Flash woke up in a nice comfy bed, a light breeze flowing through the room. He looked over and saw Fluttershy sleeping in the bed next to him. He went to get up but his body refused to move as pain racked it. He leaned against the pillow and tried again.

“I would be careful if I was you; your body still hasn’t recovered.” The familiar voice of Nurse Redheart said.

“Hello Nurse Redheart.” Flash said with a smile. He looked around. “Where are we; this doesn’t look like the Ponyville Hospital.”

She smiled. “That’s because we’re in Canterlot. The Princesses thought it would be better if you didn’t see…the town.” She said, looking away.

Flash’s smile was gone. “Yeah, I kinda destroyed it didn’t I?” he said with a fake laugh.

Redheart shook her head. “No you didn’t; Discord did when he took over your body.”

“Yes but will the townsponies see that? They saw me destroying the town not him.” He said staring out the window.

“The Princesses will explain it to them; don’t worry, they’ll understand.” She said, trying to calm him down.

“I hope you’re right.” He said as he looked over at the sleeping Fluttershy. “Is she ok?” He asked, worried.

She faintly smiled. “She’s fine; she wanted to be near you so Princess Celestia let her sleep here.”

“Oh; wait how long have I been out?”

“Only 3 days.”

He nodded. The door opened and Princesses Celestia and Luna walked into the room; Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash followed.

“So how are you…son?” Luna asked.

Flash stared at her. “That’s going to take some getting used to.” He said with a small smile. “But I’m ok, just sore.”

She smiled and bent down and hugged him. Celestia and Flash’s face showed their surprise but Flash hugged her back. He glanced out the window and saw the sun barely passing over the trees of Everfree Forest.

“So what are you all doing here?” He asked with a smile.

“Checking on you of course; you did die and all.” Pinkie said, jumping.

“What Pinkie means is, we’re making sure you’re ok.” Rarity said.

“So how does it feel to die? Was it painful? Were you tired?” Pinkie asked again, questions slipping out faster than he could keep up with. Finally Rarity shoved a hoof in Pinkie’s mouth.

“I know you want to make sure that Flash is ok, but could you please leave us alone? There are a few things we need to talk about.” Celestia finally said. Everypony looked like they wanted to argue but Luna put a hoof up and asked if they could leave. They left grudgingly leaving Luna, Celestia, Flash, and Fluttershy alone.

Minutes ticked by as the three stared at each other. Fluttershy muttered something in her sleep and a frown appeared on her muzzle.

“So what is so important that you had to have the others leave?” Flash finally asked, glancing at Fluttershy.

Luna looked at her sister. “I don’t know where to begin.” She said.

“Relax Luna; start from the beginning.” Celestia said with a smile. She looked at Flash. “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier; I wasn’t sure it was you till I heard you sing at the party.”

“So that’s what you wanted to tell me.” He said, remembering her asking to talk to him.

She nodded. “Luna was supposed to meet us behind the stage, but she was caught up when Discord took over. She had to go back and get reinforcements from Canterlot to help try and stop him.”

“What I still don’t understand is how Discord got trapped in my mind.” Flash said.

Luna and Celestia looked at each other. “Vash, you have to understand; not even we understand what the Elements do completely.” Luna said.

Flash stared at Luna. “Vash; is that my name?”

Luna’s eyes grew confused. “Yes...” She looked at Celestia. “He forgot his name?”

Celestia nodded. “It seems he’s suffering from amnesia.”

Flash took a deep breath. “…Mom, can I go by Flash? Vash may have been my name, but he’s gone.”

Luna faintly smiled. “I’m sorry but I will always call you Vash.”

Flash or Vash, laughed. “Well it was worth a shot. So how did Discord get locked in my mind?” He asked.

The sisters shared a glance. “We’re not entirely sure.” Luna finally answered.

“What do you mean?”

“We aren’t sure what happened when you sacrificed yourself.” Luna began.

“I did what?” Flash asked.

“It’ll be easier to show you.” Luna answered as her horn was illuminated in blue light. “Now close your eyes.” She commanded.

He did as he was told and saw Discord, Luna, Celestia, and a younger version of himself in some sort of garden. There were statues along a destroyed path with guard pony bodies littered throughout. Flash was lying in a pool of his own blood as it seeped out of a gash over his right eye. Luna and Celestia both looked exhausted and were covered in bruises, burns, and claw marks. Discord himself was missing an arm and his left eye was swollen shut.

“To think that two snotty princesses and a runt did what their father and his army couldn’t.” Discord said laughing. “I got to say I’m impressed.”

“Shove it Discord.” Flash said from the ground. Luna looked at him with concern. He could feel the look. “I’m ok Mom; it’s just a little scratch.”

“Luna we need to come up with a plan.” Celestia’s voice said in Luna’s mind. Luna looked at her sister and knew what she had in mind.

“The Elements?” Luna mouthed. Celestia nodded. But we’re going to need a distraction… She noticed Flash struggle to his hooves and realized too late that Celestia must have included him into the conversation. “NO!” She screamed as he launched himself at Discord.

Celestia was next to her in an instant, her horn and necklace glowing. “Luna please; don’t let his sacrifice be for naught.” She pleaded. Tears were flowing down both of their faces.

“I…can’t; you ask the impossible.” Luna whispered.

“Mom you gotta do it!” Flash cried as Discord smacked him hard on the head. “Mom, do it for Equestria!”

“What are you talking about you naïve alicorn?” Discord asked as he hit Flash again.

Luna’s necklace and horn started to glow of their own power. Luna cried out in surprise as her and Celestia’s necklaces and horns shot powerful beams of energy towards Flash and Discord. Neither screamed as the beams simultaneously hit them and sent them flying into the sky. A blinding flash of light blocked the two from view but Discord plummeted into the ground already turning to stone. Flash was nowhere to be found.

“Vash; where are you!?” Luna yelled almost in hysterics. Celestia pulled her sister into a hug as Luna cried over her missing son.

The memory faded away as Flash was transported back. He looked at his mom and aunt seeing both of them crying. He felt something wet fall down his cheek and realized he was crying too.

“I replayed it over and over, hoping I missed something. I thought it would be the last time I saw you.” Luna said over her tears.

Flash struggled to get out of the bed and finally fell on his hooves. He mustered what he could and jumped at Luna, whose eyes grew with surprise. As he collided with her, she pulled him into a hug to stop them both from falling. Luna kissed him on the forehead as they stood there silently crying into each other until Celestia coughed and Flash was covered in a golden aura. He hovered back into the bed.

“I’m sorry to do this but we need to know if Discord is still trapped in your head.” She said, horn still glowing. Flash felt her mind brush up against his, her mind vast, ancient, and powerful. He could hear a simple melody repeat over in her mind. Her touch soon receded and he heard the music once more before it disappeared.

As they looked at her, she nodded and smiled. “I can’t find a trace of him.”

“Thank goodness.” Fluttershy’s melodious voice said. The three ponies stared at her.

“Fluttershy what are you doing over there still? If you were awake you should’ve joined us.” Flash said.

“I didn’t want to bother; it looked like family time.” She said looking away.

“Fluttershy you are family, my family, my world.” Flash said, embarrassed; his face turned red.

Her face turned red as she looked at the princesses for permission to join them. They looked at each other and nodded and she slowly made her way towards Flash. Before she could walk the last few feet, she was suddenly encased in a blue aura and hovered over to Flash. Her eyes grew in fear as she was gently put into Flash’s awaiting hooves. She quickly curled up and latched onto him. He bent down and gently kissed her. He saw Luna’s horn slowly dissipate its blue aura and he glared at her.

“Sorry, I didn’t think it would scare her.” Luna said apologetically.

He merely nodded as Fluttershy clung to him. Suddenly something clicked in his mind. “Wait; Discord called me an alicorn, what is that?”

Luna looked at her sister than her son. “An alicorn is a pony that has wings, can use magic, and has the strength of the earth ponies. You were the last one born.”

“Does that mean I can use magic?” Flash asked eagerly.

“I don’t think so. When we used the Elements, we think Discord stole your ability to use magic. Besides, you don’t have a horn.” She said with a faint smile.

“But Zecora could grow it back couldn’t she?” Fluttershy asked.

“Maybe, but we’re not sure; we don’t know what she uses to do so. And if his magic is gone, he wouldn’t need a horn. I’ve always heard how those that try to regrow it, it never grows back.” Celestia answered.

They nodded. “We could always just ask and see what happens.” Flash said.

“Yes…you could do that. Just wait till your better.” Luna said. She had a feeling that she’ll be seeing him in a hospital room again soon. Silence enveloped the room.

Flash stared at Fluttershy. He had a question in his mind, but too afraid to ask it, worried what Luna would say. After Fluttershy kissed him, he worked up the courage to ask. “Why don’t I have a lot of memories with you…Mom?” Flash asked, looking at Luna.

Luna looked very uncomfortable. “I spent most of your childhood chasing down your father.” She finally said, crying.

Fluttershy and Flash looked at each other as their eyes grew. Before either of them could say anything, their mouths were kept shut with magic. They glared at Celestia who shook her head. Celestia put a hoof over Luna’s shoulder and patted her back.

“I’m sorry, but we have to leave; duty calls.” Celestia said. She looked at them. “You two can stay here as long as you would like. If you need either of us, we’ll be in the throne room.” She said as she led her sister out the door.

“Wait… Aunt Celestia?” Flash said.

They stopped and she looked at him. “Yes?”

“What song was playing in your mind? I’m sorry, but it kept looping and I couldn’t help but hear it.” He said looking away.

Celestia smiled. “That was the first song you ever played and you made it for your mom.” She said as she left.

The two ponies left in the room stared into each other’s eyes for a long time till Fluttershy smacked Flash on the head.

“Ouch! What was that for?” He asked, rubbing his forehead.

“No more dying… no more…” she choked out before starting to cry and buried her face in his chest.

He held her and lightly ran a hoof through her mane, murmuring I love you. They laid there until Fluttershy stopped crying. She looked at him and he smiled.

“After everything that we’ve gone through; after everything I’ve done to you, I understand if you don’t want to be together or talk to me.” Flash said as his eyes started to well up with tears. He tried to keep the smile but couldn’t.

She stared at him in shock, her eyes filling with tears. She leaned in and kissed him on the mouth, putting her being into it. He pushed back; amazed that she still accepted him after everything they’ve been through. She broke off the kiss as they both tried to breath, their faces bright red.

“Like I said before, no matter what happens, I’ll be here. Just like I know you’ll be there for me.” She said laying a hoof on his.

“You know I will.” He said, leaning forward to kiss her again.

“You two make such a cute couple.” Rarity said.

Both ponies jumped in the bed as they looked to see their friends looking them. They were all smiling as Pinkie was bouncing on her hooves like usual. Flash and Fluttershy’s faces couldn’t have been redder which caused the five ponies to start laughing. As Nurse Redheart walked in, she shook her head.

“You ponies, I’ll never understand.” She muttered as Fluttershy climbed out of the bed and Flash followed. She did a quick checkup, had Flash walk around the bed a few times, hover in the air to make sure his wings still worked. She checked his temperature, if he was dizzy or lightheaded. She clapped her hooves. “It seems like your 100% again; let’s try and keep it that way for at least a few days.” She said jokingly with a smile.

Flash laughed. “I’ll try, but I guarantee nothing.” He said with a smirk.

She smiled back. “It’s a nice day today, why don’t you all get out and about?”

The group looked at each other. “I think that’s a good idea. What are you planning on doing Flash?” Twilight asked, looking at him.

“Not sure yet; I was thinking about seeing Ponyville and seeing if I could help with anything.”

Their eyes grew.  “I take it you haven’t heard?” Rarity asked pain in her voice.

“About Ponyville being destroyed? Yeah, I know. I did cause it.” He said.

“No not that. There was a town meeting and you were almost voted to be banished from the town.” Pinkie said before anypony could stop her.

Flash fell to the floor, he was silent. “Well, I can’t really blame them. Wait almost? What stopped them?”

“Princess Luna spoke on your behalf. She spent most of yesterday arguing with Mayor Mare about it.” Twilight said.

He sighed. “So I take it everypony knows I’m a prince now?”

“Eeyup.” Applejack said.

He was silent. “And I didn’t have a clue. And I was so mean to her.” He muttered as he held his head in his hooves. He jumped up and ran out of the room. He heard them yell his name but ignored it, trying to figure out how to get to the throne room.

He felt like he was being followed and looked up to see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying after him. He laughed as he remembered he had wings. He flapped them a few times and put all the strength he could muster behind them and sped away. He didn’t see the door until he crashed right through it, bouncing across the floor on his face and coming to a skidding stop in front of the thrones.

Celestia and Luna both stared at him as he got up, shaking his head.

“Vash what in the world are you-” Luna started before she was interrupted by Flash’s hug. She stared at her sister in shock as the pony was silently crying on her. “It’s ok son, everything’s alright.” She said soothingly, lightly running her hoof down his back.

“Mom I’m sorry for everything, having to deal with me disappearing then reappearing and dying…I’m sorry.” Flash whispered.

“It’s ok, I’m glad your back. I can’t imagine you gone again.” She said.

Flash looked at his mom through the tears. “I heard about how the ponies were going to banish me. You should have let them, I destroyed their homes.” He said.

She pushed his face towards hers. “Son, let me be clear about this. It was not your fault; Discord was the one that destroyed their homes.”

“But the ponies-” he started.

“But nothing; did you have control of your body? Would you have destroyed their livelihood?” He shook his head no. “Then you got to show them it was Discord that did it.”

“How?”

“Help with the repairs or any way you can. That’s what I would do.” She said.

“I’ll try that.” He said. He finally let go of her as the rest of the group caught up.

“Now, why don’t you 7 go out and see if you can help rebuild?” Celestia asked.

They nodded and headed towards the door.

“Vash?” Luna asked, stopping the group.

He turned and looked at her. “Yeah?”

“Please be careful.”

He smiled. “You know me, besides, I got Fluttershy to make sure I don’t do anything crazy.” He said as Fluttershy came over to him. The doors opened and the seven walked out into the sunny day.

There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as they could see the smoke from Ponyville. Flash grew very stiff as they continued on to the town. The seven broke up and went to help out with their respective talents, leaving Dash, Fluttershy, and Flash alone.

“It’s going to be okay Flash.” Fluttershy said as she leaned against him.

“Ha-ha; I hope your right.” He said his voice hollow.

“I’m going to go check on Cloudsdale; if you need me, give a yell.” Dash said as she heading towards the floating city.

Fluttershy and Flash decided to go check on her house. They slowly made their way through the debris, stopping to help anypony they could. Most ignored Flash’s help or flat out refused to talk to him.

As they came closer to the fork in the road that led to Fluttershy’s house, they saw a young pony struggling to help his father hold up a support beam for the roof.

“Here, let me help you.” Flash said as he leaned against the two story post.

The son looked at him with murderous intent. “Get away from here, don’t you think you caused enough trouble.”

The dad ran over as Flash and Fluttershy’s face grew in shock. “I’m terribly sorry Prince Vash; it’s been a stressful couple of days. Please forgive him.”

“Its…it’s no trouble at all.” Flash stuttered, speechless. Fluttershy nudged him and they left the father and son duo as they made their way towards her house.

“Flash, its ok; they didn’t need our help.” Fluttershy tried to say.

Flash leaned against her as she gave him a hug and they saw her house; it was unharmed. All the animals were still in their respective pins, abet scared. Fluttershy went around and reassured her pets as Flash went inside. He quickly sat in his spot on the couch and stared into space, not noticing the tears.

“Flash is everything alright?” He heard Fluttershy ask, her eyes filled with concern.

He nodded and as she sat on the couch, he fell into her hooves, crying silently. Her eyes grew with concern and she sat there, holding his head against her chest as she hummed something to try and relax him.

[....]

“What?!” All six of them asked, surprised; the group had met in Fluttershy’s house like Flash had asked but weren’t ready for what he had to say.

“I think it would be for the best. Think about it, I’ve already caused enough trouble for all of you.” Flash said, looking down.

They stared at him speechless. “But it’s not your fault darling; Discord-” Rarity began.

“It is my fault. It doesn’t matter if Discord destroyed it or I did. He was using my body and I couldn’t stop him.” He said, interrupting her.

Fluttershy was silent, afraid to speak. “Where would you go?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t know; maybe travel into some deserted place so I don’t hurt any other pony else.” He said with a laugh.

“But…but what about Fluttershy and your mom?” Dash asked, looking at her best friend nearly in tears.

Flash looked at Fluttershy and pulled her into a hug. She didn’t resist, instead gave him one of her own. “I couldn’t ask her to leave her friends or animals and Mom, well I couldn’t ask her to leave since she raises the moon and all.” He said. “But I think I caused enough trouble for both of them-” He was interrupted by Fluttershy’s kiss.

“Please don’t leave me; I don’t know what I would do without you.” She said looking into his eyes.

“But Fluttershy-”

“Please; you promised you’d never leave me.”

“But I cause you so much pain.”

“You don’t. Remember I knew somewhat what I was getting into when I said yes.” She said with a little smile.

He stared into her eyes, remembering the first time he saw those blue pools. He looked around, looking at the others. “You guys think I should stay too?” he asked.

“Of course we do!” They all said at once.

“After everything I’ve done-ouch!” He said as Dash flew over and smacked him.

“No matter what happens we’re your friends. We stick by you to the end.” She said, rubbing her hoof.

“Will you stay? Please…” Fluttershy pleaded, staring into his eyes.

He knew he should leave, but he just couldn’t say no to her. He sighed in defeat. “Ok, ok you guys win. I’ll stay.” He said, leaning to kiss her.

They all smiled and Pinkie Pie started hopping up and down. “I think this deserves to be celebrated. Who else thinks we need a party?”

The other ponies shook their head. “First let’s fix Ponyville before anypony thinks about parties.” Twilight said.

“Aw okie dokie.” Pinkie answered as she stopped bouncing.

“But afterwards we’ll throw the best Pinkie Pie party ever.” Flash said with a sad smile. “And if you want me to, I’ll play again.”

Pinkie’s eyes grew to dinner plate size and jumped over the table and gave Flash a bone crushing hug. As the air left his lungs, he wheezed and she let go of him. As he fell to the ground she pulled a yellow construction hat and a tool belt out of the air and put them on.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.” She said as she disappeared in a blur out the door.

“Did I say something?” Flash said as Fluttershy helped him up.

“Who knows with Pinkie.” Twilight said shaking her head.

The remaining group went to open the door when it was flung open by a cross-eyed gray pony with a yellow mane crashed through it. Her flank had six bubbles on it. She had a blue bag strapped to her and it held a bunch of envelopes. The group stared at her as she picked herself up, her golden eyes drifting off to look in different directions.

“Derpy are you ok?” Twilight asked.

“I’m fine Twilight, I didn’t see the door.” She reached into her bag. “I got a couple letters for Fluttershy and Vash? And I was told Vash was staying here…” she said as she looked at Flash. “Hey, I know you; you’re the one that destroyed Ponyville.” She said.

“Derpy he didn’t destroy it; Discord-” Twilight started before she was interrupted by Flash.

“Yes Derpy, I did. I didn’t mean to, but I hope you can forgive me.” He said, lowering his head in an awkward bow.

Derpy stared at him in amazement. “No one has ever bowed to me before or asked for my forgiveness.” She said with a smile. “Ok you couldn’t have done it on purpose, you’re too nice.”

He laughed. “Well, I don’t know about that one.”

Derpy smiled. “So here you go Fluttershy.” She said as she handed two letters to the yellow pony. Something changed in Fluttershy’s eye as soon as she saw the writing on the envelope and Flash put a hoof around her. “And you’re Vash aren’t you?” Derpy asked. Flash nodded. “Then here you go.” She said giving him a letter. She turned around and waved goodbye as she flew off somewhere in town.

“That pony, I swear.” Dash said as the other four laughed.

As the ponies walked out the door, Flash still held Fluttershy as she started crying. Rarity noticed that neither of them was following. “So are you guys coming?” She asked with an eyebrow raised.

“We’ll catch up. We got to feed Angel and the others.” Flash quickly said.

Rarity’s eyes narrowed suspiciously but nodded and they took off, leaving Flash and Fluttershy alone again.

“What’s wrong ‘Shy?” He asked, leaning down and kissing her cheek.

She was silent. “One of the letters is from my parents.” She whispered.

His eyes grew. “How do you know? You haven’t opened it yet.”

“I recognize my mom’s writing.” She said even quieter.

“It’s alright ‘Shy, everything will be fine.” He said, hugging her tighter. He led her to the couch and picked her up as he sat down, letting her lay on him. He ran a hoof through her mane as he waited for her to answer. When she didn’t say anything, he looked at her as she had her face buried in his chest.  “Fluttershy, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s going on between you and your parents?”

She was silent, thinking about how to answer. “My dad and I …aren’t on the best of terms.” She finally said.

“Oh. Well, it can’t be that bad that they’re sending you a message is it?”

“The only time they send me one is when they’re coming down for a visit.”

“Oh.” He said, not understanding.

“And the only time they do that is when he tries to convince me to move back up to Cloudsdale and take over the business.”

“What business?”

“My dad…my dad was one of the first Wonder Bolts.” She said leaning against him.

“I’m sorry ‘Shy, I don’t know what that is. They never had anything like that in my time.” He said, trying to get her to at least smile.

She looked up at him, pain in her eyes. “Oh I’m sorry; I forgot that you didn’t know what they are. They’re the fastest flyers in Equestria and every pegasi growing up wants to join them. My dad and a few of his friends started in when I was a filly and ever since then, he’s tried to get me to take his place. But I’m not a good flier and I’d rather help animals.” She paused. “And they don’t know about you.” She said even quieter.

“Well… that might…make things…interesting.” He said with a smile.

She giggled a little. “Yes it will.”

“When will they get here?”

“Day after tomorrow if they can get away.”

“What does your dad exactly do?” He asked. “Sorry…but I don’t get it.”

She smiled again, looking at him. “He founded it, flew as the captain of the group for a long time and then retired. Now he manages the current group.”

“Oh…well, that must keep him busy.” He said with a smile. “Wait; doesn’t Dash like the Wonder Bolts?” He asked, just remembering.

“Yes, but I’m too afraid to tell her.”

“Why?”

“Because since my dad and I aren’t really talking…” she trailed off.

“Oh, right. Sorry I asked.” He said.

She leaned up and kissed him. “Don’t worry about. But please don’t tell her.”

“I won’t; Pinkie Pie promise.” He said, putting a hoof over his right eye. She giggled.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She said as she lay against his chest again.

“I have no idea, probably be better off.” He said with a laugh.

She frowned. “You know that’s not true.” She said as she poked him.

“Sometimes I don’t think so.” He said.

She kissed him again. “We both know that’s not true.”

He smiled. “Whatever you say.” He paused for a moment. “So I have a question.”

“What?” She said.

“So do you want me to move out before your parents get here?”

“No, of course not; I like you sleeping here.” She said.

“So how are we going to explain that to them? I don’t think they’ll let us sleep on the couch. I mean I’ll sleep on the couch but you’ll have to sleep in your bed.” He said, stifling a laugh.

Her face turned a bright red. “I was thinking…um… maybe if you wanted to, you could sleep in my bed…with me. I mean if you don’t mind.” He was speechless and his face turned a bright red. She saw it. “I didn’t mean to say it, forget I said anything.”

“No, no it’s alright. I…I wasn’t expecting that.” He said laughing. He kissed her on the forehead. “If it’s alright with you and your parents, I have no problem with it.”

She frowned. “You know how I feel about it and I don’t care what my parents say.”

He stared at her. “Well if it’s alright with you, I don’t see a problem with it. I don’t want to put anymore distance between you and your parents.” He said.

“You won’t I promise.” She said.

They were silent as she laid in his hooves, listening to his heartbeat. It was time she was glad they could spend together.

“So should we pick up around here and then go help the others with Ponyville? Then probably go shopping, since we haven’t had time yet right?” he said with a smile.

“Yes, that sounds like a plan.”

They got up and looked around the place. “Ponyville?” She asked which he nodded.

“I hope they let me help this time.” He said as they headed back into town.

The sun was high in the sky as they spent the rest of the day helping rebuild their town. Most of the ponies this time accepted his help somewhat grudgingly. He wondered what had changed when he saw Luna, Celestia, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow Dash all helping. They saw him and smiled as Fluttershy and him came over and helped them finish rebuild what he was told was Sugarcube Corner. Two ponies, one orange and the other blue gave us lemonade and told us to take a break. After the break, the sun was almost setting and Luna had to leave to raise the moon.

As the rest decided to call it a day, Flash looked around the town. He saw that most of it was already rebuilt. He was surprised at the how fast it was brought back together, but then remembered that he had saw unicorns and pegasi helping in the recovery. He sighed as he sat away from the others, watching the moon slowly rise.

He felt Fluttershy as she sat next to him. She laid her head on his shoulder and he rested his head on top of hers.

“What are you doing sitting all by yourself?” She asked.

“Since I caused it, I shouldn’t partake in the group; besides, I’m not a very social pony.” He said with a faint smile.

“Flash, you know the others are worried…and so am I.” she said.

“I know, but I thought you guys didn’t want me over there so I came over here.”

“What would ever make you think that?” She asked.

He took his head off hers and closed his eyes. “It just seems like you guys have been too nice to me. I destroyed a town, probably killed a lot of ponies and nothing. All of you just assumed Discord did it. I mean he did, but he still used my body.” He looked at his hooves, which had been around Fluttershy. “Those ponies he killed are on my hooves. Discord may have been in control, but I have to deal with the repercussions.”

“You’re an idiot, you know that right?” Dash said. He opened his eyes and the group was sitting near him.

“No matter what you say, darling, we know you would never harm another pony.” Rarity added.

“She’s right; you’re too much of a goody goody.” Pinkie continued. She was hopping up and down.

“They’re right sugarcube; there ain’t nothin’ you can say that’ll change our opinion of ya.” Applejack said.

“Flash, no matter how you try and say it, we won’t believe that you could destroy the town. You need to stop blaming yourself.” Twilight said.

“Vash; no matter what happened, you can’t blame yourself. When I checked your mind earlier, I don’t remember ever seeing Discord kill anypony.” Celestia said.

“What about the other ponies? Do they see me as you do? I doubt it. I don’t want to make your lives worse. I’ve done enough damage already.” He sighed. “I should’ve left.” He muttered.

“You were going to leave?” Celestia asked. Twilight quickly brought her up to speed. “Vash, leaving now would be a disaster. After all of Luna’s arguing and you were willing to leave Fluttershy after everything she’s done for you?”

Flash looked away, embarrassed. “Yes. I was ready to leave, to save you guys from any more trouble.”

She stared at him. “You aren’t the Vash I remember. You’re merely using his name and body. He would have stood his ground and accepted what happened, not turn and ran!” She spat. Everypony was afraid, no one ever seeing Celestia this upset.

“‘Tia, please calm down.” Luna said as she joined the group.

“You heard?” Celestia asked her which she nodded.

“If Vash wants to leave, I won’t stop him. He has to make his own decisions; I can’t tell him what to do anymore.”

“But after everything…” Celestia started.

Luna sighed. “I know ‘Tia, but Vash is old enough now to make his own choices.” She said, a tears welling up in her eyes.

“Mom, I decided not to leave. Like Aunt Celestia said, not after everything you and Fluttershy have done. I can’t leave her anyway.” He said with a little smile, nuzzling Fluttershy.

“But like you said, what about all the ponies that blame you for what happened to Ponyville? What are you going to tell them?” She asked.

“Exactly what happened; I have nothing to hide. They can make their own decisions.”

“So you really have grown up.” Luna said.

Flash looked at each one individually. “I’m sorry for all the stress and worry I’ve caused. I promise you I won’t leave. I can’t leave and I don’t want to anyway.” He said, pulling Fluttershy back into a hug.

Fluttershy grabbed him back and squeezed, glad that he wasn’t leaving.

“So you’ve made peace with what happened?” Celestia asked.

“I’ve accepted what happened; I’m not sure if I’ve made peace with it.” He said.

“I’m just glad you’re staying.” Fluttershy said.

“You know I can’t leave you; ever.” He said.

All the ponies smiled as Fluttershy kissed him on the mouth and he kissed back.

Celestia looked at the sky, seeing the moon almost half way through the sky. “I think it’s time for some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a busy day.”

As the group got up and said goodnight, Luna pulled Flash aside. “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

“Well… I was planning on sleeping at Fluttershys’ like I’ve done every night I wasn’t in the hospital. Why?”

“I wanted to offer you a guest room at the castle.”

“Thanks anyway, but I already accepted Fluttershy’s offer.”

She stared at him intensely. “Ok, just be careful.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain it to you another day.” She said as a faint red hue appeared on her cheeks. She kissed him on the forehead. “Get some sleep son.”

He stared at his mother, concerned. “You too?”

She nodded and followed Celestia as they teleported back to Canterlot.

The six stared at him. “What was that about?” Dash asked.

“I have no idea. All I know is that she offered me a guest room at the castle, but I declined because I’m staying with Fluttershy.”

“Oh.” They said in unison, all expect Fluttershy.

“What?”

“Nothing.” They said red hues on their cheeks as well. Fluttershy had her face hidden by her mane but he could tell she was blushing too.

“Ok could somepony explain what is going on?” He asked, slightly embarrassed that he was out of the loop.

“Can’t Ah gotta help Big Mac at the farm tomorrow, bright an’ early; night y’all.” Applejack said as she ran towards her house.

“I have a ton of orders to catch up on so I think it is best if I bid you goodnight. I also need to make sure Opal is alright. Ta-ta!” Rarity said as she quickly walked away towards her house.

Pinkie just smiled. “I gotta go plan our super special awesome party; nighty night.” She said as she hopped away.

Twilight and Rainbow shared a glance. “I gotta go, have to wake up early to get the pegasi pumped for tomorrow and such.” Dash said before she disappeared in a blur. Twilight shot her an evil glare.

Flash sighed. “It’s ok Twilight, I won’t ask you to explain it.”

Her face got bright red. “No, it’s alright. It’s just a…private matter.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

She gulped. “Well you see-” she stared before being interrupted by Fluttershy.

“It’s alright Twilight, I’ll explain it to him on the way home.” She said, barely a whisper.

Twilight gave her a quick hug before waving goodbye as she ran towards her library house.

“‘Shy what’s going on?” He asked. “I mean you don’t have to tell me.”

“No it’s…alright. It’s just I’ve never talked about it before.”

“Talked about what?” He asked again.

Fluttershy quickly told him what happened and why everyone had left in a hurry. After she told him, his face was bright red and hers could pass for a tomato.

“Oh…I see; that explains it.” He said.

“Are you alright?” She asked.

He kissed her. “I’m fine, just a little embarrassed I guess. But I’m glad you told me, I didn’t have a clue.”

“Did Princess Luna never have that…talk?”

“I never really saw her and when I did, it was only briefly.”

“Oh.” She said as they started walking home.

They walked in silence, not needing to talk as they merely enjoyed each other company. As they made it back to her house, the animals were asking for their attention. They quickly fed them, too tired to divvy up the work. Angel glared at Flash fed him his salad.

“Look, either you eat it or you don’t get dinner. It’s very simple.” Flash finally said, fed up with the bunny. Angel kicked him in the face and started to eat the salad. Flash’s eye twitched as he left the room walking towards the couch and ready for a good night’s sleep.

“Flash?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah?” He said, half asleep already.

“Um… I was wondering if you wanted to sleep in my room with me tonight.” She asked.

That woke him up. “Are you sure? You don’t have a problem sharing the bed with me?” He asked embarrassed.

“No, of course not, but I understand if you don’t want to.” She said, her face as red as his.

“No it’s alright. I just didn’t want to put you in an awkward spot.”

She led the way up to her room and pushed the door open. This is the first time I’ve seen her room.

Her room was neat and organized. Everything seemed to be dusted and cleaned. A huge bed took up most of a corner. She saw him stare at the bed.

“I like to have a big comfy bed…it’s a Fluttershy thing.” She said with a smile.

He smiled nervously as they both climbed into the bed. He felt her hoof tap him on the back and he turned and faced her. Both their faces were red.

“You were right, this bed is amazing.” He said still smiling.

She nodded and snuggled up next to him. He put a hoof around her and pulled her close, her head a few inches from his. She flipped the opposite direction, her back facing him and scooted closer. He protectively draped a hoof over her and she smiled.

“Goodnight Flash.” She said.

“Goodnight ‘Shy.” He said, resting his head next to hers.

Flash quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the day. Fluttershy remained awake, listening to the steady rise and fall of his breathing. She smiled as she closed her eyes and slumber took over. Next Chapter: New Love Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 13 Minutes