Flash awoke to the aroma of baking in the kitchen. He stretched and yawned, the blanket sliding off to the floor. He bent down and picked it up then folded and laid it on the couch. He stiffly walked into the kitchen, his legs still asleep. Fluttershy took a pan out of the oven and set it on top to cool. He could see and smell the cooling muffins, the smell making his mouth water. He walked over to her and gave her a hug. She jumped at his touch and turned around, her eyes calming down as she realized who it was.

“Good morning. Sorry if I woke you up.” She said, her mane covering her face.

“You didn’t, body was telling me its breakfast time.” He said with a grin.

She faintly smiled and leaned against him. “Well then breakfast is almost ready, just got to let them cool.”

His stomach growled and she giggled. They both burst into laughing as his stomach grumbled even louder. “Well, apparently I’m hungrier than I thought.” He said.

She smiled and she led him to the table. They sat there and waited for the wonderful smelling muffins to cool. They stared into each other’s eyes, never seeming to tire of it. They did this for several moments until the back door to the house flung open and a pink blur launched at Flash. He didn’t even register who or what it was till it had tipped him over, the chair falling backwards.

“Hi Pinkie, how are you?” He groaned. His head had smacked against the floor and stars danced before his eyes.

“Good morning! I was just in the neighborhood and I was wondering what cake you wanted for your welcome party? I mean I like all the types, but some ponies are picky. Like when I threw Twilight’s party, she wouldn’t eat the cake because she said she didn’t like the frosting. But the frosting the best part in my opinion.” She said, not stopping for air. “I mean how you cannot-”

“Sorry to interrupt Pinkie, but could you get off me?” He wheezed, the stars finally gone.

She hopped off him and he staggered to his hooves. Fluttershy looked at him, worried; he reassured her with a quick smile and picked the chair up. “I really don’t care; I’ll let you pick the type of cake.” He said, unknowing what he just did.

Pinkie’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates and she jumped up and down. “No one ever lets me choose what type of cake they get, they always say they don’t want any, but what type of party doesn’t have a cake? I mean I have been to a-”

“When is the party?” He said, trying to interrupt her continuous talking.

She stopped and stared at him. She brought up a hoof and tapped it against her chin. “Hmm… tomorrow’s no good and neither is the next day. How about the next day after tomorrow?” she asked.

He stared at her, confused. “Sounds… good.” He said.

She smiled and vanished again out the door, the force of her departure slammed the door shut. They both winced at the noise and Fluttershy jumped.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get use to that.” He said, laughing.

“She’s one of a kind.” Fluttershy said, giggling.

During the conversation, Fluttershy had grabbed the muffins and set them on the table. She picked one up and hoofed it to him; he smiled his thanks. He took a bite of it and froze; it was delicious.

He took another bite and savored it. “Fluttershy, these are amazing.”

Her face turned bright pink. “It’s nothing special. I just thought you might like muffins…” she trailed off

“Fluttershy, you’re an amazing cook; these are the best things I have ever eaten.”

Her face got brighter. “I’m not that good; Applejack and Pinkie are better than me.”

“I doubt that, not after trying these muffins.” He said with a smile.

She nuzzled him. “Thank you, but you’re too kind.”

He was about to reply when somepony knocked at the front door. They looked at each other. “Your house is pretty popular.”

“I usually don’t get this many visitors…” She mumbled.

“I’m sorry.” He said, looking down.

“Don’t worry about it.” She said, walking towards the door.

She opened the door to reveal Twilight, the lavender unicorn smiling. “Good morning Fluttershy.” She said, giving Fluttershy a hug.

Fluttershy smiled and hugged back. “Good morning Twilight. How are you?”

“I’m fine. How are you?”

“I’m ok, just finished breakfast.”

“Those muffins were wonderful.” Flash said, grabbing one and walking over to the two mares. Before Twilight could say hi, he shoved the muffin in her hoof. “Try it.” He encouraged. Fluttershy’s face went red as Twilight looked at it and slowly took a small bite.

Her face lit up and she quickly finished the muffin. “That was amazing! Flash did you make it?”

He shook his head and gave Fluttershy a quick hug. “Nope, she did.”

Twilight looked at her friend in new regard. “Fluttershy that was amazing! I didn’t know you knew how to cook.”

Fluttershy was completely red. “I… um… I only cook when I have guests over.” She said, staring at the ground.

Twilight and Flash looked at each other and grinned. He bent down and kissed her cheek. “She’s an amazing cook, right Twilight?”

She shook her head yes. “You really are Fluttershy; I’m sure if the Cakes knew, they would hire you.”

Fluttershy quickly hid her face in Flash’s chest. She mumbled something that sounded like a thank you and Twilight and Flash laughed.

“So Twilight, what are you up to?” He asked while trying to calm Fluttershy down.

“Oh right. Well I was talking to the mayor this morning and Princess Celestia is stopping by on her way to Fillydelphia for an important trip so she’s throwing a party but needs a guitarist and I volunteered you.”

His jaw dropped and he instantly turned red. “That’s nice of you and everything… but I can’t play in front of other ponies… I don’t do so well with all that attention.”

“But you played amazingly last night! You gave us all goose bumps.” She nudged Fluttershy, who was still hidden in Flash’s chest. “Come on Fluttershy; tell him how good he is.”

Fluttershy looked up and mumbled, “You were really good; I would like to hear you play again.”

He smiled. “Playing for you is one thing, playing in front of a crowd is entirely different.”

“Oh you would be singing too…” Twilight added.

He turned even redder. “I can’t sing in front of other ponies. Maybe I could’ve played the guitar, but not both. I’m sorry Twilight, but I just can’t.”

“Will you at least think it over?”

“I…guess. I’ll think about. When is the party?” He finally said.

“Two days from now.”

“Oh, well Pinkie is sorta throwing me a party then… so I can’t go.”

“Oh don’t worry; I already knew that, Pinkie planned it so that they are the same day.”

He was speechless. They seemed to have backed him in a corner. He looked down at Fluttershy who was staring at him. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. He sighed and gave her a reassuring hug. He looked at Twilight.

“Alright, tell the Mayor I would be honored to play.”

Out of nowhere another pony rushed in and enthusiastically shook his hoof.

“I can’t thank you enough. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded for this.” The pony said. She was an older pony, her mane gray. She had an amber coat and blue eyes. Her golden glasses shone in the morning light.

“I’m glad I could help.” He stammered embarrassingly.

“Flash; allow me to introduce you to the Mayor of Ponyville. Mayor Mare, this was the pony I was telling you about.” Twilight said.

Mayor Mare pushed her glasses higher on her snout, having slid down during the enthusiastic hoofshake. She stared intently at him and was silent. “You seem familiar somehow; I can’t put my hoof on it though.” She finally said. “But it is nice to finally make your acquaintance. I’ve heard about your situation from Princess Celestia and I wish you the best of luck. I have several meetings so I must be heading back to town. It was nice to meet you.”

“Thank you and it was a pleasure meeting you too ma’am.” He said, nodding his head.

“I gotta go to; Spike wanted to show me how he was going to reorganize the library.” Twilight said, shaking her head.

Twilight and the Mayor waved as they turned around and headed back into town. Flash and Fluttershy walked back into the house as she shut the door. Flash went to his spot on the couch and put his head into his hooves.

“I don’t know how I’m going to do this…” He muttered to himself.

He felt a hoof slid over his shoulders and Fluttershy pulled him in a tight hug. “No matter what, I’ll be here for you.” She whispered into his ear.

He smiled. “I don’t know what I would do without you.” He said, leaning up and kissing her. She smiled and kissed back.

“I guess I better practice then and think of a song to play.” He said, laughing.

“I wouldn’t mind hearing you play.” She said, falling into his hooves and chest. He smiled and gave her a loving hug. She nuzzled his chest with affection and they broke the hug with a kiss. She got up and sat on the couch as he walked over to where he had set his guitar earlier. He walked back to the couch, sitting in his spot.

He strummed a few chords, trying to find a rhythm. Suddenly, his hoof plucked a chord and instantly found a song to play. He laughed as words popped into his head and he started singing.

“Oceans apart day after day

And I slowly go insane

I hear your voice on the line

But it doesn't stop the pain

If I see you next to never

How can we say forever

Wherever you go

Whatever you do

I will be right here waiting for you

Whatever it takes

Or how my heart breaks

I will be right here waiting for you”

At this point, he was looking at Fluttershy. She was smiling at the song, recognizing what he was doing. He smiled as he stopped playing the song. He put the guitar down and scooted next to her, happy to be near her. She leaned against his shoulder, relaxing.

“So what did you think?” He asked.

“I loved it.” She said with a small giggle.

He laughed. “So what are you doing today?”

She thought for a moment. “I have to go to the market and stock up on supplies. I forgot how low I was till this morning.”

He frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even think of that. I should find my own place to stay.” He said.

“NO, I mean, no; it’s alright. I just forgot about it.” She said, her face taking on a pink hue.

“It’s not alright; I should help you pay for the food. I am staying here free of charge, I should contribute somehow.” He looked at her with a frown. “I’ll try and find a job. It might not be as hard as I think it’ll be.”

She looked at him, concerned. “Maybe you should ask Twilight and see if she’s found that memory spell.”

He face hoofed. “Of course, why didn’t I remember to ask this morning?” He thought out loud.

She giggled. “You really didn’t have a chance to…”

He smiled. “Well, I guess I should go to the library and ask her then, shouldn’t I?”

“You don’t mind if I went to the market instead?” She asked, her eyes looking worried.

“Of course I don’t mind. I’ll either be here or there depending.” He chuckled. She laughed as Angel hopped into the room and shook his head.

They both got up and stretched. She walked over to the hook near the door and grabbed her saddle bags as he grabbed his guitar and strapped it to his back. They headed out the door. They walked together till they were in town. Ponies curiously looked at them, staring at the guitar or his scar. He flashed pink, embarrassed at the attention. As they hit the fork in the town center, they kissed and waved goodbye; she going to get food, him going to visit Twilight.

As he approached the tree, a flaming book crashed through the window, smacking him in the face. The fire scorched the right side of his face as he screaming in pain. He fell to the ground, the book singeing the grass below. He lay in the grass unable to move, unable to scream. All he could do is feel pain blossoming on his face. He faintly saw Twilight run towards him and he could feel himself levitating. The pain became too much and he blacked out.

[....]

Fluttershy was humming to herself the song Flash had played for her earlier, still feeling the warmth on her face as he played. She sighed, wondering what he was doing. She walked over to the celery stand and laid the two bits on the table as she grabbed a bundle and put it in her bag. I wonder if he would like the fancy salad I made Angel the other day. She wandered the marketplace, checking her list on things to get. She picked up the tomatoes and lettuce and was double checking her list when she heard someone screaming her name.

She looked around and tried to hide herself. She saw Spike running up and down the street shouting her name. She silently tried to get close to him but he saw her and ran faster. She jumped as he launched himself at her. He cried as he tightly gripped her hoof.

“Um…Spike what’s the matter?” She asked in a quiet voice, very aware of the looks that she was getting.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t see him.” He kept saying, making her even more confused.

“See who?” She asked, having no idea what he was talking about.

“Flash…I didn’t see him…” He whispered to her.

She gasped and fear blossomed in her heart. She started flying as fast as she could towards the library with Spike hanging on to her hoof for dear life.

[....]

Flash was walking along a deserted hallway, the lights dimmed to barely cast any glow. He looked around, trying to recognize where he was. Even with my vague memories, I don’t think I know this place. He continued to navigate in near darkness. He saw Fluttershy at the end of the hall, giggling.

“Fluttershy; what are you doing here? Where are we?” He asked.

She merely giggled and ran down the hall.

“Fluttershy wait! Where are you going? Wait for me!” He yelled as he chased after the yellow pony.

Every time he caught up to her, she disappeared and appeared even farther down the never-ending hallway.

This has to be a dream, this is ridiculous.

“It could be a vision or a nightmare. Or it could be real.” A voice said in his head.

He stopped suddenly; Fluttershy did too, staring at him from the end of the hall. “Who’s there?” He asked, trying to pierce the darkness.

“Oh I’m merely a friend of your friends.”

“You got a name?” He asked.

“I do, but what fun would it be in telling you? It’s far more entertaining to watch you try and figure it out.” The voice said, laughing.

“Just tell me you stupid voice!” He screamed, scanning the room.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Now that’s no way to treat a guest. Looks like you got to be punished for that.” It said. Flash could almost feel its murderous glee.

“Why should I be afraid of you? You can’t hurt me.” He said, not really confident in his words.

The voice laughed, the cackling echoing in the darkness. “You would be surprised what I can do. Most ponies are. But yet, you aren’t like most ponies, are you; FLASH?”

Agonizing pain, even worse than the fire, overwhelmed him. He fell to the floor, screaming. It felt as if someone was ripping him apart slowly, piece by piece. And I thought…the fire…hurt. He thought to himself, laughing.

“What’s so funny?” The voice asked curiously.

“I’m not sure; I guess I’m one crazy pony.” He said painfully laughing.

Two yellow red eyes, one bigger than the other, appeared on the floor next to him. “I’m rather fond of the crazy ones.” It said, a smile appearing beneath them.

[....]

Fluttershy hadn’t eaten or slept in the two days that Flash had been in the hospital. He almost died when she got there, his heart rate nearly flat-lining. Twilight had sent Pinkie to watch over her animals as Fluttershy stared at the love of her life comatose. Twilight laid a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder and tried to reassure her. Fluttershy turned and looked at Twilight; her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Twilight cringed inwardly at the haunted, lifeless look in Fluttershy’s eyes.

“It’ll be ok Fluttershy; he’ll wake up like last time and be fine.” Twilight said, trying to get a response. Fluttershy merely nodded and went back to sadly watching Flash.

Twilight sighed and gave her shoulder a final pat of encouragement before walking towards the rest of the girls. “I’m worried guys; she hasn’t eaten or slept since she got here.” Twilight said.

Nurse Redheart stared at Flash. “I don’t know what’s going on. I healed his burns and everything checks out fine. It almost seems as if he’s lost in himself.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared at the doctor. “Come again, in English?” Applejack said.

“Applejack, Nurse Redheart is saying that there’s nothing wrong with him physically, but mentally. It’s like he’s not there anymore.” Rarity whispered, hoping she said it quiet enough so that Fluttershy didn’t hear.

Twilight looked at Nurse Redheart. “Is there anything more you can do for him?” She pleaded, for Fluttershy’s sake.

Nurse Redheart looked worried. “I’ve done everything I can think of. I have no idea why he’s in such a psychological state. That’s not my field of expertise.” She bowed her head. “I’m truly sorry, but I have other patients to look after, so if anything happens, call me.” She said as she headed out the door.

Rarity walked over to where Fluttershy sat. “Darling, why don’t you get something to eat or try and sleep?” Fluttershy shook her head no. “Would he want you to run yourself ragged?” Rarity continued.

Fluttershy looked up at Rarity. “I can’t leave him; what if something happens? What if he wakes up?” She said tears started to appear under her eyes.

Rarity pulled her into a friendly hug. “Honey, you need to eat. What if he woke up and you collapsed? How would he feel? I know you want to be here, but you need to eat and sleep. Do it for both your sakes. Besides if anything happens, one of us will wake you up.”

Fluttershy started crying. In her eyes, you could see the internal struggle she waged. Finally she sighed. “Do you promise?” She said, in a whisper even quieter than usual.

Rarity smiled. “Pinkie Promise.” She said, putting her right hoof over her left eye. A small, sad smile appeared on Fluttershy’s face as she got up from the chair. She leaned over the bed, kissed Flash and staggered towards the door. Rainbow Dash was there in a second, helping her out and they went to find something to eat.

Twilight faintly smiled at Rarity. “Good job, Rarity. I didn’t think anypony could get her to leave his side.”

“Well, I truly meant everything I said and besides, she was about to pass out herself.” Rarity said with a sad smile.

“So what do we do now?” Applejack asked.

“Wait and pray to Celestia he wakes up soon, for both of their sakes.” Twilight answered, staring at Flash.

[....]

Fluttershy was lost. The one pony always by her side was gone, lost in his own mind. Dash was trying to cheer her up as Fluttershy merely nodded, not contributing to the conversation. She worried about Flash, who hadn’t waked up yet. She wondered if she could sneak back into the room and be with-

“Equestria to Fluttershy; can you hear me?” Dash asked, breaking Fluttershy’s line of thought. Dash sounded worried.

“Hmm, oh sorry Dash; I was just thinking.” Fluttershy said.

Dash stared at her with a mix of worry and impatience. It looked like she really wanted to say something. “You know what I do when I’m worried? I just start flying, letting my wings carry me. You should try it. Not having to be weighed down, only going where the air takes you. It’s very relaxing.” She said, a faraway look appearing in her eyes.

“I’ll have to try it sometime.” Fluttershy nodded. She opened the bag of chips and forced herself to eat, knowing that Dash would’ve shoved them down her throat if she didn’t.

She finished the bag and yawned, but had to keep herself awake. Dash led her to back to Flash’s room. She stared at him and hoped for a sign that he was better; there was none. She started to cry as the group huddled around her and forced her to lie in the extra bed.

Fluttershy was full on crying, her body heaving with the sobs. The group looked confused and worried, not sure what to do. They were about get Nurse Redheart in there to put her asleep when somepony started to sing.

“And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it’s done

I hope you don’t mind

I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words

How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”

Everypony quickly turned around and saw Flash as he struggled to sit up. His eyes squinted against the bright florescent light. Fluttershy flew right out of their hooves and landed in Flash’s lap, hugging him and crying harder than ever. He smiled and pulled her close, rocking her back and forth and running a hoof through her mane, murmuring how much he loved her. She couldn’t stop crying, her face buried in his chest. He kept kissing the top of her head, hoping that she would calm down.

The others were a little teary eyed at the scene. They didn’t know what to do. Rainbow Dash even grew misty eyed. Nurse Redheart ran into the room, only to stop dumbfounded. She put a hoof to her mouth and grew misty eyed herself.

Flash looked around the room, seeing everypony crying. “What did I miss?” he asked, causing everypony to laugh, the building tension gone.

[....]

“I’m gone for two days and everypony gets delusions of funerals.” He said, trying to get another laugh.

Fluttershy hadn’t let go of him yet, her face still buried in his chest. At least she stopped crying. He continued to gently rock her back and forth.

“So what in Nightmare’s Moon happened to you?” Twilight asked, forgoing any tact.

He shrugged. “I’m not sure. I remember being burnt…” He stopped, his eyes growing wide. “How bad is it?” He asked her, not wanting to look.

“The burns are all gone, Nurse Redheart fix those in a day.” She said with a smile.

“Oh thank Celestia.” He said with a laugh.

Rainbow Dash tapped her hoof on the floor. “Get on with already!” She said impatiently.

“I really can’t tell you what happened. One minute I remember the burning book and felt like I was floating. Then the next thing I knew…” he stopped again, looking down at Fluttershy, who had fallen asleep in his hooves. “What did I miss?” He asked them.

“Well… she wouldn’t leave your side for the whole two days. I barely got her to eat before you woke up.” Rarity answered, avoiding his eyes.

He got teary eyed. He bent down and whispered in her ear. “I’m so sorry for the pain I caused you. I’m back now and I won’t ever leave you again.” He kissed her on the cheek as she murmured his name in her sleep. He pulled her closer to him.

“Any way…please continue.” Twilight said trying to get to the bottom of it.

“You all must swear Pinkie Promises that you won’t tell her”, he said motioning to Fluttershy, “unless you have to.”

They all swore and put their right hooves on their left eye. “Ok so what’s with all the secrecy?” Applejack asked.

He sighed. “I think… I think Discord might be back.”

They all stared at him, unable to believe what he said.

“That’s impossible! We froze him with the Elements of Harmony!” Rainbow Dash shouted, to a chorus of shooshes.

“Look, I’ve never seen him or heard him speak; but while I was unconscious, I wandered around what looked like a ruined castle. And she”, he motioned at Fluttershy again, “was there, but she wouldn’t answer me. And I met this voice that said he was a friend of yours. And from what I’ve heard, it sounds like I met him.”

They all just stood there, dumbstruck.

“What does that mean Twi?” Applejack asked, concern heard in her voice.

“I…I don’t know. I’ve never heard of the Elements failing to keep him imprisoned.” Twilight said, sounding like she was at lost for words.

“Well, it did after Princess Celestia and Luna used them.” Dash muttered.

Twilight quickly turned to look at her. “That was only because they couldn’t wield the Elements anymore and the power disappeared. Last time I checked, we were still the holders of the Elements.”

“Girls, this is no time to argue. This is the time we stand together and try and figure out what’s going on.” Rarity said, putting herself between the two.

Flash was silent as he tried to remember something his brain was screaming at him was important. “How many Elements are there?” He asked.

“There are 6; Twilight’s Element of Magic, Applejack’s Element of Honesty, Pinkie’s Element of Laughter, Dash’s Element of Loyalty, Fluttershy’s Element of Kindness, and my Element of Generosity.” Rarity explained.

“Oh… that’s odd.” He said after his brain finally dragged up what it thought was important. “There aren’t 7?”

“No. There’s only 6, right Twilight?” Rarity asked, looking at the lavender unicorn.

“Yes, there have only ever been 6. In all the books I’ve read, they’ve never mentioned a 7th.” She said, trying to remember. “Who told you there were 7?” She asked.

He looked at Fluttershy’s sleeping face; it looked peaceful. He knew it wouldn’t last. And he had a sinking feeling that it might be one of the last times he saw it. “Discord told me the very first time I blacked out.” He finally said. “Or he said there could possibly be a 7th… he didn’t make any sense.”

They stared at him, completely at loss for words. Not even Rainbow Dash had a witty comeback.

“Well, let’s hope he was wrong or we might have a problem.” Princess Celestia said from the door. All ponies turned at the sound of her voice and they all bowed, even Flash, who dipped his head in an awkward attempt at a bow. All expect Fluttershy, who was sound asleep in his arms. Princess Celestia saw her and smiled. “I’m glad she finally calmed down. When Twilight wrote me, I rushed over as fast as I could to try and help.”

Flash felt his face grow warm. “I’m sorry to cause all of you this much trouble.” Celestia waved a hoof at him. He smiled. “And besides, we gotta stop meeting like this, Princess Celestia.”

They all stared at him, including Celestia, and started to laugh.

Celestia smiled. “Be that as it may, if what you say is true, then we really are in trouble.”

Twilight looked at her teacher. “Have you ever heard of a 7th Element?”

Celestia shook her head no. “Neither Luna nor I have heard of such a thing.”

Rainbow Dash kicked the floor. “Then what in the name of the Soarin's pie are we going to do?” She asked.

Celestia was silent. “We are going to do the only thing we can, prepare. Twilight and I will search both the library here and Canterlot’s to see if we can gather any information on this ‘7th Element’. Applejack and Rainbow Dash, I want you two to keep an eye out for any weird changes in the weather. Last time he showed up, that was the first thing that changed.” She looked at Rarity. “Rarity, I want you to help Twilight and I in the library. With your magic, it might help us search faster. And wherever Pinkie Pie is, she needs to make sure the townsponies don’t know about this. That could prove disastrous.”

Rainbow Dash looked at the princess. “Do you think she can keep the secret?”

“Of course I can!” Pinkie shouted, appearing from out of nowhere.

Everypony jumped as Fluttershy slept through it. I must have put her through a lot. He rearranged Fluttershy to lie more comfortably in his arms.

“Pinkie, how in the name of Star Swirl’s magic did you get in here?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie giggled. “Through the door silly; it’s not as if it was locked.” Everypony just stared at the pink pony. “What; did I say something?” She asked.

Celestia laughed. “Not at all Pinkie, just sometime you amaze me.” Pinkie smiled. “Pinkie, I have a very important mission for you.” Pinkie’s eyes grew to the size of dinner plates and she grabbed an army helmet out of nowhere and put it on her head.

“I’m ready, what my mission?” she asked.

“You can’t tell anypony about Discord. And I still want you to throw that party tomorrow, ok?” Pinkie vigorously shook her head in agreement. “You have to understand Pinkie; it would be very bad if anypony found out.”

“Aye aye, captain!” She said with a salute.

“What about us Princess?” Flash asked, noticing that she hasn’t said what she wanted them to do.

“Well for now, rest and recover, both of you.” She said, nodding at the sleeping pony in his hooves. “After that, I want you to help Fluttershy look for any weird problems among the animals and to keep an eye out for weather problems.”

Flash looked down. “I can’t help with the weather.”

“Why not?” She asked.

“I don’t know how to fly.” He answered, embarrassed.

She laughed. “That can be easily fixed either by Rainbow Dash or your marefriend.” She said the last part with a smile. She looked at the group. “Can you excuse me and Flash for a moment, I need to ask him a couple questions alone.”

“What about Fluttershy?” Twilight asked.

“She’s fine where she is. I think it would do more harm to try and move her.”

Everypony nodded and headed out the door. Before it shut, Pinkie poked her head in. “Don’t forget Flashie, you promised to go to the party and you have to play.” And she disappeared.

“She scares me.” Flash told Celestia, being completely honest.

Celestia merely nodded. “She’s definitely an interesting pony. Now about your dream, please tell me it in detail.”

He grimaced but recited the dream to the best of his abilities, not leaving anything out. Celestia was silent the entire time, barely even blinking. As he finished, she told him to repeat certain parts. He did as instructed and she was silent once again.

“And you said you had an earlier vision?”

“No more like I heard him say something about a 7th Element.”

“What did he exactly say?” She asked.

He thought for several moments. “Very interesting...Quite possibly a 7th one; surprisingly maybe.”

She stared at him, confusion in her eyes. “So there might be a 7th Element of Harmony… but I have never heard of it.” She sat, thinking to herself.

He felt Fluttershy moving and he looked down as she yawned, her eyes back to normal. He smiled and kissed her on the muzzle. “Good morning sleepy head. How was your nap?”

Tears immediately welled in her eyes. “So it wasn’t a dream, you really are awake.” She said, choking on the tears.

“I’m back and I’m never leaving you again.” He said. She dove into his chest again, not realizing who was behind her. Celestia cleared her throat and Fluttershy eeped and turned around.

“Princess C-c-celestia, I’m sorry I didn’t see–” She started, but was interrupted when Celestia raised a hoof.

“It’s quite alright Fluttershy, I’m glad you’re both doing better.” She answered with a smile. “It seems like we have some problems Fluttershy.” Celestia began. “Discord may be back and there might be a 7th Element…” She said only to realize the look of horror on Flash’s face.

Fluttershy looked up and saw it. “What’s wrong?”

“I…I didn’t want to make you worry more so I didn’t tell you. I’m sorry Fluttershy.” He said, looking away.

“What are you talking about?” She asked, confused.

“It seems Discord spoke to Flash while he was in that coma.”

Fluttershy’s eyes grew even bigger and she gave him a hug. “Are you alright?” She asked, looking directly into his sea green eyes.

He smiled. “Yes I am, now that I’m back with you.” He said.

Fluttershy smiled and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before turning to Celestia. “So what are we going to do?” She asked.

“You two are going to relax and go to the party tomorrow. And after that, you will teach Flash to fly; I have a feeling he’s going to need to know how soon.” Celestia answered.

“But what about Discord; if he’s back…” she muttered.

Celestia eyes filled with concern. “I need you two at 100% if we’re going to stand a chance against him. So just relax and recover. Ok?” They both nodded. “Good. Now I must go back to Canterlot and begin searching for this ‘7th Element’. I will see you two for the party tomorrow however.” She said with a smile. “Flash, I’m looking forward to hearing you play. I’ve heard good things about it from Twilight.” She said as she walked out of the room.

Flash’s eyes grew as he remembered the party. He leaned against the pillows, Fluttershy pressing against his chest. “Oh no, I forgot about that damn party.”

Fluttershy looked up at him, worried. “It’ll be alright, we can get through this.”

He smiled and looked at her. “Thanks, I think I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

Nurse Redheart walked in. “So Flash, how are you feeling?” She asked as she walked closer.

“I’m sorry to keep on bothering you; but I think I’m ok now.”

“Nonsense, it’s my job to help anypony out.” She looked at Fluttershy. “Dear, you’re going to have to get up so I can make sure everything’s ok.”

Fluttershy nodded and got out of the bed, allowing Flash to stand. He almost fell to the floor if Fluttershy and Nurse Redheart wouldn’t have caught him. “Easy now, you haven’t moved your hooves in two days. You’re going to be a little numb for a while as blood gets back there. Now, I want you to walk around the bed. Fluttershy go with him, but only catch him if he’s about to fall.”

They did as instructed, Flash’s strides getting stronger as he walked to the end of the bed. As they headed back, he was tired, the walking taking its toll. They made it back to her without an incident. She nodded her head.

“That’s good. Now I want you to take it easy for a couple days, no running any marathons now.” She said with a smile.

“You don’t have to worry about me, I’m no athlete.” He answered with a grin.

“Alright, let’s go get that paperwork started.” Nurse Redheart said with a sigh as they walked out of the room.

[....]

Flash and Fluttershy walked out of the hospital together and headed to her house. The animals all announced their happiness when they saw her and she blushed.

“So it looks like your pets are happy your back.” he said with a smile. “Who took care of them while you were gone?”

“Pinkie did, I hope everything is ok.”

He shuddered. “No offense to Pinkie, but she utterly terrifies me.”

As she opened the door, Angel flew from out of nowhere and latched on to her hoof. “Oh my, I’ve never seen Angel this happy.” She said, surprise written on her face.

“Looked like he missed you; a lot.” He said, laughing. She blushed and they walked inside.

The house was an utter disaster, food everywhere, furniture overturned; there were streamers and balloons everywhere. There also seemed to be dried cake splattered on the wall and floor. It looked like a party tornado had hit. They looked at each other and just shook their heads. They started to clean and most of the animals pitching in. After an hour or so, the house was relatively backed to normal.

Flash sat in his usual place on the couch and strummed his guitar while Fluttershy was in the kitchen, making something for them to eat. He couldn’t think of anything to play tomorrow and as he thought about it more, the more nervous he got. Celestia was expecting him to play a great song and come what may; he wasn’t going to let her down. Just then a song echoed in his head and his hoof magically knew what chords to hit.

“Never knew I could feel like this

Like I've never seen the sky before

Want to vanish inside your kiss

Everyday I love you more and more

Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing

Telling me to give you everything

Seasons may change winter to spring

But I love you until the end of time

Come what may, come what may

I will love you until my dying day”

Fluttershy stared from the kitchen door, amazed. She ran over and hugged him as he dropped the guitar.

“That was beautiful.” She said with a tear in her eye.

“What can I say? I have the greatest inspiration.” He said with a smile.

They sat there in each other’s hooves till she had to finish dinner. Once that was over, they sat back down on the couch in a repeat from the previous night.

“You know, you could go sleep on your bed. It’s probably a lot more comfy then I am.”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with worry. “I’m sorry, am I bothering you? I could let you sleep.” She said starting to get up.

“No, it’s fine; I’m alright.  I just want you to get a good night’s rest.”

“I will, now that you’re here next to me.” She said, lying down on his chest.

“And I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” He said, leaning down to kiss her.

They soon both fell asleep, the moon high in the sky, casting its rays through the window. Next Chapter: The Party Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 35 Minutes