Flash awoke the next morning, the sun just beginning to poke over the Everfree Forest. He yawned, noticing he had been asleep for only a few hours. Fluttershy was still asleep, her chest slowly rising and falling. He kissed her cheek and she muttered something and a small smile appeared on her face.

He silently got out of bed, carefully untangling himself from her and made sure she was still asleep before he crept out of the room. He went into animal’s food room seeing how low she was as he promised himself he’ll find some way to help. He nonetheless fed the all of the animals, almost taking a few hours to do so. He hadn’t dealt with Angel yet as he found the ironically named rabbit in the kitchen. They stared at each other as Flash made the bunny a salad.

“You don’t like me do you?” Flash asked the rabbit, who shook its head no. “Thought so.” He said with a sigh as he finished the breakfast. He put it in front of Angel, who stared at it. “Look, I know you don’t like me but can’t we at least try to act like it for Fluttershy?” He asked while putting a hoof out. It stared at the hoof, then the salad, then back at the hoof. Finally it smacked the hoof with a paw and started to eat the salad. “Thank you.” Flash said, as he left Angel alone, glad to finally make an attempt at civility.

           Time to start cleaning. He looked at the clock; it was almost 9:30 in the morning. He decided to start outside, picking weeds and trying to rake her yard. Her house being surrounded by trees made this harder then he imagined as he spent another hour or so on it before finally giving up. He staggered into the kitchen again; glad to be away from the summer sun. He started to make himself a hay jelly sandwich when he heard Fluttershy’s hooves quietly clack down the stairs.

“Good morning.” He said, pushing the finished sandwich towards her as she sat at the table. He turned around to make another one.

“Good morning.” She said as she looked at the sandwich. “Oh you didn’t have to; I could’ve made my own breakfast.”

“It’s ok, I’m glad I could finally make you breakfast for once.” He said with a smile as he finished making another one. He sat down at the table across from her as they both started to eat.

“It’s really good.” She said after taking a few bites.

“Thanks, but not as good as your muffins that you make.” He said laughing.

She smiled and glanced at the clock. “Oh I’ve slept in too late again and I haven’t fed my pets.” She said, panic clear in her voice.

“Don’t worry ‘Shy I took care of it.” He said.

She stared at him. “You did?”

“Yeah and I got all of them. I was up early and you were still asleep and I didn’t want to wake you up.”

She smiled at him again. “Thank you, but you didn’t have to feed all of them. I would’ve gladly helped.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I’m glad I could do something for you.”

Before she could answer, there was a loud knock on the door. They looked at each other and walked out to the living room. Fluttershy slowly opened the door to reveal Derpy, Ponyville’s gray mailpony.

“Hi Fluttershy and Vash; how are you this morning?” She asked, her head reaching inside her bag.

“Um... we’re fine, how about you?” Fluttershy asked.

“I’m great, thanks for asking.” She said with a smile. “Ah, there it is.” She said, grabbing an envelope that said in big bold red letters PRIORITY. “This is for you.” She said, handing it to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy gasped as she recognized her mom’s writing underneath the red letters. Flash nuzzled her to try and calm her down. Fluttershy quickly walked away from the two, tearing the letter open.

“Hey Derpy?” Flash asked.

“Yeah?”

“You know who I am right?”

“Yeah, you’re Prince Vash, the pony that was taken over by Discord and destroyed the town.”

“…Yes, well; I really don’t like my real name so I was wondering if you could call me by Cloud Flash…”

“Oh, sure no problem; it might get a little confusing with the mail though.” She said with a slight laugh. “Wait, I almost forgot!” she said excitedly and looked around her bag again.

“What?” He asked.

“I got another letter for you.” She said, holding an envelope in her mouth.

He took it from her and stared at the writing, not recognizing it. “Thanks…” he muttered to her.

“Just doing my job; have a great day!” Derpy said as she took off, leaving Flash staring at the letter.

“Who’s that from?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not a clue.” He said. “Wait, what did yours say?”

“Oh… it was from my mom; they’ll be here tomorrow morning.” She said, avoiding his eyes and talking in a whisper.

“Oh…well… this should be interesting.” He said with a laugh. She merely looked at him with worry. “What’s wrong?” He asked as they walked to the couch. He threw his letter next to the one he got yesterday. He sat in his usual spot with Fluttershy joining him and leaning on his chest.

“I’m just nervous… what if Dad doesn’t like you or if you two hate each other or he makes me join the Wonder Bolts?” She said her eyes closed.

He ran a hoof through her mane. “’Shy, it doesn’t matter to me if your father doesn’t like me; I just want you to be happy.”

“Thank you.” She said. She started to cough.

“Are you ok?” He asked, suddenly worried.

“I’m fine; it’s just a little cough.” She said as she coughed a few more times.

He tried to help as she kept coughing. He looked into her eyes and saw pain. “Please, tell me what’s wrong?” He asked very worried.

She looked away. “I don’t know; I suddenly feel very nauseous.” She said.

He put a hoof to her forehead and put his on the other side. He immediately pulled back as he wasn’t ready for the heat. “‘Shy your forehead is burning.” He stared at her in fear.

“I’m alright; I just need some water.” She said, trying to get up. Her hooves gave out and she fell off the couch. Flash caught her and held her as her eyes grew glazed. “Thank…you…” she managed to say before her eyes rolled into her head and she went limp.

“Oh Celestia; Fluttershy, Fluttershy are you ok?! Speak to me! Please say something!” He yelled lightly shaking her. Tears were falling out of his eyes as she lay in his hooves, not responding.

“Hello?” Alli asked as he slowly opened the front door. “Sorry, but I kept hearing yelling and I-what in the world happened?” He asked, quickly running over next to the two.

“I…I don’t know; one minute she was fine, the next minute she started coughing and blacked out.” Flash stuttered, still trying to get a response from the unconscious Pegasus.

Alli put his hoof up to her forehead and yelped in pain, pulling it back. “She’s burning up.” He muttered. Flash nodded. “Ok, hold on; I can teleport us to the hospital.” Alli said as his horn powered up. Suddenly there was a flash and the three were standing in the middle of the Ponyville Hospital lobby; a stunned Nurse Redheart staring at them from behind the counter.

“Prince Vash, what are you doing-” She started before he interrupted her.

“There’s something wrong with Fluttershy, can you help her?” He asked, pleading with her.

“I can.” She said, her horn glowing and a stretcher appeared out of nowhere. “Easy now.” She instructed as Alli and Flash gently laid Fluttershy on the stretcher. Redheart immediately took off down the main hall and went into the fourth room on the left. As she pushed Fluttershy in the room, Flash went to follow but was stopped. “Now you wait out in the lobby; I’ll call you when you can come in.” she said as she shut the door in his face, leaving no room to argue.

He stared at the door, tears falling out of his eyes. He felt a hoof go around his shoulders as Alli led him back into the lobby. Alli sat him in a chair right next to the hall so Redheart would see him as soon as she left the room.

“I’ll be right back ok?” He told Flash, who barely nodded. Alli frowned and quickly teleported out of there, leaving Flash alone to stare at the ground, crying silently.

[....]

“Alright Spike; I think we finally did it.” Twilight said, wiping sweat off her forehead.

“About time; I thought it would take forever!” Spike said starting to crawl up the ladder to take a nap.

They had finally reorganized the library and had made a very thorough catalog of all their books. They had stayed up all night to finish it and both were exhausted. Twilight yawned as she made her way up the stairs to her bed. Spike was already in his bed, pulling the covers over himself. Twilight was just about to get into the bed when there was a flash of light and somepony yelled her name.

“Twilight; where are you?” It said.

She moaned and looked down over the side. Her face lit up when she saw Alli. “Alli, what are you doing here?” She asked excitedly. She jumped down and saw that he had a look of panic in his eyes. “What’s wrong?” She asked, instantly worried.

He rubbed a hoof over his face. “Something is wrong with Fluttershy. I was walking trying to get those herbs that you told me about near the Everfree Forest and I heard yelling coming from Fluttershy’s cottage. I ran over and found Fluttershy passed out in Flash’s hooves. He was screaming at her and trying to get her to wake up.”

“Oh no…” She muttered, worried for both of her friends.

“I teleported them to the hospital; I left Flash there so I could get you. You know what to do in these situations.” He said, kicking the floor.

“Oh well…” She said, embarrassed.

“Oh for Celestia’s sake, can’t you two do this later?” Spike asked from his bed, putting his pillow over his head.

They both blushed in embarrassment. “So how was Flash?” She asked.

“Terrible; he was just gone. I don’t know how else to describe it.” Alli said, looking away.

“What do you mean gone?”

“You know; crying, not listening, in his own little world; pretty much how you described Fluttershy when Flash didn’t wake up for those two days.” He said.

“Then we need to go and help him.” She said as her horn started to glow.

“Wait.” He said, stopping her.

“What; we don’t have time to stop.”

“Shouldn’t we tell the others?”

She stopped. “Oh, right. That would probably be a good idea, maybe even a letter to Princess Celestia.” She looked around for her parchment and quill. “Spike, where did we put the new quills?’ She yelled.

The baby dragon sighed. “Hold on, I’m coming.” He said, throwing the covers off in anger. He climbed down the stairs, muttering the entire time. He sulked over to the cabinet and grabbed a quill and parchment. “I’m ready.” He muttered.

“Dear Princess Celestia.” She started, clearing her throat. “I don’t have much time to explain; it seems Fluttershy has had a coughing fit and passed out. Alli told me it also felt like she had a high fever too. He took both Fluttershy and Flash to the hospital. I wanted to give you a quick report before heading over there. We are about to get the rest of my friends and head back to the hospital. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

Spike put the quill back and rolled up the letter up before blowing green fire from his mouth on it and it disappeared.

“Amazing…” Alli said, dumbfounded.

“Come on, let’s go get the others.” Twilight said, smiling.

“Oh…err…right.” Alli stuttered.

They both suddenly disappeared in a flash of light.

[....]

The Elements and Alli burst into the hospital lobby, Flash still sitting were Alli had left him. No pony knew what to do or say. Pinkie hopped over to where he was sitting as he continued to stare at the floor, tears still running down his face. She lightly poked him and he swayed. He looked as if he didn’t know they were even there. She giggled slightly and pushed harder this time; he almost fell out of the chair.

“This is fun.” Pinkie said as she kept poking him. She waved a hoof in front of his face and he finally looked up.

They all gasped at his eyes; they looked lifeless.

“Hey there buddy, I brought your friends…” Alli said to Flash, who vacantly stared at him. Alli quickly looked away and started to back up until Twilight put a reassuring hoof on his back. He smiled.

“Flash, how Fluttershy is doing?” Rarity asked.

He glanced over at her and merely shrugged his shoulders and went back to staring at the floor.

His face was surrounded in a purple glow and was forced to look at Twilight. “Flash, how is Fluttershy?” She asked in a comforting voice.

His eyes filled up with tears and in a hollow, raspy voice he answered. “I don’t know… Nurse Redheart hasn’t come out yet.”

“Prince Vash, could I see you a minute?” Nurse Redheart’s voice asked.

His eyes grew as the purple glow disappeared and he rushed down the hall followed by his friends. He silently opened the door and Nurse Redheart raised an eyebrow at Twilight and the others. They were suddenly pushed out of the room and the door shut.

“What in tarnation was that fir?” Applejack asked, her brows knitted in anger.

“I don’t know.” Twilight asked as she stared at the magical barrier protecting the door. “This isn’t like Redheart…”

“Maybe it’s something personal between them?” Alli asked.

“It’s possible, but we’re still her best friends…”

Alli led them back into the lobby. “I guess we wait?” He asked and they all nodded as they sat in the chairs.

[....]

“So are you sure nothing else happened?” Redheart asked.

“I swear.” Flash said after explaining what happened. “So what’s wrong with her?”

She just stared at him. “Vash, I hate to be rude to royalty, but if you two did anything last night, I need to know. It could explain a lot.”

“What are you…oh.” He said, his brain finally catching on and his face turned bright red. “No we didn’t do that.” He said, not looking into her eyes.

“Then did she eat anything new today or anything new happen?”

“Well… I did make some hay jam sandwiches…” he said, trailing off.

“And?”

“I can’t tell you.” He said, looking away. He stared at Fluttershy, now resting peacefully with an air mask over her mouth.

“Prince Vash, you have to tell me if it is in anyway related to her current condition.” She commanded.

He looked at Redheart; her eyes were full of concern and pain, wishing she could be of more help. He sighed. “You have to promise not to tell any other pony.”

“I swear on my nurse’s honor.” She said.

“Her parents are coming to visit.”

“Well I don’t see what’s the big-”

“They don’t get along.”

“Oh.”

“Apparently the only time they talk is when they try and force Fluttershy back to Cloudsdale.”

Suddenly, a slight beep emitted from a machine that was hooked up to Fluttershy. Both of them stopped talking and watched as she slowly opened her eyes.

[....]

Bright light was the first thing that she saw as she closed her eyes to try and hide. She felt something strapped over her mouth and started to panic, hyperventilating. She went to take it off when gentle hoof touched her arm. She looked up and saw him looking at her, crying.

“Are you ok?” She asked, her voice muffled by the air mask.

He merely nodded and gently gave her a hug and a quick peck on the cheek.

“Fluttershy, how are you?” Nurse Redheart asked as she removed the air mask. “I’m ok.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Well, maybe a little tired.”

She nodded as she looked at Flash. “I’d like her to spend the night so I can keep an eye on her.”

“Oh, that’s alright. I’m fine.” Fluttershy said, leaning up. The world spun and she had to lean against the pillows again.

“Please… I’ll stay with you.” Flash said.

They stared at each other and she smiled. “Ok, but what about my parents?”

“Don’t worry Fluttershy, I’ll send you home early if your better.” Nurse Redheart said. “Now I suggest you two say whatever you wanted to say now cause I’m about to call the others.” She said as she left the room, shutting the door.

Fluttershy quickly pulled Flash towards her in a big hug as she started to cry. Flash gently sat on the bed as he ran a hoof through her mane as he also cried.

“Are you alright?” He asked her, pushing her chin up so he could look directly into her eyes.

“I think so.” She said. She leaned against his chest, still feeling a little light headed. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, I’m just glad you’re ok.” He said as he held her.

Suddenly the door busted open and Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, and Alli rushed into the room.

“Are you ok Fluttershy?” They all asked simultaneously as they hugged her. Alli and Flash backed away and leaned against the wall, letting them catch up.

As they talked, Flash held out a hoof for Alli. “Thanks buddy.”

“For what?”

“For helping me with Fluttershy; I didn’t know what to do.” He said.

Alli gladly accepted the hoof. “No problem; I’m glad I could help and she’s doing better.”

They were silent as they watched the girls continue to talk as if they haven’t seen each other in days. Flash leaned into whisper something in Alli’s ear.

“So what’s going on between you and Twilight?” He asked grinning.

Alli’s face grew instantly red. “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Hey take it easy; I was only kidding. I didn’t know it was that serious.”

Alli stared at Twilight. “It’s not… I know I have no chance so what’s the point in trying?” He said, giving a quiet laugh.

“Hey don’t doubt yourself like that; did I ever tell you how me and ‘Shy got together?” He whispered.

“No…”

“Well Twilight, Rarity, and Dash all wanted to knock my lights out after I confessed my feelings for ‘Shy and she started crying. So I left and ‘Shy hunted me down… and well, we kinda been together since.” He said, laughing.

Alli glanced at Flash. “Not to be rude but I’m supposed to get what from that?”

Flash shrugged. “Never count anything out; you’d be surprise what happens.”

“Psst…what are you two whispering about?” Pinkie whispered, appearing next to Flash. Both ponies jumped as they looked up and saw everypony staring at them.

“Uh…we were talking about…” Alli stuttered staring at the ground.

“We were wondering why I don’t have a cutie mark yet.” Flash said quickly. Alli glanced at him a got a small blink.

“Yeah…that is odd.” Twilight agreed.

Before any other pony could say anything else, a quiet voice came from the hallway. “Ok….um…everypony, could you…. please leave; Ms. Fluttershy should get some rest.” A blue unicorn said. Her coat was cyan blue and she had a long brown mane with a long tail. Her cutie mark was a brown paw mark. She had three freckles on her cheeks beneath her blue eyes. She was staring at the floor, blushing.

Alli grinned. “Tremble, what are you doing here?” He asked as he walked over and gave her a hug.

Flash saw Twilight’s face flush with red and she frowned as she kicked the ground. He looked around and saw no one else noticed it but Fluttershy. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow and Fluttershy shrugged.

Tremble smiled. “Alli it’s good to see you; I wanted to finish getting my PhD.”

“But I thought you were going to be a vet?”

“Well I am, but I thought it would be a good idea to learn about ponies too… you know…” She said blushing.

Alli laughed. “Yeah, I know.” He looked around. “Oh right, Tremble these are my friends.” He said as he pointed a hoof at Rarity. “This is Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Cloud Flash or Prince Vash.” He said, pointing a hoof at each of them in turn.

Tremble smiled and slightly waved at each of them.

He then pointed at Twilight. “And this is Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia herself. She’s also the kindest and nicest ponies I’ve ever met. And strongest to; I bet she could give Celestia a run for her bits.” He said his face completely red. He looked at them. “Guys, this is Tremble. I’ve known her forever; she’s like a sister to me.” He said laughing.

Everypony walked towards and said hello expect Flash, Fluttershy and Twilight. Flash looked at Twilight, who was trying to hide her shock and embarrassment; her face still bright red. Flash and Fluttershy looked at each other and smiled before Flash stealthily made his way over to Twilight.

“Everything alright?” He asked with a faint smile.

Twilight shook her head. “Everything’s fine.” She said with a very obvious fake smile.

He sighed. “You’re a terrible liar Twi.”

She frowned. “Well…I gotta go…Spike wanted me to help him…” She said as she took off.

Everypony watched as she squeezed past them and ran out of the room before disappearing in a bright light.

“What’s her problem?” Dash asked looking at Flash.

“I’m not sure.”

Alli’s got worried. “I should go make sure she’s ok…” he said as he noticed everypony was staring at him. “What?”

“Good luck lover colt.” Dash said with a smile, slapping him on the back.

“Thanks…” He said as his face grew brighter still. He gave a quick hug to Tremble. “It was good to see you again. We’ll have to catch up soon.” He said as he ran after Twilight.

“About time those two admitted it.” Rarity said.

“What do you mean?” Flash asked.

“Those two have been inseparable since the Discord incident.” Dash said, shaking her head.

“Oh.” Flash said, catching on.

Tremble shuffled her hooves. “I hate to say this, but I have to ask if all of you to leave; expect Vash.”

“Please call me Flash.”

“Ok…Flash; you can stay if you want. Or at least that’s what Doctor Whooves said.”

“Who?”

“My boss; he said you’ve met before…”

Flash thought back; the only doctors he’s met are Nurse Redheart and she’s not a doctor and oh… he thought as he remembered the pony with the hourglass. He smiled. “Oh yeah I remember now.”

The remaining Elements gave Fluttershy a hug and promised to visit later. They gave Flash a hug to and said it was nice meeting Tremble as they all left the room.

“So do you think Alli realized it yet?” Flash asked Fluttershy.

“I doubt it but I hope they’ll be ok.” She answered.

She scooted on the bed making room for Flash. He smiled as he lay on her bed, wrapping his hooves around her as she rested her head on his chest. He kissed her.

“I’m so glad you’re ok.”

“I’m sorry for making you worry.” She said as she lightly nuzzled his chest, her mane hiding her face.

He gave her a reassuring hug. “It’s ok; I’m just happy your better.”

They laid there silently for a minute. “What about my parents?” She asked, worry seeping into her voice. She looked up at him.

He smiled. “It’s going to be ok, I promise.”

She smiled back and nuzzled him again as they relaxed to the setting sun.

[....]

Alli finally got to Twilights library house, out of breath. He gasped as he saw a giant purplish pink bubble surround it. He saw Spike pounding on the bubble, trying to get back in. He trotted over to Spike.

“Hey Spike, what the hay happened?”

“I don’t know. One minute I was sleeping, when she ran in and slammed the door. The next thing I knew I was outside.”

Alli stared at the bubble, impressed that she mastered it so fast.

“Let me try something.” He said. He gathered magic in his horn and lightly tapped it against the bubble, envisioning a massive drill. The bubble shuddered and a small door opened. He smiled as he felt even more winded. “Stay here Spike, I’m going in.” he said as he saw the baby dragon walk towards the hole.

He slowly walked in as the bubble healed itself behind him. He cautiously opened the library’s main door, gasping at the total destruction of the main floor. He saw Twilight in the middle of the destroyed room, horn glowing brightly and at least six books hovering in front of her.

“What do you want?” She asked, her voice raw and thick with anger.

“What’s wrong?” He asked as he tried to find a way to her.

“Nothing’s wrong Mr. Ance.”

He stopped dead in his tracks. “Twi, you’ve never called me that. Please tell me what’s wrong.” He pleaded.

She turned around and looked at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. “I thought you liked me, but I see you like some other pony.” she said sniffling.

“Who are you talking about?” He asked confused. This was completely unlike her…

“Tremble…” She muttered.

“Oh…” he said with a small smile. He finally had made his way over to her. “Twi, she’s like my sister. I love her, but not that way.”

“Really?”

He chuckled. “She’s saved my life more times than I can count and I know I could count on her for anything, but she’s not nor will she ever be, my special pony.”

The purple hue in the room disappeared as he saw the bubble disappear. He gently put a hoof around Twilight’s shoulder but she pulled him into a hug as she was crying. He was surprised at first but he gave her one back, blushing. They stayed like that for a few seconds till Spike opened the door.

“Jeez Twi, a little dramatic don’t you think?” Spike said as he looked around at the destruction.

Twilight blushed, exhaustion evident in her eyes. “I’m sorry Spike; I’ll help you clean up.”

“No, it’s fine; you two need to talk. Go on, I’ll clean.”

They smiled and left the tree house with Spike shaking his head. They walked out of the town and sat on a hill overlooking Ponyville. The moon was out and gave off a bright glow, illuminating the town. They sat next to each other in an awkward silence. She leaned against his shoulder, resting her head.

“Twi listen, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.” He stuttered, color in his cheeks.

“What?” She asked, looking up at him.

He stared into her beautiful violet eyes, a vibrant shine added from the moon. “Twi, the last week has been the happiest one in my life and it’s all because of you.” He said, stuttering and speaking fast, afraid his nerve would fail him. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you…” he trailed off, his nerve gone. He pushed his glasses up higher on his nose.

“Tell me what?” She asked, staring into his brown eyes.

He was too nervous to say anything, so he did what he thought was right; he kissed her on the cheek. Both their faces instantly turned red.

“Oh.” She managed to say. She then surprised him when she kissed him back.

“So you’re not mad?” He finally said in a whisper.

“Of course not.” She said with a smile.

He was silent. “So will you be my marefriend?” He asked the last word barely auditable.

He knew she heard what he said when her face grew redder and she shook her head. “Yes I will.” She answered, kissing him on the mouth.

He didn’t resist, kissing her back.

The moon continued to shine brightly as they sat on the hill, kissing.

[....]

Flash and Fluttershy finally made it back to her home with Flash carrying Fluttershy on his back.

“You didn’t have to do that you know.” She said her voice barely a whisper. Her mane was covering her face.

“I know, but Redheart said to take it easy.” Flash said.

He opened the door as the moon illuminated the house. He carried her upstairs and gently laid her on the bed. He pulled the covers up to her and he kissed her on the cheek before turning towards the door.

“Where are you going?” She asked as she slightly coughed.

He turned and looked at her concerned. “I was going to go feed the animals and then clean.” He said.

She went to push the covers off. “Oh I’ll help you.”

He was back to her in an instant. “Please ‘Shy, I can do it; just take it easy.”

She frowned and crawled back into bed. “If you’re sure you don’t need my help.”

He smiled and kissed her. “I will always need you but you should rest. Tomorrow is going to be interesting.”

She nodded. “Please don’t stay up too late.”

He smiled. “I won’t.” He said as he went to leave.

“Goodnight Flash.”

“Goodnight ‘Shy.” He said as he shut the door.

He silently walked down the stairs. Time to get to work. He went into the pantry and sighed as he went about trying to figure out how to feed her pets with little food. Next Chapter: Plans of Engagement Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 52 Minutes