Finally. He wiped the sweat off his brow. He was dirty, sweaty, and tired, having stayed up all night cleaning the cottage. He stumbled around as he put the cleaning supplies away and managed to make his way back to the couch. He plopped down and finally got to close his eyes, about to fall asleep when somepony knocked on the door. He sighed and pulled himself together as he yawned and opened the door.

Three blurs ran past him as he turned and watched three fillies destroy all his hard work in a matter of seconds, the house being taken apart. He started laughing and turned to see Rarity and Applejack staring at him with concern.

“Are ya all right there Flash?” Applejack asked.

“I’m fine guys.” He said smiling. “They’re just being fillies.” He said, shaking his head. Well…that was pointless.

“How is Fluttershy doing?” Rarity asked.

“She’s fine, just sleeping.” He said.

“That’s wonderful to hear. I’m sorry to bother you darling but we have a…small favor to ask.” She said.

“Yeah?”

“You wouldn’t mind watching them would you?” She asked, pointing a hoof towards the fillies.

“Well…” He said, never been around fillies.

“Please?” The three fillies asked, appearing out of nowhere and gave him puppy dog eyes.

He sighed, unable to say no. “Well I guess-” he started only to get interrupted by a bone crushing hug.

“THANK YOU!” The fillies yelled, still crushing him.

“It would have been so boring over at Rarity’s’.” One of them said as they disappeared again.

“Humph.” Rarity said. She and Applejack both thanked him and quickly left.

The three fillies appeared in front of Flash and they stared at each other.

“…so who are you?” Flash asked.

“We are the CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!” All three yelled at the same time.

“Shh…Fluttershy is still asleep.” He said.

The one that looked like a younger Rarity expect with a different mane color spoke, purple and light pink. “Oh sorry.” She said sheepishly.

“No problem…” He trailed off, waiting for them to introduce themselves.

The younger Rarity answered. “Sweetie Bell.”

Another one, a small yellow with a red mane and tail with a pink bow in her mane answered next. “Ah’m Applebloom.” She said in a similar accent to Applejacks’.

The last one, an orange Pegasus with a purple mane styled after Rainbow Dash’s answered last. “Scootaloo.”

“Hi I’m Cloud Flash-”

“Mah sister said ya was a prince.” Applebloom said.

“Well I am…kinda.” He said, scratching the back of his head.

“How can you kinda be a prince?” Scootaloo asked. She looked and saw that he didn’t have a cutie mark either. She grabbed the other two and they started to whisper back and forth rapidly.

“Uh…” He stammered confused as to what had made them start whisper.

“Ya don’t have a cutie mark?” Applebloom asked, surprised and saddened.

“No.” He said, even more confused.

“Why not?” Sweetie Bell asked.

“Um…I’m not sure, I guess I never found my talent.”

“Aw.” Scootaloo said. She turned towards the other two. “If he’s a grown up and he still doesn’t have his cutie mark, what’s the point of us looking for ours?” She asked them as they all sighed.

“Hey, you’ll get your cutie marks.” He said reassuringly.

“Ya just sayin’ that.” Applebloom said, pouting.

He laid a hoof reassuringly on her shoulder. “No I’m not. I have every confidence that you three will find your cutie marks soon.” He said with a smile.

“Really?” All three asked, hopeful.

“Of course.” He said.

“Will ya help us?” Applebloom asked, giving him her puppy dog eyes.

He mockingly sighed. “I guess.” He said with a smile.  He turned to walk towards the kitchen. “But before that, why don’t I make us some breakfast…” he said, glancing over his shoulder and noticing that they were gone.

He shook his head and looked around the house. “Fillies?” He called, having lost them. He heard a bunch of chickens clucking and he poked his head out the window. He saw them chasing the chickens and letting them out of there pin.

“Cutie Mark Chicken Wranglers!” Applebloom shouted, chasing after several chickens.

Flash sighed. This is going to be a looong day.

After five hours of recapturing the chickens, Flash led them back inside. They were all dirty and he had them take a quick bath. As he grabbed a glass of water, he heard a loud thud. He rushed upstairs and went to knock on the bathroom door when it exploded towards him.

“Cutie Mark Bubble Makers!” Scootaloo said as she held a bubble wand.

“Ugh…” Flash said, underneath the door. “They’ll be the death of me.” He muttered.

“Flashie, what are you doing underneath a door?” Pinkie asked from out of nowhere.

Flash’s wings launched him straight up, the door a buffer as he bounced off the ceiling and came crashing down. His eyes spun around. “Pinkie, what are you doing?”

She giggled. “I was going to see if Fluttershy was any better cause I need to talk to her about a super-secret party that I’m planning.” She gasped. “Wait, forget what I said.” She said as she disappeared as only she could.

He sighed as he pushed the door off himself. “I stand corrected; she will be the death of me.” He muttered. “Alright girls, time to clean up.” He said as he saw the girls run by him.

“Aw I hate cleaning.” They said in unison.

“If you help me clean up, I’ll buy you ice cream.” He said.

Their eyes grew and they instantly starting making the house even more of a mess. “CUTIE MARK HOUSE CLEANERS!” They screamed.

“That’s…not what I meant.” He said, finally giving up. He staggered to the couch and sat down; head in his hooves.

Suddenly a pair of hooves wrapped around his neck and he felt somepony kiss him. He looked up into Fluttershy’s bright blue eyes.

“Did you stay awake all night?” She asked worried.

“Yeah… but it didn’t matter.” He said with a laugh.

“Why?”

He didn’t say anything, just pointed at the Cutie Mark Crusaders and she giggled.

“Oh girls.” She said. All three stopped where they were and rushed over in front of Fluttershy, standing at attention.

He stared at them then at her. “How did you do that?”

She smiled. “I’m just good with fillies.” She said, kissing him again. “Ok girls, let’s clean the house.”

“Yes ma’am!” They shouted, actually cleaning the house instead of the ‘cleaning’ they were doing moments ago.

He shook his head laughing. He surprised her as he pulled her over the couch until she was in his lap. She giggled and leaned up to kiss him. He kissed her back.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling a lot better thanks to you.” She said, burying her face into his chest.

“I’m glad.” He said, leaning down to kiss her again.

“Aw.” Two voices said.

They looked up to see Applebloom and Sweetie Bell awing while Scootaloo was miming throwing up. They laughed and saw that the Cutie Mark Crusaders {Author’s Note – from now on referring to them as the CMC} had put the house in order.

“Thank you fillies so much.” Flash said with a smile.

“Well it kinda was our fault it was destroyed in the first place.” Sweetie Bell said, embarrassed.

“It’s alright, its better now.” He said.

Fluttershy got up and headed over to the door. She went to put on her saddlebags when Flash stopped her. “Where are you going?”

“I gotta go to the store to get the pet’s food and for us too.” She said, blushing.

“Why don’t I go and you stay home and relax?”

“I have to go; you don’t know what to get my pets.”

“Oh.” He said.

She smiled and kissed him. “I’ll be careful. I’ll be back in a while.”

“At least let me help pay for it.” He said, only to remember he had no bits.

“No its ok; I know you don’t have any money.” She said, only to be interrupted by somepony knocking on the door.

Fluttershy answered it and like the pervious morning, it was Derpy.

“Hi guys.” Derpy said as she reached into her bag.

“Good morning Derpy. How are you?”

“Doing great; thanks for asking. Ah-ha! There it is.” She said, pulling out a box from her bag. She handed it to Flash.

“What is it?’ He asked, staring at it.

“Not a clue but its kinda heavy; you guys have a great day!” Derpy said before taking off again.

“Boy did I just get some déjà vu.” Flash said, laughing. He walked towards the table with Fluttershy and the CMC trailing.

“I wonder what it is.” Scootaloo asked, poking the box.

“Only one way to find out.” Flash said and opened the box.

They saw a giant sack tied tight and a rolled up piece of parchment. Flash grabbed that and opened it, reading it out loud for everypony to hear.

Dear Son,

I decided to try and give you your allowance for the last 1,000 years, but I didn’t keep a good record. This is also for all the missed holidays. Put it to good use.

Love,

Mom

“What does that mean?” Sweetie Bell asked.

“She couldn’t have…” Fluttershy stuttered as she stared at him.

He nodded and grabbed the bag. As he lifted it out of the box, it made a lot of jingling. He quickly opened it and gasped; inside the bag were thousands of bits.

“She…she really did.” He said amazed. He saw a note in there to and quickly grabbed it.

There’s exactly five million bits in this bag; use them wisely. And don’t worry, it didn’t hurt us financially.

Love,

Aunt Celestia

Everypony stared at the bag in awe.

“I…I can’t accept this; this is too much.” He said, staring at the bag.

“Well if you’re not then why not give it to us?” Scootaloo asked.

“No.” Fluttershy said. “Flash, this is a tremendous gift, you have to accept it.”

He sighed. “I guess you’re right. But what am I going to do with it?”

“Hide it.” She said with a giggle.

He smiled as he looked at the CMC. “Ok girls, we got to keep this a secret ok?”

Applebloom and Sweetie Bell quickly promised but Scootaloo shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

They all looked at her. “Why the hay not?” Applebloom asked.

“Think about what we could buy with that many bits?” Scootaloo said as she tried to tempt her CMC companions.

“Scootaloo…” Applebloom and Sweetie Bell said together, glaring at her.

“Ok, ok. I was just saying.” Scootaloo started, but sighed and they all Pinkie Promised not to say anything.

“Ok then, I’ll be right back.” He said as he disappeared upstairs. Several minutes later, he came down with a stack bits in his hoof. He handed some to Fluttershy. “100 bits, to make up for all the food and stuff I’ve eaten.”

She blushed. “No its ok-”

“I insist. Please.” He said, kissing her.

She sighed. “Ok…”

He smiled and divided the rest evenly into three piles. “20 bits to each of you.” He said with a smile as he handed the CMC each a stack.

They all stared at the pile of money and broke out into huge grins. They looked at each other before tackling Flash in a hug. “THANK YOU!” They said.

“Its…no…problem.” He choked out as they squeezed him.

They got off him and he staggered to his hooves when the somepony knocked on the door again.

“I got it.” Fluttershy said as she opened the door and gasped.

“Hello Fluttershy.” A deep voice said.

“Hi…Dad.” Fluttershy said, hiding under her mane.

“Well aren’t you going to invite us in?” He asked.

Fluttershy didn’t say anything as she opened the door completely and her parents walked in.

[....]

Flash and the CMC headed towards the walkway. “Hey ‘Shy who’s at the door…” he trailed off, seeing two pegasi walking in.

The stallion had a dark midnight blue coat with a dark orange and red mane and tail. He had a blue suit on with yellow lighting bands along his legs. So that’s what the Wonder Bolts outfit looks like. The stallion’s dark grey eyes stared at Flash and he raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t see what the cutie mark was though.

The mare had a yellow coat and light blue mane and tail. Her cerulean blue eyes stared at Flash but briefly glanced at the three fillies. She smiled and whispered something into the stallion’s ear. On her flank, she had a picture of pen and a music note intertwined.

“So who might you be?” The stallion asked Flash.

“I’m Cloud Flash. It’s nice to meet you. And you are?” He asked, offering a hoof.

The stallion’s eyebrow rose even higher and shook the offered hoof. “Static Lighting; are those your fillies?”

“What?” Flash said, completely forgetting about the CMC. “Oh no, we’re just fillysitting for some friends.”

“We?”

“Yeah me and Fluttershy.”

Before he could say anything else, the mare interrupted him. “That’s nice of you to watch your friend’s fillies.”

‘Oh excuse me, they’re not their fillies, it’s their sisters.” Flash said with a laugh.

“Oh my apologies.” She said with a smile.

“It’s quite alright Mrs.?”

‘Mellow, Mellow Lyrca.” She said, extending a hoof.

He politely shook it. “It’s nice to meet you ma’am.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” She said.

Fluttershy walked over to where Flash stood, not taking her eyes off the ground. Flash worriedly put a wing over her and pulled her close, nuzzling her.

“And what are you doing?” Static asked.

“Well…he is my coltfriend…Dad.” She whispered.

Static and Mellow both stared in shock at the two.

“He’s your what?” Static asked.

“Coltfriend.” Flash said again.

Mellow smiled. “Congratulations honey.”

“Thanks Mom.”

Mellow elbowed Static. “Don’t you have something to say dear?”

“Oh right, congrats… I guess.”

“So how did you two meet?” Mellow asked.

“Why don’t I take us out to eat and we can talk about it over lunch?” Flash offered.

“That sounds wonderful.”

“FREE FOOD!” The three fillies screamed as they bounced out the door. Mellow giggled as she dragged Static out the door.

Flash kissed Fluttershy as he ran up and grabbed 200 bits out of the bag and came down. He offered his hoof to Fluttershy as she blushed and took it.

She leaned in close to him. “Thank you.” She whispered as she nuzzled him.

“It’s what I’m here for.” He said.

“You two do make a cute couple.” Mellow said as she smiled. They blushed as they saw the group waiting for them.

“So where to?” Flash asked.

“Oh I know the perfect place.” Mellow said as she led the group around Ponyville till they came to an expensive looking restaurant. They went inside and walked up to the stallion in a tuxedo sitting at the front desk. He looked up and smiled.

“Well good afternoon to you Mrs. Lyrca; it’s been quite some time.”

She smiled. “It’s been to long Fancy.”

He continued to smile. “Usual table?”

“Of course.”

“Follow me please.” He said as he got up.

He led the group to a table in the very back right next to the kitchen. They sat around an elegant table as Flash pulled a seat out for Fluttershy; who smiled and sat down as he pushed the chair in. Flash sat to her right as the CMC sat next to him. Flash and the CMC stared around and looked in awe at the setting.

Flash noticed that Mellow and Static were staring at him intently and he gulped, feeling his cheeks burn. He felt a hoof go over his and saw that Fluttershy held his hoof and he smiled.

“So Flash tell me, how did you two meet?”

Flash looked at Fluttershy. “Um, I think it would be better if Fluttershy did.”

‘Why?”

“Well, she remembers more about what happened then I do.” He said with a laugh.

Static raised an eyebrow but looked at Fluttershy as she told the story of how they met and what had happened to them telling them everything; expect that he was a prince.

“Aw, love at first sight…how romantic.” Mellow said with a smile after the story.

Both Flash and Fluttershy were blushing heavily at this point. Flash felt somepony poke him so he looked and saw Applebloom staring at him.

“Yeah Applebloom?”

“Ah was wonderin’ if ya could take us someplace different.”

“Why?”

She looked down. “Ah’m not too good at the fancy pancy places.” She said, avoiding looking at anypony.

He smiled and gave her a quick hug. “Don’t worry, neither am I.” he whispered.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I hate fancy pancy places too.” He said. “Just relax; you don’t have to worry about anything.”

She smiled and gave him a hug back as they all looked at the menu. Fancy walked over and quickly took our orders before disappearing into the kitchen. Moments later, he was back with our food and laid it in front of them. Scootaloo and Applebloom attacked the food with no reserve while Sweetie Bell ate in silence, embarrassed at her friend’s behaviors.

As they ate our lunch, they talked and tried to get to know each other a little better. As they sat relaxed, finishing the meal and while Mellow was talking to Fluttershy about the desserts, Static looked at Flash. “Could you follow me for a moment?” He asked, getting up.

Flash glanced at Fluttershy and shrugged. “Sure.” He handed the bits to Fluttershy and kissed her as he followed her father.

[....]

Static led Flash outside the restaurant and away from the door. He stared coldly at him. “So how much?”

Flash blinked. “What?”

“Don’t play dumb; how much?”

“How much what?”

Static started to get angry. “How much will it take for you to leave my daughter alone?”

Flash stared at him in shock. “WHAT?” He asked, dumbfounded.

“1,000 good?”

“NO!” Flash yelled upset.

“2,000?”

Flash stared coldly. “There’s not enough bits on this planet that would ever make me even consider leaving Fluttershy.”

Static was furious and got closer to Flash. “Leave my daughter alone.”

Flash sighed and shook his head. “I can’t do that. Now why don’t we go back inside and I’ll buy you a dri-” he started, but couldn’t finish as Static bucked him right through the wall.

Flash heard screams as he crashed through the wall, lying in the debris. He saw Static staring at him.

“How about now?” Static whispered to him, bending down to pick him up.

“N…never.” Flash spat.

Static got even angrier and picked him up, only to toss him through some more tables. Flash grunted in pain as he landed on a table, crushing it along with all the glass and food on top of it. The patrons screamed in terror as Flash laid there, the table cloth turning red.

“Dad!” Fluttershy screamed as she flew over to where Flash lay. She cradled his head in her lap, crying.

“Honey, what the buck are you doing?” Mellow screamed furious at her husband.

The CMC rushed in front of Flash. “What’s the big idea mister?” Applebloom asked, shocked.

Static ignored them and walked over towards Flash. Fancy ran in front of him.

“Sir, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Static just glared at him and pushed him away, causing him to crash through another table. Mellow ran up to him and slapped him in the face with her hoof.

“What are you doing?”

“Protecting our daughter.” He said before gently pushing her away too. He glared at the fillies. “Get out of my way.”

“NO!” They said in unison.

He glared and went to kick them out of the way when Flash staggered to his hooves.

“Don’t you dare hit them.” Flash said, struggling to stay up. He staggered past them. “Thank fillies, but I got this.”

“No you don’t. Stay behind us.” Scootaloo said, trying to grab his hoof.

“It’s alright, I’ll be fine.” Flash said with a smile. He turned and looked back at Static. “I don’t know what I did but if you want to hit them, you gotta go through me.”

“All I want you to do is leave my daughter alone.”

“Like I said, I can’t do that. I love her too much.”

“Then I’m just going to have to force you to.”

“Go ahead and try.” Flash said, walking right up to Static and staring him in the eye.

“You won’t fight back?”

“Not at all. I won’t even move.”

“Flash, please.” Fluttershy said, tears running down her face.

“It’ll be alright ‘Shy.” He said with a smile.

“Stupid.” Static said as he punched Flash right in the face.

Flash grunted in pain but didn’t move. Static continued to hit him as the CMC tried to rush in.

“Don’t.” Flash said through clenched teeth. “Take Fluttershy and go.” He begged them.

They wanted to argue but knew it wouldn’t due them any good so they pushed Fluttershy outside, still frozen in shock. Mellow tried to get involved but Flash shook his head no, only to be punched in the gut.

Flash finally couldn’t take anymore and fell to the ground. He gasped and tried to stay awake. Before Static could hit him again, a unicorn rushed in and tackled him away from Flash. It was Alli, who tried to stop Static from hitting Flash anymore. Static threw Alli off him and Alli crashed through a table, a metal platter smacking him right in the face.

Suddenly there was a flash of light and Princess Celestia stood in between Flash and Static, furious. “What is going on here?” She demanded.

All the ponies bowed as she glared at Static, who bowed.

“What have you done to my nephew?” She asked.

Both Mellow and Static’s eyes rose as Static realized he attacked a member of the royal family. “Forgive me, but I was trying to protect my daughter from him.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Have you heard what they went through together?” He nodded. “Then I don’t understand why you think she needs to be protected from him.” She looked at Alli who was finally coming too. “Not only did you attack my nephew, you destroyed private property, attacked two citizens and threatened to attack fillies if I was told right.” She glared back at Static. “Tell me why I shouldn’t throw you in the dungeon?”

“Aunt Celestia…don’t. Please.” Flash coughed.

“Vash.” She said, walking over to him and putting a hoof on his shoulder. Mellow ran over and went to pick his head up. “Are you alright?” Celestia asked.

“I’ve been better.” He said with a smile.

Celestia smiled. “And why don’t you want me to do anything to him?” She said, glaring at Static, who was looking at the floor. Several guards were standing by the door.

The Elements rushed through the door; Twilight running towards Alli and embraced him in a hug that sent them both falling to the floor, the rest towards Flash. Fluttershy eeped and Mellow gave him to her, who cradled him in her lap.

“Are you alright?” Fluttershy whispered, crying. “I’m so sorry about my dad; I don’t know what’s got into him.”

Flash smiled. “It’s alright, don’t worry about it.” He raised a very shaky arm and patted her cheek with it before he coughed and passed out, going limp.

“FLASH!” Fluttershy yelled, shaking him.

“Ssh, it’s going to be ok Fluttershy. He passed out.” Mellow said, giving her daughter a reassuring hug.

Dash and Applejack both prepared to attack Static until Celestia stopped them. “Dash, could you go get Nurse Redheart for me?”

“Of course Princess; I’ll be back in 10 seconds flat.” She said before a final glare at Static and she disappeared in a blur.

Celestia looked at Mellow. “Is he your husband?” She asked, looking at Static.

“Yes he is Princess and I just want to-”

“It’s quite alright; you have nothing to apologize for. I suggest you take Static and get out of here while you can.”

“Of course Princess.” She said before grabbing and pushing him out of the restaurant. She stopped by Fluttershy. “We’ll be waiting at home.” She said, kissing her on the forehead before disappearing out the door.

“Rainbow Dash, you can’t just ponynap me saying the Princess told you to.” Redheart’s voice was heard as her and Rainbow flew into the destroyed restaurant.

Redheart stared at the scene and bowed to Celestia, who told her to rise. Redheart saw Flash and quickly powered her horn up and ran a quick check to see; she grimaced. “What happened to him Princess?”

“I’m not entirely sure Redheart; I was hoping to find out myself.”

Fancy staggered over. “I can tell you what happened Princess.” He said. She nodded and he proceeded to explain what had happened. They all gasped as he went into detail about the assault. When he was finished he looked at his restaurant and sighed, his ears pinned to his head.

“Don’t worry Fancy; I’ll cover your repairs.” Celestia said.

“No it’s quite alright Princess.”

“I insist.”

He sighed and nodded.

“Princess, could I speak to you privately?” Redheart asked.

They walked over to a corner. “What’s wrong Redheart?”

“Well… it’s Vash; I’m pretty sure he has several broken ribs, a rather severe concussion, who knows if he has internal bleeding, I think I saw some wood in his back. And I’m pretty sure one of his hooves and a wing is broken.”

Celestia grimaced. “Poor Vash.”

“Yeah; how he took that beating without passing out is astounding.”

“Can you do anything for him?”

“Of course I can, but I’d have to take him the hospital and it’s dangerous to move him around a lot.”

“Then why didn’t you say so?” Celestia said. She looked at Twilight. “Twilight, could you teleport us to the hospital so Nurse Redheart could start working on Vash?”

“Of course Princess.” Twilight said as her horn started glowing.

“Let me help.” Alli said, his horn glowing as he gently tapped her horn with his.

There was a bright flash of light as they were teleported to the hospital lobby.

Redheart gently lifted Flash out of Fluttershy’s grasp and laid him on a gurney she summoned. She whisked him away into the emergency surgery section, only to stop to tell everypony to wait out here and to call in Doctor Whooves and Tremble. Celestia had to leave to inform Luna what happened and she disappeared in a flash of light. They all gave Fluttershy a heartwarming hug as she broke down again, crying.

[....]

Flash slowly came back to the world, stricken with pain. He groaned as he heard the beep of the very familiar heart-rate monitor. In the hospital again, eh? He chuckled at his joke, only for more pain to flare through him.

“I’d be careful if I were you.” Nurse Redheart said.

He opened his eyes into the brightly lit room and saw her standing over him.

“Hello again.”

“Well hi yourself.”

“So how long this time?” He asked.

“About a week.”

“A week?!” He said, trying to lean up. The world became fuzzy and flipped as he leaned back down against the pillows.

“I’m kidding; it’s only been a day. That’s why you’re in so much pain.”

He gave her an evil glare. “You and your humor, you should be a comedian.”

“Well isn’t everypony a critic?”

“I’m joking but thank you for always taking care of me.” He said with a smile.

“It is my job.”

He slowly eased himself off the pillows, looking around the room. “Where is everypony?”

“Well; I think Alli and Twilight took Fluttershy to go get something to eat, but I’m not entirely sure. I could look for them if you want.”

“If you don’t mind.”

“Not at all; I’ll be right back.” She said as she walked out of the room, shutting the door.

Flash sighed as he went to move his hooves when he cried in pain. What the hay happened? He stared at the IV drip in his arm trying to remember what happened. He looked and saw that he was covered in bandages and casts. Static must have done a number on me. He chuckled through the pain.

Suddenly the door flew open and before he was smothered by a yellow blur, he saw that the door was guarded by two golden armored pegasi. Pain flared as Fluttershy hugged him and she started crying, her body shaking.

“‘Shy…it’s alright…your kinda crushing me…” He gasped through clenched teeth. He slowly rubbed her back as she continued to cry. He put a hoof underneath her chin and gently pushed her face up and kissed her.

She opened her eyes, full of pain and worry. “I’m so sorry; I don’t know what got into my dad…”

“’Shy it’s alright, you know me, I’ll be fine.” He said with a smile.

“Well at least you’re doing better.” Alli said as he and Twilight walked in the room. They smiled as they saw Fluttershy and Flash hugging.

“At least she’ll be ok now.” Twilight said.

“You know you seem to spend a lot of time in here.” Alli said jokingly.

“I know, I should rent a room or something.” Flash said laughing. He held Fluttershy as she cried into his chest. “Thanks for coming to the rescue Alli.” He said. “Brohoof?” He asked, holding his hoof out. Alli smiled and lightly tapped it with his.

“Hey it’s the least I could to help.” Alli said, blushing.

Twilight kissed him on the cheek which made him blush harder. “My hero.” She said, giggling. Alli’s face got even redder, causing everypony to laugh.

One of the guard Pegasus walked in. “Prince, there’s a Static Lighting and Mellow Lyric here to see you, would you like me to send him in?”

Everypony stared at Flash as his face turned red. “Of course and please, you don’t have to stand guard.”

“Sorry sir, we’re under strict orders from both Princesses.” He said as he left.

“Well…that’s certainly a new one.” Alli said with a chuckle.

The door opened as Static and Mellow walked into the room. The air suddenly chilled as Alli and Twilight glared at Static and a faint glow emitted from their horns. Even Fluttershy squeezed tighter in her hug as she used her body as a shield.

“Flutter…shy…please…can’t breathe.” Flash said.

“Oh sorry.” She whispered as she loosened her grip.

Static walked up to Alli and Twilight. He bowed to Alli who stared in shock. “I wanted to apologize Mr. Ance for attacking you.” He then looked at Flash. “And I want to offer a formal apology for harming you, Prince Vash.”

“Hey, there’s no need to be formal; call me Flash.”

“But I attacked you-”

Flash sighed. “Look, I understand why you did it and I would’ve have done the same thing if I was in your hooves. It’s alright, I’m fine.” He said with a smile.

Static started laughing. “I attack you and put you in the hospital and you’re defending me against myself.”

“Well, I’ve always been an odd one.” Flash said.

Static smiled. “Thank you, but I’m going to go to the Princess and see what she’s going to do about my punishment.”

“I can’t. Vash asked me not to harm you and he was the one attacked. I won’t override his decision.” Princess Celestia said as she walked into the room. Everypony bowed as she bid them to rise.

“But Princess-”

“It’s alright Static; I understand you’ve been under a lot of pressure from work and I’ve decided to allow you this one chance to redeem yourself.” She said, glaring at him.

“That’s the other thing I came here to do.” He said looking at everypony. “I’ve decided to retire officially starting today. I already sent a letter to Spitfire and she said it was alright.”

“Wait, you don’t mean Spitfire as in the Spitfire, captain of the Wonder Bolts?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, I was their manager.” He said.

“Oh my gosh! I have a friend that would love to meet you!” She said as she disappeared in a flash of light.

“Um?” He said, confused.

“Dad, I suggest you run.” Fluttershy said. Static then walked over to his daughter, who let go of Flash and stared at him.

“Fluttershy, I wanted to apologize to you the most, for all those years that we didn’t talk because of my thick headiness. I should’ve listened to you and I wanted to say how sorry I am for everything.” He said, tearing up.

Fluttershy started to cry and gave him a hug. “It’s ok Dad; I forgive you.” She muttered.

He smiled and looked at Flash. “You’re a good stallion, I’m glad you’re the one that my daughter likes.”

Flash laughed. “Me too sir, me too.” He started to get a little winded and the world spun.

“Please call me Static.”

“Alright, I think I have to have everypony leave. He needs to get some rest.” Nurse Redheart said as she opened the door. Everypony went to leave; Fluttershy looked at Flash and went to ask Redheart. “Expect you Fluttershy, you can stay.” She said with a smile.

Fluttershy smiled and walked over to Flash. “I’m so glad you’re ok.”

He smiled. “I’m sorry that I keep doing this to you ‘Shy.”

“It’s ok.”

Flash pulled her into a hug and kissed her. “So what do you wanna do now?”

“Can we just lay here for a while?” She asked, nuzzling his chest and yawning.

“Of course we can.” He said.

Both of them fell asleep in each other’s hooves as the sun descended from the sky.

[....]

As the moon shone brightly in the sky, a lone unicorn stared at it as he sat alone on a secluded hill. He smiled.

“Oh Luna, how I’ve missed you.” He said, laughing.

“What was that sir?” Another pony appeared.

“Nothing, just reliving the past. So how are our plans?”

“Your son is definitely making a name for himself.” He said, handing a newspaper to the unicorn.

The unicorn stared at the picture of a broken Flash being held by Fluttershy as Princess Celestia interrogated Static. The unicorn read the section and laughed.

“He definitely is making some strong allies.” The unicorn said as he threw the paper on the grass.

“How much longer do we have to wait?” The second pony asked anticipation in his voice.

“Soon…very soon.” The unicorn said. “Come on; let’s head back to HQ before they think we were killed.” He said as they headed back towards home.

[....]

3 DAYS LATER…

“Oh come on ‘Shy, don’t I get at least a hint were we’re going?” Flash asked as Fluttershy led him around Ponyville.

“No; that’ll ruin the surprise.” She said laughing.

“Fine…” He muttered as he was pulled along. “Can I at least take the blindfold off?”

“No; we’re almost there.” She said, as she walked towards Sugarcube Corner. She stopped right in front of the door and turned around. She pulled the blindfold off of him as he blinked at the sudden light.

He looked to see himself standing in front of Sugarcube Corner. “Why are we here?” He asked.

“I thought you’d like something sweet to eat after all that hospital food.” She said with a smile.

He grimaced. “Don’t remind me. Alright, then what are we waiting for?” He said as he nuzzled her and opened the door.

“SURPRISE!” Everypony yelled as Flash opened the door; he eeped in fear and dived behind Fluttershy. Everypony laughed as he poked his head out.

“We got you good! You should have seen the look on your face!” Dash tried to say through laughing as she hovered, holding her stomach.

“Ha-ha you sure did.” He said, blushing. “So what’s this for?”

“This is a thank you for saving Ponyville, a get better, and a Welcome to Ponyville party all wrapped up into one super-duper party bonanza.” Pinkie said as she came hopping over.

“But I-” He started before being bombarded with welcomes and thanks you. For the next six hours, Flash and Fluttershy partied and talked to ponies from throughout the city.

Pinkie had Vinyl setup with her turn tables and ponies everywhere were dancing. Fluttershy stared longingly at the dance floor. Flash gulped.

He got up and walked in front of her and bowed. “Would you like to dance?” He asked, holding a hoof out.

She smiled as she blushed. “Sure.” She said as accepted his hoof.

They walked to the dance floor as Flash started to sweat.

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

“I don’t know how to dance.” He admitted.

She smiled. “I’ll teach you; hoof at my waist and the other holding mine.”

He smiled and blushed as he put a hoof around her waist and held one of hers with his. He pulled her close as Vinyl switched to a slow waltz. Flash and Fluttershy stared into each other eyes as she gave him a crash course in dancing. As the song ended, they still held each other. She rested her head on his shoulder.

“This is one of the happiest nights of my life.” She whispered.

He bent down and kissed her neck. “Same here; I love you.”

“I love you too.” She said as she kissed him on the mouth and he kissed back.

He broke off the kiss and led her back to the chair. He saw Static staring at him by the punch bowl. “I’ll be right back.” He said, kissing her again.

“Ok, I’ll be waiting.” She said.

He smiled and made his way to the punch bowl. He saw Static take a big swig from a red cup. As Static started to pour another glass full, Flash interrupted him.

“Um… Static, I have a question to ask.”

Static sighed and put the cup down. “The answer is yes Flash.”

“What?”

He turned around. “You were going to ask if you could marry Fluttershy right?”

Flash’s face went red. “How did you know?”

Static laughed. “I’ve been expecting it for quite some time now.”

“Oh…is it that obvious?”

Static put a reassuring hoof on Flash’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it kid, I just know what to look for.” His face grew serious. “I’m giving you a fair warning though; if you plan on marriage, I better not hear that you’re fooling around with another mare. I don’t want to send you to the hospital again, got me?”

Flash quickly nodded. “I understand and I couldn’t even imagine doing that to Fluttershy. She is the only one for me.”

“For your sake, I hope you’re telling the truth.” Static said as he went to grab the glass again. He filled it up and grabbed another one and quickly filled that up to. He handed {hoofed?} it to Flash. “How about a toast?”

“Uh…sure.” Flash said.

“To marriage.” Static said, holding out his cup.

“To marriage.” Flash agreed, smacking the cup. They both took big swigs and Flash started coughing.

Static laughed. “Not one for liquor are ya kid?”

Flash coughed. “Not really.”

Static smacked him on the back. “Good stallion. Now go back and have fun tonight.”

“I will and thank you.”

He glared at Flash. “Just remember what I said.”

“I will.” He said, putting the cup down.

Flash walked back to Fluttershy, who was watching Twilight and Alli dancing. Flash snuck up and slowly wrapped his hooves around her neck. She eeped and started to panic till he kissed her.

“It’s ok ‘Shy, it’s just me.”

“Oh… I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry.” He said, resting his head on her shoulder.

“So what is it that you wanted to talk to Dad about?”

Flash’s face went instantly red. “Uh…it was nothing.” He said, trying to laugh.

Fluttershy stared at him, knowing he was lying. “Ok.” She said, knowing that he’d tell her when he was ready.

“So do you want to dance again?” He asked.

“Only if you want to.” She said.

“Of course I do.” He said with a smile, walking around her chair and pulling her up. Out of nowhere, Pinkie jumped in between them. “Pinkie, what are you doing?” He asked.

“Well, you said that you’d play a song when we threw the party.”

“I was just-”

“But you promised.” Pinkie said and give him sad puppy dog eyes as her bottom lip quivered.

He sighed. “Alright, but I need my guitar.” Out of nowhere she shoved his guitar into his hooves. “I don’t even want to know.” He said, shaking his head. Pinkie moved towards Vinyl when Flash walked forward and kissed Fluttershy. “Looks like I owe you a dance.”

“I’ll remind you later. Now go.” She said with a smile.

Flash nodded and headed towards Vinyl. As he stopped in front of her, she held out a hoof. He smiled and smacked it. She pulled the mic towards her. “Alright, gentlecolts and mares, looks like I got a treat for you. He’s taking time to sing a song for us; let’s give it up for the Rookie Artist of the Year, Flash!” She said, pushing the mic towards him.

“Well…I don’t know how well I’ll do without my band.”

“You can’t get rid of us that easy mate.” Bass said as he walked through the crowd. Flash smiled and they hugged. Bass took a few steps back. “I wondered what happened to you after that party.” He looked around. “Now where’d Cymbal run off to?”

“Right over here guys.” He said as he pushed his drums towards them. As he set them back up, Pinkie came around and put mics in front of us.

Flash cleared his throat. “Alright, I’m only going to play one song; I have a special date with a certain pony.” He said, smiling. Everypony stared at Fluttershy as she tried to hide. He leaned away from the mic. “Are you guys ready?”

“Always.” They said together.

“Then let’s get this show on the road.”

Cymbal started the drums as Flash and Bass started strumming. Flash pushed the mic closer to himself as he started singing.

“I get up in the evening

and I ain't got nothing to say

I come home in the morning

I go to bed feeling the same way

I ain't nothing but tired

Man I'm just tired and bored with myself

Hey there baby, I could use just a little help

You can't start a fire

You can't start a fire without a spark

This gun's for hire

even if we're just dancing in the dark

Message just keeps getting clearer

radio's on and I'm moving 'round my place

I check my look in the mirror

I wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face

Man I ain't getting nowhere

I'm just living in a dump like this

There's something happening somewhere

baby I just know that there is

You can't start a fire

you can't start a fire without a spark

This gun's for hire

even if we're just dancing in the dark

You sit around getting older

there's a joke here somewhere and it's on me

I'll shake this world off my shoulders

come on baby the laugh's on me

Stay on the streets of this town

and they'll be carving you up alright

They say you gotta stay hungry

hey baby I'm just about starving tonight

I'm dying for some action

I'm sick of sitting 'round here trying to write this book

I need a love reaction

come on now baby gimme just one look

You can't start a fire sitting 'round crying over a broken heart

This gun's for hire

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

You can't start a fire worrying about your little world falling apart

This gun's for hire

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

Even if we're just dancing in the dark

Hey baby”

As the song finished, everypony applauded as Flash and the band bowed. Suddenly everypony gasped and even Cymbal and Bass stared at Flash.

“What?” He asked, panicking.

“Dude; you…you got your cutie mark.” Bass said.

“I did?” Flash said, amazed. He quickly glanced and saw that he did. It was a picture of an acoustic guitar with a pair of wings attached at the neck. “Wonder what that means.” He thought out loud.

Suddenly the crowd erupted in applause at Flash. He blushed and quickly put the guitar down and ran towards Fluttershy who embraced him in a hug. He kissed her as the entire room erupted in aws.

“I call this a successful party.” Pinkie said as everypony started to head home.

As Flash walked by, he grabbed Pinkie and gave her a hug. “Thanks Pinkie, it was a great party.”

“You’re welcome.” She said, even more excited.

As Fluttershy and Flash waved goodbye, they walked home in silence, Fluttershy leaning into Flash.

“That was definitely an interesting party.” Flash said as he opened the door.

“Surprise!” Static and Mellow said.

Flash and Fluttershy both eeped and held each other while Static and Mellow laughed.

“What is this for?” Flash asked.

“Well… it’s an apology party that we planned to make up for something somepony did.” Mellow said as she glared at Static who held his hooves up in surrender.

“Thank you.” Flash said as they both blushed.

Static raised an eyebrow and Flash mouthed the words not yet, Static nodded. Static walked over and grabbed him by the shoulder. “We’ll be right back.” He said as he led Flash into the kitchen. When he shut the door he asked; “so when are you going to ask her?”

“I don’t know…I don’t even have an engagement ring…”

“Well, we’re going to be leaving tomorrow afternoon, so if you want us to distract her...”

“If you can, that’ll be wonderful.” He thought. “What does Mellow think?”

“She loves you, she’s happy about it.” Static said with a smile. He picked up a few drinks. “Come one, before they get worried.” He said as he headed back to the living room.

Several hours later, Static and Mellow headed to bed but not before hugging both Fluttershy and Flash. As they lay on the couch, she nuzzled him.

“Come on, let’s go to bed.” She said, stretching.

“Ok.” He said as he followed her. “Where is Angel?”

“Oh I saw him earlier; he always hides when my parents are down.”

“Oh…”

“Flash are you alright, you seem distracted.” She asked, staring at his eyes.

“No, I’m alright; just I got to go do something tomorrow.”

“Can I come?”

“Umm…”

“I understand. I’ll stay and visit with my parents.” She said.

“You’re the best.” He said, nuzzling her neck.

She lifted the covers and he laid down, with her snuggling up to him. She rested her head on his chest.

“Goodnight ‘Shy.”

“Goodnight Flash.” She said as she kissed him.

She fell asleep pretty fast, her chest rising and falling. He stayed awake, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow is going to be interesting.

Next Chapter: Birthday Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 19 Minutes