so disappointed."

"Maybe, but maybe they're gone for now because like Luna you don't really need them at all.  Give it a try."

"What?"

"I haven't seen her do it lately, but you can create a sufficiently powerful magical matrix focus with air alone.  So try levitating the antlers."

"Uh, okay, but…"

"Just try."

I did.  For a little bit it didn't work since Twilight and Rarity always talked about focusing though your horn.  But their advice didn't help all the time to begin with so decided maybe I should just ignore that part and focus on that feeling.  The feeling I figured out how to do because it felt so like focusing your Ki for martial arts.  Then the antlers began to levitate into the air, covered in pale pink magic.  Then I heard a gasp.

"Oh my.  Now that is really something."

"What is."

"Oh, of course.  You really must see it."  Then she giggled.  "Something truly new.  I cannot tell you how delighted that makes me.  Now how does that spell go."

At first I just stared forward at nothing, because hearing Celestia giggle like a little foal was extremely strange.  Then the mirror appeared.  It looked like the same spell Luna cast.  There were a bunch of little butterflies hovering above my head.  They were made of pale pink light, just like my magic.  I put down the antlers and they vanished, I picked them up and they appeared again.

"Oh my."

"Yes.  Obviously the magic has to fill the channels in some form, even if the matrix focus is made of air instead of flesh and bone, but I've never seen something like this.  I think it's very lovely and very you."

"Oh yes, I love it.  Thank you."

I then hugged her.  It took a few seconds before I realized I was hugging my monarch, and backed off, bowing deeply.  She laughed.

"As I said, you really don't need to worry.  I was worried a great deal about what I would have to deal with, but this has been a pleasure.  So, are you ready to go home?"

"Yes but…"

Then I blinked.  I was back in my home antlers still in my magic's grip.  Though oddly the shock caused things to change.  Instead of a solid glow, each was supported by a few glowing butterflies.  I smiled.  Magic was still strange, but this was nice.  And, it wasn't time yet.  I could hope it wouldn't be soon.  I could hope that things would be simple for quite a while longer.

> Freindship Report
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To my dearest student Twilight Sparkle,

I learned a few lessons today.  First no matter how old you are something can always surprise you.  Second I was reminded how something as simple as making time for what's important to you can really be.  I often wonder how many meetings I would have had to cancel to stop Luna's decent.  Third that the pain of some memories never fades, but neither does the joy of the good ones.  Finally that your friend Fluttershy is far more amazing then I could have dreamed.  You painted her as a young mare of compassion and grace, and gave a hint of her strength of character, but clearly you undersold the true extent.  She is more exceptional than I dared to hope.  

Now I wonder if they all are.  I have known you were something very special since the moment I met you, but clearly I have not considered your friends enough.  For this I apologize.  They are good ponies each amazing in their own way, but perhaps I have missed something important.  That is the final lesson, never stop looking Twilight.  I forgot this and nearly missed something amazing.

Princess Celestia, Steward of the Sun

P.S. There is a not so little matter I've been reminded of and I think I should talk it over with all six of you soon.  Half of your friends being in Canterlot thanks to Luna is good timing.  I'll send you a letter with details later.