5.1
Soulblight let out a deep breath.

That was when she opened her eyes. Seeing that empty and long corridor to the castle. Or maybe two of it? Like seeing double for a moment. It actually took way too long for that to go away, except the feeling didn’t. It felt off. Everything did. Like standing upside down. Almost making her fall over onto her side. Taking all her strength to make those shaky legs keep her in place.

That quickly went away. Feeling far better. Such bad vertigo. Blight grunted and shook her head. Needing to rub one of her hooves along her head. Did… it work? I don’t remember it feeling like this before. It’s so weird now.

She glanced up to that hoof she held against her head, that magenta furred hoof. That bulky weight she felt along both her sides with all those feathers rubbing along her skin. I think it…

She looked back. Seeing none other than two massive magenta wings unfold at her sides. Soul’s wings!

It worked!

Oh wow, they feel so natural now. It’s like her wings are mine now. And… she flapped them both. They work! So much better than back in the snow. This entire body feels so good now. Blight stretched all four of those legs out. Rearing her backside up and feeling her spine give a little crack that felt heavenly. Giving another quick flap of those wings and a flick of that long, silver tail.

“Thank you so much, Soul.” Blight grinned so wide. Oh my Celestia! I got her voice down perfect. Nopony will even know. Didn’t even need to try at this point. It was just happening, no strain or effort in her throat. Perfect. But she heard the same voice pop up again. Exactly as she imagined Soul to hear her.

No problem, just be careful with my body. Treat it like a lady. “I don’t know how to treat a lady.” Blight! “I’m kidding. Lighten up.” Soul was still there. Right there, like in the back of her head. May as well be right next to her with how loud she sounded.

5.2
Amazing though. She never thought Soul would agree to this. Giving one’s body for a little bit certainly couldn’t be an easy decision to make… or a decision that ponies probably would never make. That pony truly is so nice. She really wanted me to join in on the party. Really, right now Blight had so many ideas on what to do. What to look forward to. Never able to do them in her own body. Speaking of which, she had to make sure.

She looked over at the wall. All that shiny crystalline material did look beautiful but it served a better purpose. She saw herself in it. Almost perfectly. Presenting her side to herself and letting that long, flowing tail flip up. Able to see all of Soul’s super sleek body moving as she wished. Just as I hoped. My eyes. They’re yellow. Piercing of big, golden pupils shining in the glow of the hall. But they weren’t her own. Soul’s own eyes. Not those eyes that will scare the others. These eyes and this body. This voice. I may as well call myself Soul Serenity. Just for the party of course.

I wonder if I should go around the town like this too. That restaurant did look like a fun place. I’d so want a bunch of servant ponies serving me whatever my heart desires. You’d have to ask me first. I know, trust me I only seek to have fun here. And what fun it will be. By the way, are you alright with me being the one who has fun here? This is your party after all. Soulblight was more than eager to go back in that room as she walked over towards the doors in this new body atop such strong hooves and muscly legs. Though this was all going to be for Soul after all, she needed to be sure that pony was comfortable like this. Only getting to watch didn’t sound that enjoyable, and Blight was one to know.

You already threw me a party. How about you just have this one. This can be your welcome party.

Soulblight laughed. May as well be my party. I am Soul after all. Oh this was not going to be normal at all, she was practically giddy with excitement over what may happen now that she had total approval to enjoy a party on her own with no reason to fear. Even if these ponies may be ignorant, she still could enjoy them.

Not may be, they were entirely ignorant.

Hehehe a flock like this can never know where they are going… and I know where I want them.

But… let’s throw that on the back burner. I’m here for fun right now. She stepped forward, almost tripping over her own hooves for once. Quick to right herself and calm down. Simply fine. It was… it had to be the change. Soul has much bigger hooves and legs. They feel so clunky right now. Even just taking a long stride felt off by how long these legs felt. How real everything was to her. Even feeling a heart beat against her ribs. The slightest ruffle of her fur tickling along her skin, and this dreadfully annoying tingle going off between her hind legs. Soul really feels a lot different nowadays. Like a huge weight on her. Even coming down to how smooth the floor felt along her hooves. Like it was alien compared to how it felt moments ago when it was with her own hooves. She had better get used to this fast. Because Blight was in no mind set to wait.

5.3
You okay?

Blight took another step and adjusted as it wobbled a little more. Why is walking with this body so damn weird? All this… feeling now. Yeah, hang on.

Blight planted her hooves, taking deep breaths and blinking a few times till she felt a little less like she were about fall over. Even having to hold out her wings just in case, they felt so ready to flap just to save her from any fall. She lifted a hoof, pivoting it back and forth in the air just to make sure. Yup, it moved alright now. Honestly, I should be used to this by now. It’s just a body. A much… stronger body.

She planted the hoof back down on the floor, standing straight. There we go. Now she felt better. Now I am, how about you? Are you doing alright in there? Wondering what it may be like in there for Soul. Should be calm up there like I made sure it should be. She still took a moment to respond, making Blight question what it may be she felt. This kind of sucks now. I can’t hear anything she thinks. That or she just wasn’t thinking at all. What a hindrance. It felt so lonely now without listening to her. Just her voice as it became apparent.

Yeah, I’m alright. It’s a little cozy in here. You just go have fun.

Well if she says so. No point in keeping the others waiting. Blight took the last steps needed to get back to the door, this time without any problem. That was a relief. Even able to get up on her hind legs and push herself against the huge double door, watching as they split before her and she fell forward now that they parted. Where she walked right back into a room that felt so different to her despite just being in here. Just opening the door allowed her to feel a warm gust of air sooth her body. Hearing all the sounds not with her own ears any more. They sounded lighter, softer. As was all she saw. Like it were brighter but so very far. But she had to admit, she felt good coming in here.

5.4
Listening to some sort of tune that was now playing in the room. Some music sounding out in an upbeat melody she couldn’t identify. Strong enough to breathe life into ponies she bet. Now that she saw them all with eyes that were not her own. Pinkie Pie was back and with one tail now, that was good, because she didn’t seem at all bothered that that had happened. Didn’t think she’d have a problem with it. Pinkie was just off over there doing some ridiculous looking motions with her legs and tail as she practically floated across the floor in a weird dance that somehow Rarity seemed to be a part of.

Speaking of Pinkie, did they end up... Blight looked over past the ponies. Oh, yeah they did. There was that funny drawing of Pinkie right with a fresh tail pinned into its backside. Almost perfectly. So… did Dash end up doing that? Oh, I need to find out; finding that cyan furred Pegasus past the table of food and half eaten cake where she was with Applejack who did not look too pleased over something. They looked to be playing some sort of game over there, she couldn’t get a good sight of it. Some things they looked to be holding atop their hooves. It has to be a game, that’s what ponies do at these things. Except Fluttershy.

That yellow Pegasus going off across the room and going to join over with Pinkie and Rarity. Blight swore she caught a glimpse of that Pegasus giving her a quick glance before going about her flight. Seriously, what is her deal? She’s really shy. No reason to be afraid of Soul. …I shouldn’t be talking.

Nah, Fluttershy is gonna be a good friend for Soul. They all will be. I’m certain of it. Blight frowned.

…Guess I’ll see what Dash is up to. She’s the one in charge of this party. The one who would deliver the most fun for Soul. The pony I need… just to make sure.

5.5
Blight smiled. Kicking the doors closed behind her and trotting off over to where the two ponies were. Listening in, she did hear something interesting that Applejack was saying. Coming in pretty well through these ears no matter how far away she was. “How about best two out of three? I know I got this.” To which she saw Dash sticking her tongue out and really sounding unimpressed with what was said. “You didn’t even get one in, I think you should just do a practice run before trying to beat me.”

I see why Soul likes this pony. Why both of them liked one another, but that was not anything new. Always an enjoyment to see them go at it whenever. Really just like best friends who happened to like being quite snippy to one another like some pathetic attempt to feign just how much they truly liked one another. It was charming. Blight still liked that about them. Or how they both used to be around one another, and now I get to be the one around her. I can’t complain. If she were to choose anypony here to hang out with, it was Dash… even if…

She makes my skin crawl.

She should be easy to fool. I learned how to speak Soul Serenity. Blight walked past the table, eyeing the food as she went past. Intrigued by how it all smelled to her, being her first time around such an array of foods. Some of which she had never seen. Though others she could tell based off what she heard. She could say one thing though, she did like the smells. Almost enchanting.

She took her eyes off them, continuing over to Dash and AJ where she noticed that Dash had spotted her as well. Turning around in the air to wave over to her like she was inviting her over. Great, they clearly have no idea. Oh, how excellent. I can only imagine how they’d all react if this was not Soul’s body. Really, that wave alone made her feel a sense of being welcomed. It encouraged her to run up over to them. Greeted by the happy smiles of the two ponies. Wow, it sure did feel good to be normal. Soul had it made.

5.6
“I’m back, Dashie” Blight said to her. Even had to giggle a little after that. Did I really just call her that? Feels so weird saying that nickname in Soul’s voice. She’d like to imagine Soul feeling embarrassed right now. Well, this is how she sounds.

“So what are you two playing?” Blight asked. Looking past Dash to see what it may be these two were doing just standing here. Dash seemed to take the hint and moved out of the way to show her what looked to be a circle tagged to the wall with a series of… smaller circles going further into it until they all led to a big red circle in the center from where she could pick out a few needles stuck around it. Like somepony decided to just punch them into this thing.

Blight cocked her head. I don’t understand.

“Just AJ trying to beat me at darts” Dash said. Applejack widened her eyes. “Trying to… you’re the one who wanted me to try against you.” “Yup” Dash nodded. “You tried. That’s what counts.”

Darts? Blight took another look at the circle. Not caring to listen to these two bickering. More curious as to how this game worked. Must be one of those party games she heard them talking about. “By the way, Soul” she heard Dash say to her. “Looks like I got my tail on the…” she looked off to the side for a moment. “Pinkie a little quicker than you did.” Is she trying to brag? Blight grinned. Do go on… you’re just jealous you can’t beat Soul in any real competition. But whatever floats her boat, I’ll play along. “Yeah, because I haven’t done it before. I still think I did good for my first try. I got it on a pony, after all.” To which she actually saw both ponies nod. “Yeah, you did do good” Dash said. “But how about you and I play some darts. Bet you can’t get the bullseye.” Right as she jangled another one of those needles between her hooves in front of Blight’s face.

Hit the bullseye?

Seriously, Dash? You expect Soul to know what this game is, let alone me. Looked like they expected her to participate. AJ took a few steps away like she was clearing the way to where she watched from where the table was. Nodding and giggling.

5.7
“What is darts?” Blight asked. “Sorry, travelling and all that.” “No problem” Dash said. “We never played it together anyways” she whispered that part to Blight. Yeah, all the time you two could have had. How’s about I make up for it.

Dash produced that needle in front of her again. Long and sharp at the edge with fins set about its sides. “It’s easy, just take these darts…” she placed it between her forehooves and hovered up into the air, turning to face in the direction of the wall. “Do a little aiming… and…” after quite a long pause that looked like Dash was just floating there staring at the circular mount on that wall, she let out a strong toss with her legs. Blight caught sight of that ‘dart’ whishing through the air as if in slow motion, seeing how it flew straight and sheened in the light until she was surprised when it impaled itself right into the red circle at the center of that circular board.

“And throw them. How about we see who can get more into the bullseye there?”

So that center circle is this bullseye? Hit the darts into it, easy enough. Though Blight could tell the appeal of such a game to these ponies. Sounded like it was ripe with competition. Maybe even fun, because she had seen how enthused Dash had been doing it. Like she was thrilled.

That cyan Pegasus went over to the board and pulled out each one of those darts from it till it was bare. “Best two out of three” she said and presented three of those darts to Blight. Holding three more against her own chest. So just try to get three into the center? Alright. Blight made sure to give Dash the most unimpressed smile she could give up to her. Well if Dash wants to do this then so be it. Who knows, I might give these ponies a good laugh out of it, and just being able to partake in something like this with other ponies… why it was a treat for sure. Thank you, Soul, for giving me this chance.

5.8
Blight joined Dash in the air, accepting those darts. Even taking them, Blight felt weird having to take them in her hooves. Really wanting to just have them float by her. Being forced to hug them against her chest just like Dash did. Careful not to get those gleaming points anywhere close to Soul’s body. That Soul would not be happy if I hurt her body with these. Just checking down at her body right as she heard Rainbow give off quite a satisfied grunt and whoosh of air to hit Blight’s ears. Looking up just in time to see something that made her heart skip. Just able to make out the sight of a dart flying straight and true, shining in the light from its sharp point. How it flew in the last of its tracks made her skin crawl right as a quick jolt of none other than fear ran down her spine.

Feeling that wind rush against her body. Listening to the sound of that dart. It’s scary how fast I’m getting used to this body. That really was more concerning than seeing how that dart hit straight into that center that Dash called a bullseye. Not to mention how Dash got herself caught up in quite a show of how proud she was of herself. Applauding herself and raising her hooves up while making a funny “ooh yeah.” Seemed Applejack had the right idea, not even making a response to that.

Hmm… looks a lot easier than I thought. Dash seemed happy about it. Acting like such a fool. That’s alright, as long as she’s happy right now. Because I’ll wipe that arrogant smirk off her face. Blight even felt a need to chuckle when she watched the second dart leave from Dash’s hooves and embed itself… just outside of that center ring. Clearly missing. Even making that pony grunt in disgust at what just happened. Looking over her shoulder to look back at Blight. Oh yes, I saw that.

Blight nodded her head, being sure to give off just how satisfied she was with the current results in as stupid a smile she could manage. Anything to make Rainbow feel pressured. “One of three, and only one left” Blight pointed out. Dash didn’t like that at all. “So I’ll get two of three, bet you can’t beat that.” She tossed the third one on that last note and both ponies could only watch as the frustrated toss of the dart somehow managed to keep a steady path. Alright so seems that Dash was good at this even under pressure, because that dart rammed right on home into the bullseye.

Blight had to raise her eyebrow at that. Really nice, so this pony was not all words just like she recalled from watching her long ago. Really hadn’t changed in this department. That was good. A competitive spirit was good to have. In more ways than Dash knew. Blight never expected her to get any further out of that basic mindset as the cyan Pegasus went back to cheering for herself. Even AJ chimed in with a small clap. “Beat that” Dash dared her.

5.9
“Alright” Blight said. Except… let’s make this fun. Easy to exploit the situation especially when Dash had made it a point out of a previously said line.

“Let’s bet on it” Blight turned to Dash. Not even letting her react. “If I win, you get to serve me a drink. Politely, like that server back at the restaurant. If I lose, your choice.” Blight smiled, hoping to egg Dash on and really get an excitement burning up in her now. Oh yes it did. That Pegasus grinned and clamped her forehooves together in a greedy grinding. Like it was already in the bag. It was amusing. Looked like she was certainly enjoying the moment for as little it would count.

“You’re on, I’d love to have you give me a back and shoulder massage.” A bold request from her. Ha, oh I bet you’d love that from Soul. Filthy mare. Hehe. Although you won’t get that out of me. I’d rather have you be a good girl and treat me.

Blight switched places with Dash so that she was now the one lined up with the board, getting a sense now of how far it was. A good distance indeed. Not to worry. Blight had the utmost confidence in herself. Reaching down to clamp a dart in her mouth and pull it up from her hug to set it down on her free hoof.

Watch and learn, Dash.

Blight reeled her foreleg back. Up. Up. There would be a little bit of a fall so… right there. Blight let it go. Sending it forward hoping that the others could see it go even if it did move so slowly for her. She saw every bit of it go forth, like it cut through the air as if it were butter. Stabbing through with barely a sound. Just a little buzz that she heard from it before it went silent and she heard the sound of jaws dropping when it went clean… into the center.

Too easy.

She did it again, grabbing hold of a new one. To the left a little, really just a matter of looking at it. She had no idea why it was Dash couldn’t get her second one in. Oh well, not all can be good at this. Blight liked to think she was better at this. Proven when the second one hit exactly where she wanted, right next to the first. Both darts now touching sides together.

Then… a third landing next to the first, and all three together once more in that bullseye. Just as they should be.

Soulblight let out a laugh. “There ya go.” She turned back to find exactly what she wanted to see, a shocked Rainbow Dash with her mouth almost down to the floor but she did a good job at recovering from this embarrassment. Even bringing her hooves up to do a little clap. A happy clap despite that she looked displeased. Not like Applejack who was over there grinning so wide and barely able to contain herself. “Hoo wee, now if that wasn’t the best display I ever did see…” “Yup” Blight proudly said. Being sure to give Dash a little look as she floated by her, and a wink met kindly by a little smile from the cyan Pegasus.

5.10
So I get to have this pony be my server, haha! I wonder what she should get me. Thinking over all she had heard in the past. That sounds good, Soul seems to like them. “I’ll have a lemonade, Dashie. Ice and a lemon wedge on top, okay?” She said flying over to where she saw a nice, open chair for her sit upon and enjoy her job well done. Right when she heard Rainbow Dash laugh behind her, until it got closer. “Sure thing…” and her cyan furred leg snaked its way around Blight’s neck.

What!?

Blight looked back slowly. So slow to react to that touch on the back… of her neck. She’s… touching me? It felt so weird to have a pony touch her neck. It wasn’t something that happened every day. Grabbing her. Pulling her close until she heard… a whisper. Not Soul’s but Rainbow’s.

“You win” Dash said. “But don’t get used to it.”

Dash? Blight winced when she felt something else. A sharp pain on top of her head… from a hoof. Grinding right through that thick, silver mane and against the skin beneath. Agh… what the hell! A noogie? Feeling that hard hoof scraping along her scalp and messing up Soul’s mane. Damn it!

Blight kicked and wriggled but couldn’t get herself free and could only accept that she had to let Dash get away with this obnoxious thing that… huh, been… been a long time since I’ve seen her do that to Soul. Why is that? Does Soul even like these because sheesh will she let it up for now? Dash up there laughing while giving her a hard time. Blight wriggled a little more. Careful not to let her legs kick the Pegasus who held her, but Dash got the hint and finally let go. Looking much too proud for Blight’s approval, especially over what she just did to her. It didn’t last.

Rainbow went on her way as if nothing had happened, whistling to herself while heading back over to the table where all the drinks were. Looking vulnerable… Blight grinned. Rainbow had her back to her. You wanna have fun, I’m game? Blight readied herself to go after her with that rainbow mane of hers looking ripe for a return and she was just about to do it. Rearing her wings.

A cyan hoof waved through the air back at her, and Dash went on.

Wow, fine. You win that then. Still though, it made Blight giggle as to how Rainbow seemed to know a lot more than she gave off. Seriously, this ‘being Soul’ thing was so easy.

5.11
Blight combed a hoof up and along her mane to bring it back into the style Soul liked it to be. Certain a little mess wouldn’t be much of a problem for Soul when this was done. Although, she kind of regretted the fact that Dash cut it short. To be truthful, I wouldn’t have minded if she kept going.

She could still feel it along her body. Like she was being held still. She was… soft. Holding her against her fur and touching her. I… I didn’t think she would feel a lot like… Soul. It’s kind of like how it was before. With Soul. It’s been a while. Like I was being held by another pony. Me. Not Soul. But to Dash, it was just Soul.

Hmmm...

Doesn’t matter. What did matter was… she enjoyed it. Just like she enjoyed Dash’s company for what little it was. Huh, I do sort of like this. Really, but it wouldn’t be possible with her own body. It felt good to think otherwise of what it may be like. Maybe it was all correct after all. Soul being in good hooves and all that. Blight sure as hell felt that way for herself right now. May as well keep it going. I need to be sure.

I have so many questions. So many that these ponies need to answer. I don’t think Soul can hear those questions I have. That pony gave no sign she did. Still staying rather quiet. Just a dull emptiness inside her right now, …and a bothersome twitching and tingling feeling she kept getting right under her tail.

AJ was off to dance with Pinkie, Rarity went on over to join Dash at the food and seemed to be getting a tall glass of drink for herself with plenty of tiny bubbles rising to its top. Watching them, Blight saw her again. Fluttershy and… she took a glance back at her. Both ponies spotting the other from across the room. Fluttershy quickly turned away. Is she interested or not? I can’t read her. If she wants to talk then… oh yeah. Of course. I really should pay attention to this crap more often. Sitting all alone at the far end of the table. The Pegasus looked exhausted. Downing a hefty amount of drink from what looked to be a third glass. Blight could only guess she had been with the others, and that Pinkie really did seem to be a pony to wear one down in a dance. Fluttershy was exhausted.

5.12
Soul really had not talked to her… at all really, so how about I go ahead and do it? Since these ponies want to be Soul’s ‘friends’ then how about they get to know Soul, or how I know Soul when she isn’t sad or bothered by what happened long ago. Such a shame it takes me to accomplish that. But Blight couldn’t fight it.

She flew on over. Really expecting Fluttershy to fly off or something to avoid her, hoping she wouldn’t. But no, she stayed put, and surprised Blight to no end when she actually looked back over to her and smiled a little. As if she were inviting her over. Curious. Flying well past Rarity, Blight found a seat close to Fluttershy. Close enough for her to speak.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten a chance to talk yet” Blight said. Still expecting for the yellow Pegasus to come up with some excuse to avoid this all together or just walk off without a word. No, she simply stayed put. Even when Soulblight took a seat next to her and rested her wings back along her sides. “Did you want to talk?” Blight asked.

“Oh sure” Fluttershy said in her first words to Blight. “I didn’t want to impose while you were…” “Yes…” Blight prodded her on. “Well… hanging out with the others.”

“Ha! Don’t worry about that!” Blight said. “I’m here to hang out with all of you. That includes you.” Blight leaned in closer to her to let her know that Blight was here and willing to be around Fluttershy. She knew the Pegasus needed extra reassurance. It seemed to pay off. That shy mare turned her feelings around immediately and she lit up. “Oh really?” she said in quite a strained expression of joy. “Oh, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a bit now.” “Well…” Blight said and kicked her hind legs up to sit them up on the table while she reclined with her forelegs crossed behind her head. “I’m all ears.” She winked to Fluttershy. The yellow Pegasus relaxed and took another deep sip of her drink. Setting it back down.

5.13
“Is it true you want to join the Wonderbolts?” Fluttershy asked. “I got something very important to tell you if you do plan on it.” Tell me? Ooh, way to get my interest.

“I need to get a few things taken care of first” Blight explained. “Moving back into Ponyville and all. I need to get used to everything again, but I assure you that I will do my best to join afterwards.” She didn’t need to feign to say that. She knew it to be true that Soul still had her huge ambition to be one of those high-flying speedsters and she’d be damned if she gave up anytime soon on it.

“That’s good” Fluttershy said. “Because…” and she took a glance back over across the table to where Blight saw she was looking over to where Rainbow Dash was pouring a glass of lemonade clear of them. Fluttershy leaned in closer. Whispering. “You didn’t hear it from me, but… Dash is really excited to have you join her with them. I don’t often see her so happy over something, but I think she wants you to be her wing pony.”

Soul, as her wing pony? Why, she really could see Soul now. That pony must be having a breakdown now to hear that her old friend may want her to be such an honorary position. If Fluttershy was right, and Blight had no reason to doubt that reasoning behind it, she bet that Dash actually was hoping to get Soul to join her in that outfit. Ha, this was fantastic news indeed!

Blight couldn’t wait to be alone with Soul to see the look on her face when she realized just how hopeful of a situation this really was turning out to be. Better than what Blight may hope for, all resting on the words of this one Pegasus… and how nice and great this party for Soul was turning out to be. She liked to think it was good enough. Proof enough that Blight was correct all along. Things were going to turn out to be pretty good here. Better than those past twelve years. Twelve years can, as Soul would put it, really be a bitch.

Soul would be so happy. Blight had to be the one to sell it. She could never put on the same reaction as Soul would, but she tried to sound and look happy. “Really?! I can’t wait. I’ve been wanting to fly with her again for a long time.” Doing her best to be as quiet as she could with her fellow Pegasus.

5.14
“Don’t give up” Fluttershy said. “I just know you’ll get in.” That was when she finally stopped whispering. “You did spend a long time training just for it.”

“Just for what?” Rainbow Dash said as she flew in and hovered between the two of them. Effectively shutting Fluttershy up as if a switch had been flicked. She laughed it up anyways. “Oh just to become a great flyer” Blight said, taking the hint that Fluttershy did not want this conversation to be entirely known to Dash. “Yeah” Fluttershy confirmed. Rainbow accepted it rather quickly and surprised Blight with a tall glass of lemonade held between her cyan hooves. “Drink up, you earned it” Dash said.

Blight held out her hoof. “Like a server” she pointed out.

Dash groaned. “Do I have to?” Blight nodded. Pausing for a long moment… almost glaring at Blight. She stopped. Clearing her throat and… forcing a smile. “M-ma’am, lemonade with ice and lemon garnish as you ordered.” Dash held it out to her like some sort of present. This feeling in my stomach. Because Dash was blushing. Blight giggled so hard into her own hoof. Oh man, what have I done to this pony? Hahaha! And the blushing Rainbow Dash quickly put that drink down in front of Blight. Already flying away. “Whatever” she muttered. “Guess you’re having fun now.”

“Oh come on, Dashie. I’m just playing around. Come join me” Blight offered. Right before she noticed Fluttershy was no longer laughing about what Dash had done. Actually looked a little upset now. Probably had more to say without the presence of this particular pony. Oh well, I do want Dash with us. That pony going ahead and taking a seat with them.

Blight was more interested in how refreshing this lemonade looked. Time to see what it was that made these so special to Soul. Clasping it between her hooves just as she learned from the other ponies, all the while wondering if she will even taste anything. She should count herself lucky that she had the ability to even try to do it now. Another thing she needed to thank Soul for. That pony really had delivered a lot to her, even now with her own body. I should be able to taste it.

The answer was given when Blight enthusiastically tipped that glass into her mouth.

Oh my word.

Soul’s body really is so much different than anything I thought. Nothing can compare. Nothing before. Blight had no way to describe it. Nothing at all like she imagined… but this must be what it’s like to taste something. An enormous sensation rippling all across her tongue and almost making her tremble with how good it was. The best word she could use was sweet. So sweet she found herself chugging it down until half the glass was empty and she let out a satisfied sigh. Still feeling the taste of… whatever that was in her mouth.

I can’t place the flavor. I want more of it. Licking her lips anticipating more. She looked down at the half-filled glass and wondered if she may be allowed to get more. Not even able to ask it before “Dash, don’t you think Soul is a pretty good flyer?” Fluttershy asked.

5.15
“What are you talkin’ about?” Dash asked. “You don’t need my word to know the answer to that.” “I know, I just think she needs a little more confidence for the future” Fluttershy winked at Blight who just finished swilling down the rest of the lemonade in one massive gulp. Just barely following what those two were saying until she heard the thing about reassurance.

I need it? No, no Soul needs it. She’s the one with the excellent future in store for her and needs friends like these for that.

“Okay, seriously. What were you two talking about?” Dash asked. “We were just talking about everything Soul went through to get to where she is today, and trying to figure out where to go from there” Fluttershy said. Is that what we were talking about? Blight raised an eyebrow. “I’d rather not go into intense detail about my training, if that’s alright” Blight said. Really not wanting to because she had no idea where to begin when it came to explaining Soul’s training. Everything that pony went through to get to how she was today could not be put into words by Blight. “Maybe some other time.”

“Oh, ok” Fluttershy softly submitted to her request. “Well, I did want to ask… a little about what happened during your time outside of Equestria, maybe.” Why is she starting to get so hesitant with me now? Blight didn’t think she said anything rude, even as she went over what had been said. Or maybe I’m just coming off bad, it was impossible to tell. Dash didn’t help. Just sipping from her drink just waiting for some sort of response. Like she was actually waiting for something.

Oh Fluttershy, you and I really do come off as alike… so perhaps I’ll indulge you in something. Maybe that was the point all along… to get some words out of me. To learn more about Soul. It was understandable and Blight felt herself obligated to tell now. All these ponies. I am the one who put this idea of travelling to other lands in their heads, surely they’d want to know more. Know so much more about what Soul went through.

I have plenty of things to tell… lots of things that I felt… for so long back in that ice. All those terrible things. It’s how I felt. But… what… what did Soul feel like? Would it even matter to say it all? Or would it just be best to leave it as is?

5.16
Blight thought of one thing. One thing she may be able to talk about. It can be a good way to help this out. Something Fluttershy will enjoy. Even were it to be a lie. A lie simply because it was not what happened to Soul, it’s what happened to me. Still, Soul did see it all. She almost indulged in it too, and that nature loving pony that Soul was would be just the pony to talk about this sort of thing. I bet Dash would love to listen to it, and… I just know Fluttershy will too. Soul can thank me later.

Because this is not gonna be easy for me.

“I could tell you the story about the pet I made, well… more of a friend. A really good one.” A pet. A friend. Neither sounds right. Yet I don’t think these ponies would understand if I called him what I saw him as. Should I start from the beginning or just lie about how it went? Blight shook her head slightly. No matter. It can be how it was… even if it hurt. Hurt just to recall just how it went.

“It was dark… so dark and cold that night” she said fully remembering how it all looked to her with all that snow flurrying about the ground from some of the harshest winds she had seen in her time there. Just saying how it was… she could tell Dash knew what she was saying. Fluttershy looked more oblivious. That was okay.

“I wanted to get out of the house for that night and… do some night flying, just to get a load off my wings and enjoy the night.” Which was true. “I needed to get my mind off things too, it had been a hard day. So many days had been hard, without rest. So I was relieved to finally find a chance to take a break. Too bad it could only be done at night. But I guess it was my luck that I choose that time. I don’t think I would have seen it any other time, been so lucky to come across it then at that moment.”

It was such a joy to see such a thing. Something I’d never expect. Like it was just something that was there to give me a little peace after all that pain… of being alone. It still felt good to remember. “I came across a small cave, so small that it’s a miracle that I was able to find it out of the blue like that. It’s a good thing I did find it, because you won’t believe what I found inside.” Indeed, she couldn’t believe it herself. “I found a baby deer. A little fawn… trapped inside that cave. All by himself with nopony else with him. Nopony in sight.”

Blight could clearly see just how it was when she first saw him even now. How so terrible she felt upon seeing it in such detail, all the feelings she could sense coming off that little thing. She couldn’t help herself to react. Telling them about it. She couldn’t even keep track of her own words anymore.

I just want to talk.

I still feel it all.

As she blinked and saw it all again. She crawled closer to that baby deer without making a sound or doing anything to startle him even when he already was frightened of her. Trying to kick and run away to no avail. It was scary to watch him so afraid of me. Even more scared because I didn’t know what was wrong. I wanted to know. I needed to know why he was in such pain. And then I saw that mangled leg of his and the terrible tear running all the way down its length. Such a shock to see.

I felt something in me. Like a spark to do the right thing. It hurt me to see something so small and defenseless with such a terrible wound. Somehow, he convinced me… to be his caretaker. That precious bond she still felt a little glimmer of. Nursing him back to health, caring for his wound and keeping him company. Like it was a real friendship. A real sense… of belonging to something. Something no other pony did for me.

When you’re alone for so long. Don’t have any friends. All you know is yourself, you start to feel something deep when you finally connect with a dear friend like that. I always worked and suffered just to get to my final goal. But at the end of the day, I had that one sense of comfort from him.

Did I do it for him… or was it for myself? One thing was true, I loved how happy it was he made me. As selfish as it was, I still felt it was right to be there for him and I never wanted it to end.

5.17
“At least, until the day I found he had left me… when his cave was empty. I spent so long looking for him. I never saw him again. We never even got to say goodbye to one another. …I still miss him. ...He was… my…” Blight had to stop. She had to… to wipe that tear from her eye. Coming down from Soul’s eye but it felt like a tear from so deep within. Deeper than even Soul’s own body.

Blight stared up at the light shining up above. Warped in a film of water. I… I actually am crying, but… so what?

“He was the best thing to happen to me out there.”

Blight fell back into the chair. Putting a hoof to her face and trying to hide it all. Not befitting of me to cry in front of these ponies. Soul isn’t the one crying. She never would cry over this. But I still miss him. She could still feel just how much it hurt, just like the day it all happened and the truth that could never be spoken of or else… they’d all know what she had to do about it in the end.

Of all that blood that was spilled. Like a sea of red she cast upon the snow. Like it was all that pain deep inside brought out onto the land she stood over. How she felt now.

I do want him back. I miss you, Spots.

For just a few days, it felt like I had somepony. Why did it have to end like that? Why does everypony always leave me?

Why will… she also leave…?

What!?

Blight shuddered. Hearing it… that echo. Droning on and away. Staring at the ceiling. And it all died out. Dying when she felt that touch to her shoulder. It was… it was Fluttershy. She’s… she’s with me? Fluttershy was there crying. So close. Close enough to actually be touching Blight. She cries for me? And… Blight looked. Rainbow Dash? She’s… also…?

“I’m so sorry” Fluttershy said. “I can’t imagine it” and she wept. Blight was the one to calm down fast. Wiping the last of her tears away and setting her hoof upon Fluttershy to let her know she was okay. “Don’t worry about it” Blight said. “It’s all in the past now.”

All of it is in the past.

“I didn’t know you had no friends out there” Fluttershy said softly. Doing her best to calm down. Failing at it. So much that she had to start flying away. “I’ll be your friend, we all will. …I’ll go… get you another drink.”

Blight almost choked hearing that. Does that pony even realize what that means? They’ll be Soul’s… but… Blight watched the yellow Pegasus softly float off to where the drinks were. Still giving off a little weep as she did. She wants to be Soul’s friend. Because of my story? But… Blight looked back over to what she saw before and it was unchanged. Rainbow Dash, in her chair, with her head buried in her forelegs upon the table and one lone magenta eye peering out at her before it looked away. Silent,

I know that look. I know that feeling. Because I’ve felt it for so long. So was this your plan, Dash? Did all of you want this from me? For me to admit this stuff. Because it worked if so. And I’m stupid for falling for it. This isn’t my plan and… I didn’t want this to happen. I didn’t want to cry in front of you and show just how pitiful my life had been. In levels they will never know. You all are throwing this party for Soul Serenity. To make her feel better and to become her friends. …But now…

Do you cry for Soul… or for me?

Blight touched her heart. I… I still feel… the pain.

5.18
That was certainly an experience now that Blight walked out from the bathroom. I never even guessed that’s what that feeling meant. It feels so much better down there. Guess I get to enjoy… all that Soul’s body does. Hehe… I don’t think I want to feel that again. Too different. Her first time personally inside one of those bathrooms too. Really, do these ponies love to make them look so fancy? Dash’s was quite a thing to see but this one looked as if it were actually fit for royalty and looked no different from the spectacle that was the rest of the castle.

I really hated that there was a huge window in there. Like… I could see the whole world out there. Could others see me? I… don’t want anypony seeing Soul’s body while that was happening. What pony designed this damn place? At least it was over now and I can go back downstairs. There was a lot of food down there that I wanted to try. Still though, this had been a decent trip. She got to see more of this castle than before now that she got to go upstairs with Dash’s permission. Not to mention see the room she stepped out into.

She didn’t get a chance to look around at it in her rush to relieve herself, but now… she could see that that Twilight did indeed live like a princess with how much this room did shine as if it were like back down in that party room. With so many glossy green windows shining in light brighter than she thought the Sun was capable of, even the room sounded like it chimed from nowhere. Indeed the largest bed she had ever seen, neatly kept despite how messy the top of it was with so many books left behind. Even one left open, as if somepony had to leave in a hurry. Had to be considering every other bit of this room was so tidy from a huge array of bookcases set up along the far walls to a little crib and bedding laying among the floor.

5.19
To think that Twilight lived like this. All this for a single pony, Blight had to wonder if she even took much pride in all she had just in this room alone. Why, someponies would kill for this. At least Twilight respected it all. Keeping it clean, not just this room but the entire castle from what she had seen. Blight did her best not to mess anything up as she walked off to the door eager to rejoin the others, or she would if she had not seen a curious little shimmer that caught her eye. What’s that?

She slowed down to see that it was… herself looking back at her. I see myself still in Soul’s body. Not my own. This magenta fur and these beautiful wings. All anypony sees is… Soul. My mane looks so messy now. Dash did a number to it. Well glad she had fun with me. Hmm… what’s this? She walked over. Certain the others wouldn’t care if she took a little more time to see this. Combing a hoof along her mane now that she could see what she was doing. Just for a moment. Her reflection was not one she could care for right now. Not with all the other things that looked back at her.

There were other faces here.

She gasped. Why… it’s… all of them. All of the ponies here. All set in such a wide array of pictures that looked to be taped along the rim of the mirror. Faces she recognized looking back at her, even seeing Rainbow Dash in there, and ones she did not recognize. But there was one vibe she was getting from seeing all of this. These are all the ponies Soul wants to be friends with, and all the ponies that are friends… to the pony who owns this mirror. So much pride in them all. To cover her own mirror in them. They must be such good friends. Such good friends that Soul will love.

It’s touching that… ponies like these can exist. They really are important. So very important.

5.20
All these pictures together. You wake up to them every day and see just how much you have in your life. All the togetherness that you are so grateful for. You put their very pictures up in your own room. Like a piece of them is with you forever. Blight lifted a hoof and touched one… one of a small purple unicorn hugging with another pony. Another pony she saw to be a pink… alicorn? Well whoever that was, was it right to feel good for them?

Soulblight saw more in it. That happiness they both shared as she touched their picture. Almost like… like… Soul and me.

Blight lowered her hoof. Pictures of ponies that are dear friends? And Soul might join them… in these pictures. Blight stared. So deeply. When do I start dreaming about being in pictures with ponies like these?

“I do wonder…” she said, shifting her hoof over to a picture that covered the top of her mane. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity. So many other ponies she wished to know the names of. All gathered together under the Sun. Like they had no care in the world. Nothing to fear. Nothing to try and fight for. “Would they let me?” To see myself with them. Side by side with Soul. Together with all of them in a picture like this.

I can’t believe it.

Since when do I get these thoughts? I barely know them… and yet… I want to know how it is too. I don’t want to be alone. Soul wants them to be my friends? She could only sigh. If only it were that easy, Soul. It’s so much easier for you. So much easier, so why do you need help? Because nothing ever goes right. How can I expect anything? Even with how well this party was going.

What do you think, Soul? Especially after all she heard from Fluttershy and seeing how ponies reacted. How they seemed to feel a general kindness to her without them truly knowing. But this ruse was still true, it still represented another pony that they were meant to befriend. Do you feel better about them? I think they like you.

No answer came.

Blight waited, scratching a hoof along the floor in nervous disbelief that maybe Soul had not heard her. Soul?

I’m gonna be honest.

Honest? Honest about what? Honest that she now truly believed in the words both Blight and Dash had spun for her. She hoped so.

I didn’t hear or see a thing that happened.

5.21
“Say what?”

Soulblight felt a shiver run down her spine and like a pit had formed in her stomach. Making her scared for a moment. But it didn’t end, she felt that it had to be wrong. There was no way. I was hoping…

What are you saying?

I’m serious. I didn’t hear anything or know what was going on. I just heard you talking.

She didn’t hear a single thing the others said. She didn’t see anything they did. That can’t be. No wonder she was quiet! Blight took a deep breath. Raising a hoof to cover her forehead, not willing to believe all that she just heard. Because… now she was the only one who heard it. Just a few words were enough to completely spoil all of this. Soul isn’t going to be able to know anything that happens. That won’t do.

We’re switching places. You need to enjoy your party.

I don’t want Soul to not know this. She… she deserves to be the one to be with them anyways. I’m not worth it. I don’t need it. Soul is the one who needs it. If that meant no longer talking to these ponies, then I’m fine with it. Seriously, I thought this would have worked. How is Soul not hearing anything? It works every time with me. I… I thought. Damn it. Things never go right. I pretty much spoiled this for her. That could have been her moment with them earlier.

I won’t switch.

What? Blight couldn’t believe the drivel coming out of her mouth. How could she say that? This was simply not right. “You should be there to get to know your new friends. If you’re not then…”

Well you’re having fun, I noticed that. You don’t know how I feel right now. “But…” Damn, I don’t know anymore. It was all silent now. But that didn’t matter. “I still think we need to swap. Give me a moment and I’ll leave.” Blight closed her eyes, fully prepared to go back and leave this sight behind.

Don’t you dare. I want this for you!

5.22
“You want this for me?” Blight whispered as she opened her eyes back up. But this is her party, I wanted her to also join in. There was no way Soul… that Soul was this nice. This willing to give up all of this. I can’t do this. I can’t take the entire party away from her, how can she expect that?

I’m not going to switch. You already gave me a party. You should enjoy one too.

…No way. Blight was speechless. Just for a moment. Fully ready to counter that… that impressive thing she just heard. Feeling so much shame in her for actually feeling a little semblance of warmth from such a generous thing for her best friend to give to her. I hate to argue with her. “But I…”

Blight jumped right when she heard the door slam. Slam right up against the wall. Completely not expecting something so loud, for somepony to hit it with enough force… she didn’t even have time to notice it before it did happen. Turning in time to see a flurry of wings and feathers ripple through the air and cut a path across the room just as the door slammed shut.

Blight backed away. What is…? Until she saw it to be a blur of purple that buzzed on over to the bed.

Wait, I know her. From the mirror. A purple unicorn blasting over the room and taking a hard dive into the bed with an ensemble of bags now scattered all over it, sent flying from off her back and even more bags brought over in a hail of glistening, purple magic.

“Oh jeez” the pony said. That purple pony jumping off the bed to set the rest of her haul down before she ran off into the bathroom. What the hell? Does she even see me? That pony just went off to wherever her wings took her. Wings. Wait. That’s not a unicorn. It took her a moment to clear her head. That is an alicorn. An alicorn that just ran into the bathroom and nearly collided with the wall in the process, and she didn’t look to be well.

Blight looked back at the mirror. Those pictures, she saw that same alicorn in some of them, and others… the same pony but without her wings. Before Blight knew her to have gotten them. If she’s the same pony… then.

5.23
“Princess Twilight” Blight whispered. Blinking a few times in her confusion.

Oh no, I should leave her. Best to go join the others and swap out with Soul without disturbing whatever it was the princess was doing. She looked a bit too stressed out based off what she had seen in the brief moment that alicorn was here, now making a commotion in the bathroom. Knowing how Twilight was, hope she doesn’t see I used her bathroom.

She carefully walked away. More concerned with just letting everypony know she was here and avoiding any misstep with the princess. Glancing over her shoulder back over to the bathroom and then over to the door she came up to. Looking back over, she felt it alright to. Blight turned to see her magic had enveloped the knob of the door and slowly pushed it open so silent that even she couldn’t hear it. Open enough for her to creep out.

“Oh…!”

Blight winced. Shit. That is not a voice I want to hear. Because she’s talking to me. Blight got rid of that magic in an instant. She felt the urge to growl beneath her lips but held it in. Well… play it off then. I’m a guest in her castle after all, so best to be polite. At least I get to be the one to deal with her. She doubted Soul would want to interact with an alicorn on her own.

Blight turned around with a smile on her face and, indeed, she saw the purple eyes of Twilight looking back at her over a gaping mouth not at all hiding just how surprised the princess was, and she was quick to turn it to a dorky smile. Even Blight could admit it looked feigned. That pony was indeed worked up.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you there” Twilight said to her. “Were you… here the whole time?” “…I was just using your bathroom” Blight told the truth. Twilight laughed. Drooping her ears at the same time. She really sounded displeased. Looking like it was with herself. “Wow, I’m sorry. I guess I’m a bit too rushed, and didn’t expect anypony to be up here. My apologies.”

Twilight came over closer. Now with her eyes squarely fixed on Blight. Like she was scrutinizing her. Yeah, she is looking me all over. Oh boy... like she wants to see if I do anything weird. Too bad for Twilight that I’m calm. Able to give her an innocent smile and laugh. “Dash said I could use your bathroom, glad we didn’t run into each other a couple minutes ago.” Blight winked. Giving her the hint, and she took it. “Oh yeah…” Twilight said. Looking back at the bathroom she barged into moments ago.

“Guess I looked a bit silly, sorry. I had so much to do today and then Pinkie came to me about a party that turned out to be sooner than she said it would be. She’s really not good at planning.”

“Well… I’d say my party turned out beautifully anyways” Blight followed along. Liking what she was hearing. This really was the Twilight she had listened to. So polite even in this situation.

“Your party?” Twilight cocked her head. “So…”

5.24
“I’m Soul, nice to meet you” Blight offered a hoof to her.

Hesitant, Twilight stared down at it. Gleaming in her eyes until… she finally broke it and gave off a forced laugh. Completely unprepared. Blight knew it based off what the alicorn had said. This was quite a way to meet a princess, she had to admit. Her hoof was accepted and both ponies shook the other. “Soul… oh, so that means…” “Yup” Blight said. “It was a lovely surprise.” She saw Twilight look back over her shoulder and scoff. Even able to hear Twilight whisper “Damn it” so low under her breath. She came right back to it like nothing happened. “Well it’s very nice to meet you.” And she did something Blight had not expected. Not from her. She actually saw Twilight give a little bow to her with closed eyes and a hoof in front of the other. “Welcome to Ponyville, Soul.”

She stood back up not seeing just how dazed Blight was. Confused as to the formality. I think I liked that. “I’m Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” As nice as it was to listen to this pony act all polite to her, Blight couldn’t just let it be that way. I am her guest after all, this is her castle. I got to give her, a princess, a good impression. As it will mean Soul will have a new friend. I can’t mess this up, it’s all up to me.

“Thank you, it was really nice of you to let us use your castle for this party. I have to say, it’s a beautiful place. You do a good job at decorating, I especially like that mirror over there” Blight pointed over to it and Twilight followed her gaze. “Oh, my friendship mirror” she said. Friendship mirror? Okay, sure. “Yeah, I was sorta looking at it until you flew in. Sorry to be in here longer than I should.”

“Oh not at all” Twilight said shaking her head. Taking a few steps closer to that mirror. Fully immersed in it while Blight was glad she was not upset over any of this. As far as she could tell. “It took me years to collect all those pictures, I’m glad you got to see them.”

“Yeah, you looked so adorable as a filly” Blight referred to the little pony in the one picture she now knew who it was. She got what she wanted. Making Twilight actually laugh. Laugh at what Blight did think was true, not something she made up. Still, she joined in. Happy to see the other pony amused by what she said.

“You’re saying I’m not adorable now?” Twilight said. “Just back then?” Oh, a smart ass, huh? Blight smiled. What is she wanting a compliment out of me? “If you need somepony else’s confirmation, then sure you are.” “Awww” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth and giggled. “How nice of you.” She pointed that same hoof to Blight. “I like your style.”

5.25
“It is a good thing you got to see the mirror” Twilight said looking back at it. “After what I heard, sounds like it’s something that can help you.” Blight lost all her happy spirit then. More wondering what it was she was talking about, this sudden change in tone she heard from the princess. “What do you mean?”

“I know you’ve been away from Equestria for a while and you haven’t had a lot of time in your life to be with others. It must have been hard for you, but I want you to know that…” she came over to Blight. Coming close enough now that Blight could notice the princess actually stood tall over her. Like she were trying to intimidate, were it not for how she leaned down to her. Leaned down and smiled.

“We’re here for you. I hope you’ll feel right at home in Ponyville. I know you have been gone for a long time and it sounds like you are having a hard time getting used to being here, but don’t feel too overwhelmed. I’m sure you’ll make plenty of friends here, you already have us” she knelt in a little closer. Like she made Blight have to kneel down away from her. “A friend of Dash’s is a friend of ours.” Then she backed away and trotted off back to her bed. Relieving,

Dear Celestia, those purple eyes. I’ve never seen a pony look so stern before. It confused Blight so much. Staring and watching the princess walk away with no care in the world now. Even humming to herself. After saying those weird things. “I’m… sure” Blight confirmed nonetheless. Okay, fine. They were all very nice to have thrown this party for Soul and express concern for her. But, why am I feeling this way over it? Like she needed to curl up and protect herself from the feelings of these ponies who had naught to care for over her. Twilight said it best, a friend of Dash’s if a friend of theirs.

It’s a shame. The more I listen to them, the more I feel out of place. I find it too hard to enjoy this party. Which is why she hated that Soul had been being so stubborn over the idea of them switching again. So that she could experience it. There was no reason for her to be so adherent to letting Blight enjoy this party, not like she gained out of it. I’ve seen enough now… I don’t need to go on any longer. Maybe I have my answers. So why should I bother even thinking about continuing on like this? Is it because I just like the feeling?

“Let me gather up a few things and we can go down together. I don’t know about you, but I seriously need a drink after today” Twilight said. “Yeah, that sounds great” Blight answered. More or less just following along into what could be another thing. “I’d love to hear about your travels over something cold” Twilight continued. Going on about something more that Blight drowned out. Ignored.

Another thing that Soul should be doing, so why do I want to do it? Not like anything will come of it. It had been made painfully clear, as she looked back over to the mirror and all its pictures. As Twilight had pointed out in a way that made Blight think she expected her to obtain pictures of her own like those. Maybe if things were different. If the words that come out of my mouth were true and not my own. Because I should not be the one to partake in this. I never knew how hard it would hit.

This just started… and it was already too great. Too great to imagine something different. That someday… I will not have any friends.

5.26
Blight waved the drink away. Preferring the lemonade she already had poured out for her courtesy of a pass by Rainbow Dash. Seeing no need for anything else besides the food that she had picked out. Twilight took the bottle back, wrapped in her magic, hovering it over to herself where she was the one to instead pour herself a glass.

Blight watched the alicorn next to her, as she so diligently observed every careful moment she made to pour that drink into her large, open glass sat atop a thin neck before it came down to the table. Fascinated how the dark red liquid did not flow down what looked to Blight to be a glass tube running down that made up that neck, instead just sitting in the top. Twilight took a quick sip of it. Watching her jerk a little from it before she let out a very satisfied sigh.

She seems so happy over it. Wonder why. Having that bottle of the stuff so close was enough for Blight to smell such a strong odor coming out from underneath its cork that almost made her gag. Yet the princess was so calm drinking it, having it so close to her nose. Not even caring, still looking elegant as she did so. Not fitting with the jaunty music that rang out thanks to those ponies over there goofing around. Doing what Blight cared to see in a quick glance as… involving cupcakes being tossed asunder.

What weird party game is that? Pinkie seemed to be having fun with it anyways. Even Fluttershy enjoying herself despite icing getting in her mane. Rainbow Dash going about whacking away with a club at some huge assortment of paper that looked like a monstrosity hanging from the ceiling. Dash with that blindfold on again, almost hitting Rarity with that club. Then Twilight’s calm and collected face as she ran the tip of her hoof along the rim of her glass, giving off a little ring.

The differences between them all were astounding.

Is it always like this with these ponies? Blight watched Twilight, waiting for her to do something. It was her who invited Blight to sit with her. Under what she thought was wanting to talk about Soul’s life, not a thing she wanted to do. All the while Blight hated not being able to get a damn thing out of Soul over this situation. That pony was staying pretty quiet and only responding with an occasional no to her question.

Why? I had my fill, I don’t need to do anymore. Especially when it was Soul’s life that was of Twilight’s intrigue. Really she felt like this could be an interview. A large crash rang out from the back, where she saw that thing Dash had been going at had exploded without her seeing and… what looked to be a mess falling right out from it. A mess that Dash and all the others leapt on in no time. Eager and joyful in their faces. Except Twilight who sighed. Sighed but smiled.

“Looks like somepony has a lot to clean up later.” “I’m more than willing to help” Blight offered, picking a hoof at some of the food she had chosen for her plate. “I bet Dash would too.”

5.27
“Rainbow, yes” Twilight said. “But you’re my guest and I won’t have you cleaning up. You got enough to deal with as is.” More than she knew. But sure, as simple as settling in and getting used to a new environment. Blight would be more than happy for that to be the real deal. “I even made the food for you” Twilight said excitedly. Like she changed completely. Happy to lean forward and grin like some kid.

She made the food? Blight looked down at her plate. “Well I made the sandwiches, AJ did the pies and the salads and the… everything else besides the cake.”

Well Blight for one knew just what it was that Twilight was talking about with a sandwich. No wonder she really wanted me to try them. Like she was desperate for her to try it. Blight was just about to say something before another crash cut her off and she watched Fluttershy and Dash fly past, laughing their hearts out carrying a pile of those things that fell out earlier. Loudly having fun. They all looked to be having a good time, Blight enjoyed it. Going back to what she wanted to say.

“I’m sure your food is great.” “Really?!” Twilight lit up. Placing her forehooves together in anticipation. “I know it’s been a while for you but I hope you’ll like my homemade food.” Oh please, it was just a sandwich. Even Blight could assume this was commonplace in many other lands. But sure, it looked as if this was important for Twilight. Like she needed this. Because she was almost staring at Blight. Waiting for her to probably try it.

This assortment of things arranged within two slices of bread that she had no clue as to what they may be. Whatever it should be for her to expect. Now she continued to regret her lack of understanding over food. Like she really had missed out on a lot. “So what is in this?” Blight asked, lifting the top bread to peer under it. “Oh, I’m glad you asked” Twilight said.

5.28
“I put pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese…” she went on with Blight catching her pointing a hoof at each individual thing, though not sure exactly what it was she was pointing at. Like which of these are pickles? No matter. All she could tell was that the list was going on and sounded like she went overboard with stuffing this thing in a wide array of foods and sauces that made Blight wonder if this may be too much for even her. Looking back up, hearing something about dressing and seeing… two hooves pointing at her sandwich. One purple, and the other pink. Where she saw that Pinkie had budged in and hovered behind Twilight.

It took her a moment to see that… Pinkie was doing the exact moves Twilight made. Even got her enthusiastic grin down. Pointing in unison with the list of cucumber, celery slices and swiss.

Blight giggled a little under her breath. Haha, it’s taking this princess way too long to notice. Twilight finished her list and proudly crossed her hooves together with a smile. One that was mimicked. Blight laughed. More than pleased to finally see that Twilight caught wind of what was going on and turned to find who was next to her. “Pinkie!” she shrieked and waved the pony off, going back to join the others.

“She’s a riot” Soulblight commented. I actually kind of enjoyed that. “Yup, takes a special pony to enjoy it on daily basis.” Twilight managed to loosen up. Returning back to her calm self. That was enough, looked like she wasn’t upset at all. Good. “I bet you two will get along real well” Twilight pointed out. Yeah, I have to agree with her on that. I like her sense of humor and how she was able to make this entire party.

Pinkie and Soul… really do get along. Better than I expected. So, you’re right, Twilight.

Soulblight nodded. “About this sandwich…” Blight chose to talk about instead. “I don’t suppose I need to eat it all in one go.” Now that she remembered how much it sounded to be in it and how fat it looked to be. Much more than she recalled before. “Oh no, just try it. I was more wanting us to talk for a little bit” Twilight said. Oh thank goodness. This will take me forever. She already was enjoying her lemonade too much. Taking another deep sip from it and its sweet taste. Smelling so much better than whatever Twilight was drinking from again.

5.29
Blight took a breath, leaned down and closed in on Twilight’s sandwich. Seeing just how wide she needed to open her mouth just to hope to take a bite of it. Feels weird to eat like this. It just would be easier to use my magic. Having to lean down and essentially dig in felt a little too off for her even though all the others seemed to eat like this. I’ll just have a bite.

She grabbed hold of it, worrying she may drop it, but managed to sink her teeth in and… experience something she had never before. No thanks to the lemonade. That was nothing like this. Although she got the same feel from it as she took a bite. Feeling that she really hated not knowing how to describe it, hating how she had no way of knowing what to expect from food like this. For all she knew, it may be different. Soul’s body really is acting up. Experiencing things never before. Not knowing if it was right.

Still though, it’s something… and Twilight really wanted to know. That pony reeling on the edge of her seat. Really looking impatient as Blight chewed. Well for one thing, I sure don’t hate it. It was definitely… different, not at all as she expected. But it was satisfying. Not sweet like the lemonade, but not bad. She nodded her approval.

You know who’d really like to try something like this, Soul. Isn’t that right? She hoped Soul heard her, no way to tell. She didn’t make a sound in there. Even though she bet the pony was curious as to what it was she just missed out on. Have to find a way to get Twilight to make these again so Soul could try them.

“They’re good” Blight said. Thinking of something more to say. Something befitting of Soul Serenity. “It’s been so long since I got to have a sandwich. Thanks for letting me try one of yours.” “Really?” Twilight smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with them? I didn’t have a lot of time to make them, but I bet I can do better next time. No problems?” Soulblight shook her head. Finishing off what she had in her mouth. “None that I taste. Pretty damn good.”

5.30
Soulblight licked her lips. Overcoming her want to just have only one bite, she went in for another. Growing rather fond of the greens in this thing. “I gotta ask” Twilight said, her head planted atop her forehooves set on the table. “It’s been a while since you got to have food like this, right?”

Soulblight almost choked on her food when she heard that. Just how she sounded. Twilight sounded so serious, yet reflective. Like she had something on her mind. Making Blight wonder why it was she worded it like that. Yes, there is a reason Soul had not eaten like this but… “Why do you ask that?” Blight said. Eager to see. “You’ve been gone from Equestria. Twelve years if I heard right? I need to ask you…” Blight nodded her head to the twelve year part. Curious as to what the princess was meaning.

“What was it like being gone for so long? The food, the journey, how it was all like outside of the land you were born in?”

Blight leaned back in her chair. Almost banging her head against it as she did. Well… she does want to know all that in the end, after all. But again referring to another problem. That is Soul’s story, not mine. And that pony refused to change back. So now I’m left to answer these questions. Questions she had to think hard on, because they were not her own experiences.

How can I really tell anypony what it’s like to be Soul? How she felt and what it was like for her. I barely know much myself. We… were apart for so long. Is it necessary to lie to her? I don’t have a lot to say. Soul… she’s… such a hard to pony to read sometimes. I could easily make up a story. Make it out like Soul had a decent time outside of Equestria. Or I can tell the truth. Because I do know just how tough it all was.

What it’s like to be gone from the land you were born in. So very long. There’s only one thing I can think of to describe it.

5.31
Blight grunted. Staring up at the chiming cacophony of roots and wires strewn about in a glowing portrait of beauty above her. Blinking. Again. As she saw for a brief second something that made her almost gasp. She thought she saw something. That rain of snow coming down on her from up there. Gone again.

Maybe I can tell her what it was like. Soul. We both went through the same thing. You know how bad I had it, I know how bad you had it. Can one say that it was so much of the same? “Where did you go?” she heard Twilight say.

Where did I go? Blight had no confirmation. Just all she knew from what she listened to daily amidst that snow. “North…” “You went north? Like the Crystal Empire? I bet you had a great time training there. Or maybe Yakyakistan.”

“No” Soulblight cut off Twilight. Thinking thoroughly on the possibilities. All she knew was everything had sounded so far to her, from the laughter of ponies to the cries of her best friend. They may as well have been the same distance. “More” Blight said. “No city or empire. …” Wandering her eyes about to look and see for anything she may use to think of something. Something that can be the truth. “Just snow… endless snow that ran on for as far as I could see. Even times I could not see when it fell so great that it was like a wall all around me.” A wall set about me. It was like a cage. All I knew for so long was what I saw from on top of that roof… and all that snow.

“There were only villages that I found… the only places I could get to for a place to sleep. A place where… so few ponies were who cared to speak. Indeed, for the most part, I was on my own. Inside a house as I listened to the wind outside as I waited for times when I could go back out and enjoy the beauty I had to work with. Those wide, open skies. On days so beautiful that I could fly through them with a cool yet strong wind, my best friend when I flew way out there.”

Blight had to sniffle. Regretting every word she said. For they were not Soul’s. Soul did not know of this feeling she had, she didn’t think she did. Was it the same? The same confinement? Having to lie about how things were just to cover up the fact that these ponies would easily turn on a pony were they to know the truth. Her stomach lurched from that knowledge. But Soul would do the same. I have to do the same. I vowed to protect her. That meant from everything, including these ponies. Those purple eyes scrying her like they wanted to get a sense of what was what. Except for how agape Twilight did look. Speechless. Staring, just wanting her to continue. Continue with what? The food?

5.32
Why the hell not? She already had something to work with there. “Everywhere I went, was nothing but the same. No different, even having to deal with the same food every day. With what little I could scrounge together. What little… the other ponies let me have. What little they allowed for me… for me to fill myself with. So I wouldn’t feel so empty.” Blight had to lick her lips saying that. Remembering clearly. Not wanting to. But I do this for Soul. The other ponies. The other pony.

“…I missed all the food I enjoyed so much back home. So much that I realized how much they meant to me. How important feeling like I was comfortable meant to me. Even days I would go without food, still flying even with my stomach rumbling. With me desperate to have a taste of the foods I loved. Can you imagine twelve years without what I loved to eat…?”

Blight looked over to find even more eyes staring at her. “No, …I-I can’t imagine” Pinkie said, huddling a slice of cake messily against her side. Standing next to Twilight with Rarity and even Applejack by her sides. All of them may as well be the same pony. Wearing the same expression. Like they were dumbstruck over it. Why? It was just a normal routine for a pony like me. Despite the fact that I’m making it sound way better than it actually was.

Nopony will understand what it takes to get through something like… that.

They have no idea, nopony would want to deal with that. Would there ever be a day they’d understand? Or never feel the feeling her and another had to go through. No. A princess of Equestria would never need to. One princess already did it. Are you any different, Twilight? That remains to be seen. Remains to see just how far I’ll go to protect her. She will see too. Even if I hate to go on. To feel this.

“But who cares about food. You wanna know what the real issue was I had when I travelled? …Imagine it. Trudging through snow up to your belly. Wherever you look being the same sight again and again. Nothing but white, breaking through it and finding the only thing that brought me a sense of comfort. Where I achieved what I wanted. It sounds weird, but it was nothing but mountains. Mere mountains that proved to be the best relief I had from the same boring sights I had every day. Mountains that went on forever, as far as the snow went. I flew through them every day. For hours and hours, practicing everything that I learned in Cloudsdale. A free reign to do what I want, no restrictions. Nopony to worry and nothing to hold me back, …and so I achieved…” Blight flushed her huge wings up for them all to see.

“The thing I could not have back home. I felt accomplished. I felt like I could love myself for it, that I could come back home with pride. Not having to deal with all the crap I had to go through back when I was a filly. A filly growing up all alone, learning to fend for herself. Learning to not let anypony hold me back from what I wanted. No, I became strong. Stronger than anypony could dream for. I reached my own dreams. For the first time. That trip gave me everything I have.”

That trip. Blight had to look away and blink a bunch. Was it gone? She opened her eyes. Hoping they had not seen. Seen as she did. That blistering red that blinded her sight, tainted of her own words as she spoke. Fearful. Yet nothing. She heard no gasps or shrieks. Like they didn’t see it at all. I need to keep calm. This is Soul’s body. I can be a freak in my own. Not wanting to deal with it all over again, …as she did before.

5.33
“I don’t get it” Twilight said next to the others. All gathered close. With Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hovering overhead as well. “You said it was a real issue” Twilight pointed out. “That all sounded good. How was it an issue?”

“Because…” Blight said flatly. “It didn’t solve the one problem I had. Guess you all didn’t catch it. I was lonely. So very lonely” Blight whispered.

She looked down upon the table. May as well be the planks of wood of the rooftop she sat upon. Looking back out, not at these six ponies in front of her, but at the void. That endless void as cold as her own breath as she spoke. “No matter what, I had nopony with me. None who wanted to be with me. That was the one thing I deeply missed. More than food or my home. The ponies… I lost.” Blight glanced up at Rainbow Dash. Not helping herself but think of how it was that Soul may have felt. She couldn’t look any longer. Having to throw her head down upon her forehoof.

Her entire body began to shake. Oh Soul, I’m so sorry. Soul, can you hear me? Why won’t you answer? I’m sorry. I should not have taken you from her. …Just like… with me… Soul…? “I’m so sorry.” Soulblight looked up hoping she had heard her. No, killing it right there. It had just been Twilight. Twilight wearing the face of her best friend. Best friend undeserved. I don’t deserve these ponies.

“Here we thought” Twilight looked around at all the others. “That you enjoyed it. Twelve years you left it all behind, to reach this. I only thought that it must have been at least a decent time for you. Now …I understand why…” Twilight looked up to Rainbow Dash. That Pegasus floating forward, closing with Soulblight. Hovering over the table and… she reached out a hoof. Touching it down upon the one Blight had on the table. Startling Blight by being touched by her. Touched there. She wanted to reel her hoof back. She didn’t. It’s not what Soul would do. She would want this. For herself. It’s what she needed. Not I. Even though… Blight looked up into Dash’s eyes.

“I wanted to have this party for you, …so you know that you’ll always have others there for you” Rainbow whispered. “Sorry about how rough today was, I wanted it to go perfect for you. This is the place you want to be your home now.” Dash, did she mean that? Did… Soul… Blight didn’t know what to say. Only able to look into the pony’s eyes and see that she was not joking. No, Rainbow Dash did not make a habit to look so… concerned. For her? For all these ponies to sit here and listen. To actually care about what I’m saying. Even though… those words, those feelings… they aren’t Soul’s.

Dashie. Blight looked down from her. Shameful, I shouldn’t.

5.34
“But why?” She heard Rarity say. “It sounded so dreadful to be all alone like that. Why do it to begin with? Why stay gone for so long?” “I think I gave the reason why.” Blight peered at her. It was Soul’s reason. But it resonated so well with her. Like she could claim it to be her own. For was that not the reason she did what she did too?

“Some ponies will do anything to accomplish what they dream.”

Even if it meant returning to the ones you love.

Rarity said no more. None of them did. All fallen silent as if night had descended upon the world. Blight shuddered for just a moment, when Rainbow ran her hoof up from Blight’s hoof and to her shoulder. “It’s good you came back” she said. “Just want you to know that… I’m proud of you. Everything you went through, and you still got what you wanted.” She looked back at the others. “I’m gonna cut the crap now, I’m proud to say that she tied with yours truly in a race. It takes a pony like her to do something like that. And now you’re back” she said to Blight. “And never need to miss being home again.”

Yeah, Blight managed a small smile. Not from the sentiment which was so cute to hear, but to what had been said. Rainbow is proud of Soul. Even after what she did. Why, I don’t feel I should trust her words. But I do. This pony did not seem like the one to lie to her about something like this. To make her feel a little good about herself. She knew that Dash was talking to Soul, but… I would love it if… she were talking to me like this. So I feel that I belong somewhere too.

Strange, was this what you wanted of me, Soul? Or did she even know this may happen? To feel appreciated, because of how I feel. How I am. I guess I only get that now, now that I have her body. That alone made the difference, but she liked to think otherwise. Maybe… just maybe, they’d… Blight couldn’t react in time before she felt something splatter on her face. Everything went dark. Only able to hear something crumble and drip from her face, and listen to the surprised gasps of everypony else.

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity shrieked.

What did she just do? Blight took a moment, thinking she may be seeing things. Nope, something was definitely covering her face. Wiping away at it around her eyes until she could see again. Peering out of two tiny openings where she saw white ‘snow?’ dripping around her eyes.

5.35
Blight pressed her hoof against her face and wiped hard, hard enough to clear most of it off, good enough for her to look down at her messy hoof and see that… it looked to be… one of AJ’s pies? The remains of it.

Who the…? She looked up at all of them and found only Dash’s grinning face. Looking pretty damn proud of herself. “Now I get to do stuff like that to you again, so welcome home, partner.” She lightly smacked a hoof against Blight’s back.

Did she just throw a pie in my face? What pony does that? While I’m trying to tell them all about what happened. Why… how rude do you need to be to do that? And what kind of pony would be okay with this?

Hmm… I see. Blight stared at the pie all over her hooves. I see why. That bond that you two have… Soul, I don’t think much has changed. There’s a reason she did this to me. Dash proudly just made a mess on Soul at her own welcome party. The idea of that happening anywhere else… well, Blight watched the others go at it at Dash who seemed nonetheless disturbed by what she did. No matter what distaste the others saw in it. It was distasteful. I’d never want to do the same thing she just did. It’s nothing you should to do another pony. Daring and bold.

Blight set hoof upon what she had on her plate. I like it.

Blight silently took to the air, confident the others had Dash distracted well enough. Enough for her to creep in behind her and tap on her shoulder without problem. More than willing to return the favor. Blight tossed it in, right as Dash turned to face both her and the pie that slammed into her face. Covering her up and getting quite a mess in her rainbow mane. “Allow me to share” Blight remarked. Backing away from Dash with a laugh.

Oh Soul, I can see why you like her. This is great. Like all her worries from moments ago had been splashed away. More eager to just see how enjoyable this was for the other Pegasus. Her magenta eyes peering out from under the filling and all that determination in her eyes that made Blight laugh harder. “Why you little” Dash grabbed hold of another… a plate with what was quite a salad. Sorry, you showed your hoof already.

Blight dodged out of the way, watching the plate of greens fly over her and… it didn’t miss. Covering leaves and vegetables all over… Fluttershy. The pony clearly not happy with how messy she was and moaning over it. Before that turned to a smile. Giggling in her hoof. Before Blight knew it… all the others joined in. Dodging left and right, she tossed another at the one pony who made her feel so very welcome her. Who made Soul so happy, without her even knowing. Dodging past all the food and leaping over Rarity to land another pie square into Dash’s rear right as another came in and smacked Blight in the face.

I can’t care less about it. She only laughed, harder than she cared to remember. None of them caring, no matter how bad a mess this was. Blight only wanted to have fun now. Now, that everything she thought of was gone, she only wanted to experience this… this that she never could. Never, just because she had been given this chance thanks to her best friend.

Soul, I won’t turn down your idea. Maybe. Just maybe. But we’ll have to see. But would Rainbow Dash? The others? That remained to be seen, but thank you for giving me this chance. I promise not to let you down in return. If only a day would come when ponies would accept me for who I am. Whenever. Blight just wanted to keep this up. Not stop till that Dash was a mess. She flew after her. Laughing.

I don’t want them to leave me. Any of them.

5.36
“I never thought it would end up like this, Soul” Blight said. Listening to the silence all around her. Even with the sounds of music behind her. It was not a thing she listened for. Not able to reach her, not when she stared out at the beauty of this world. Crossing her forelegs along the balcony railing and setting her head down on it, staring at that wondrous sunset. Setting in such colors of the sky she had not seen in so long. Only wishing Soul would be here with her to see it too, so she could enjoy it with her own body.

The chill she felt running down her spine, how her tail swayed softly seeing it and feeling all that was left of being inside with the others, it was all Soul’s reactions but now Blight’s own. Everything about her was now Blight’s even now, when it counted most as the moment came closer. Looking out all over the great and gorgeous land that made up Ponyville, shrouded in a sea of red and orange fire washing out from the sky and turning this town along with it.

It really does seem like it was all like a dream, even though I wanted it. For it to go this far, to turn out like this. I expected so much different. So much less. But now, she looked back over her shoulder to where she saw the last bits of the party inside the windows of the doors. Turning back and feeling the soft breeze come over her. Ruffling her fur and making her wings bristle in anticipation. “I can say I kind of like this.” Even if it all was false. All my lies to them, there was still no doubt that… she felt they may like her. That she actually was in this world as herself. Herself wearing a coat of magenta and the eyes of the Sun. Together with the greens and lush beauty of this world. So far away from what she knew for the past twelve years with Soul. For all the years before. I feel like I am a part of all this now. This town, this land, these ponies. “Is it bad to like it, over a lie?”

I think it’s something you can get used to, I knew you’d love it. Amusing. Is she actually using my line? She liked to think it possible for her to get used to it, but if things were different. Sometimes she just wished everything to be remade. Like somepony had a cruel idea, shaping her, deciding for her that things had to be like this. That everything about her could not be the same thing that all these ponies enjoyed. She felt it to be the one issue, that she actually had a connection with all of them. That she could be the one to impress them all just by how she was. I told them how I felt, and they still accepted me. I impressed them. Yet there is still one issue.

5.37
I impressed them as Soul. As only Soul could hope to impress them. I really see why it is you feel so left out by them not knowing the truth. For we both hide. Yet they still like you. I still like them. I feel like I do like them. This is why I do this for them, with your body. With your wings.

Blight unfolded those very wings, letting them gracefully fall to the crystalline floor and touch its cool surface. Skimming it with the tips of her spans, rearing them up to catch the breeze. “I do wish that, we all could be friends just as you wished. …Perhaps I like the idea. Enough to want to do everything to pursue that end. But will it be enough?”

What do you mean?

Blight sighed. Oh Soul, you would never understand my pain. My problem. For there are just things that can never be made right. It was easier than one could believe to make it all right for Soul Serenity. For her wishes to become true. To fly off free like a bird, with nothing more to hold her down. She’ll fly free… without me and my problems.

“I was just thinking out loud. No worries.”

Blight, I only heard what you said, but I think they liked you. You the pony, not me. You actually sounded happy. It’s not often I get to hear that from you. So I think you may be worrying too much. I became your friend. Why can’t they?

Friend? I don’t know. Why can’t they? For one pony as broken as Soul to like me in the end, to put up with me. Yet I don’t expect the same from these ponies. Maybe it’s too hard to believe.

Ponies who may like me, when I’ve never felt like I belonged. Can it be impossible to ask why one can not trust them? Even after all that. “Was this all a part of your plan? Why you let me take over your body.” As explaining why Soul had been so quick to let her do such a hefty thing. Even if I have been extra careful with her body and treated it well, this was all meant for her. All of what was to happen tonight was for Soul, yet she willingly gave it all up for me. Gave up things she never should have done. To become so open to anything Blight requested of her. Was it for this?

This endgame. This feeling.

As she watched all these ponies fall for this little show I put on for them and tell me everything I needed to know. For my own plans to be successful.

Maybe I did plan this.

Typical. Leave me guessing, you’re lucky I can’t don’t know what you’re saying to yourself right now. But safe to assume the true answer. For there was no other reason Soul would give her the okay to do what was to be done. When she heard the door behind her open and the patter of hooves she knew belonged to none other than Rainbow Dash. Here just for it, and Blight looked down upon the land once more.

With the dying of the music and silence falling over the world. Seeing the princess and the other ponies down below. Walking out, waving up to her with so much excitement she knew that she had earned from them. For they like me. They like Soul Serenity, the pony who wore the feelings of another. They wanted to see what it was that Soul was letting her do. All born from one hesitant question with an answer as surprising as the first. Are you sure you are fine with me doing this? They are your wings.

She felt Rainbow Dash’s hoof touch the back of her head. Gently rubbing her mane, she turned and saw the Pegasus standing next to her. Smiling at her. Giving her so much confidence. That she knew Soul could do this perfectly and was more than willing to see her do it again. There’s still time to switch.

I want you to do it, I have faith in you and I trust you.

5.38
She really does trust me with her wings, the very wings I once wanted to… well, she trusts me enough to do this great feat with her body. Do it even though I’ve never done it before. So why be so confident? Like Soul’s wings wanted to carry her to do it. Like she always wanted to do it herself. After what I witnessed, I think I can do it. If Soul trusts me, then I won’t let her down.

She gave this party to me, she gave this day to me. I need to pay her back. Pay her back with a show that only Soul’s wings can do. So now she gets to sit back and feel the same moment. The same chills that hit me when I saw it. See how it was done, know how it was done. With the very things needed to do it. I’ll do it for all of them. I want to impress them all, even if they never know who does it. I can’t help but love the feeling. Just like now, feeling this hoof touching her head. Enough that she felt the strong urge to purr over it. Even from just a simple touch. It was more.

Blight smiled away from Dash. Even as she talked. “You ready to show Ponyville what a master flyer can do?” Show all of them a spectacle like none other. As granted by none other than Rainbow Dash. If only Soul had been here to hear that. Even if she already knew that I see her as a perfect flyer. I hate stealing this from her, but she wanted it. She let it. So, I will deliver. I will prove to them all that Soul is worth being loved. May all of Ponyville see. As confident as I am. I will do it.

Soulblight lifted her wings up. With Rainbow Dash letting go and stepping aside, far enough. Far enough and Blight let those two mighty wings burst out. Feeling a gust of wind smack her sides from it and a small magenta feather floating so freely down from her mane and across her cheek. Tickling her as it passed. Caught by the wind, she watched it fly off. Carried away into the sky and joining with the bleeding clouds and burning air of a reddened Sun she felt so calm seeing.

She blinked. Softly. Loving the sight. Wanting to join with that feather and know that bloody veil to become her own. Let us embrace and achieve great things… once more.

Soulblight flapped her wings. Propping her forelegs up on the railing and bending her hind legs. One. Two. Three. Just these flaps alone, so powerful, so amazing unlike anything she had done before. Soul’s wings are amazing. She allows me, of all ponies, to use them. Why, she is so kind to let me feel this. To hear this. Hear all the dust and dirt around her thrown off in a blizzard from her flaps. Staring high up into the sky, time to join with it in a way only granted now… after so long. It felt good to feel this strong again. So wonderful.

This sky is my own again. Let’s tear it apart.

5.39
It felt incredible. That one moment. The moment when the final push was made and Blight no longer felt her hooves touching the hard ground. In an instant. More than she imagined it to feel, but so close to what she wanted it to feel. For she never knew just how mighty these wings were. For just a simple will of hers to send the world below to fly away as she looked down between her outstretched forelegs. Watching all those ponies disappear in nearly an instant and, everywhere she looked, she saw the entirety of the world.

Up here, I can see all of Ponyville. Spanning across as far as she could see and then… to be able to see the great rolling hills of grass and endless mountains towering in the distance. As those mountains fell below her as well. She smiled as wide as she could. Amazing.

This is that feeling… and oh, how I’ve missed it.

She stared off in front of her forelegs that reached for the heavens that she climbed up to. Feeling her entire body vibrate from the powerful bursts that Soul’s wings gave her, those mighty wings of hers. To see them in action was one thing, to actually feel them. To command them. This was the feeling Soul experienced all the time. Oh how I love it too. So much that she laughed, laughed so loud though even she could barely hear herself with how unbelievably loud the howling wind was that smashed into her face and rushed past her. Sounding so harsh yet it felt gentle. Like a soft touch to her face and a brush against her ears sending her mane wildly against her back and a pull on her tail as if the speed alone threatened to rip it off.

It feels almost like what it’s like to fly. But… it’s something more. And I know it so well. This freedom. This power. This great thing that Soul let me do. To achieve this moment. I will make Soul proud. All of them will know just how wonderful it is to feel this power.

Can Dash see me? Could Soul see? See how exhilarating it is to fly like this. Sending chills down her body and rippling her mind in endless excitement. How wonderful!

5.40
“Woohoo!” Blight cheered out, holding her legs out and spinning up and over a hail of passing clouds. Even feeling the wind pass by her and making her buckle slightly while her own power tore the clouds apart behind her. Steadying herself back out again and veering off when she saw more, more clouds that she happily flew straight into. So fast that she barely even noticed herself go through them before the endless blue expanse of the sky flooded her sight again.

Passing so many clouds and seeing just how truly beautiful this world was. From up here, like no other. From where she saw a vast sea of thin clouds below her, just a floor to this world she now flew high into. Into a sky more purple than she had ever seen before with the rush of red, burning the sky below her as it crossed the horizon so far away. So far yet she felt she could fly to it anyways. Laughing at this enjoyment. Not able to resist doing exactly as she knew her best friend to do, seeing how great it was to spin about in her flight. Twirling and rolling across the sky with just gentle flaps of her wings being all she needed to fly faster than Blight could.

Not with how I am, and Soul didn’t even know. None of them knew just how special this was to do. That burning feeling in her mind that it may be true and it turned out to be so. The wind tearing by her, with every fiber of her being tingling, this sense of freedom that she could do anything. Anything by their blessings. Why, it may as well be so as she looked all around at how fast she was going. At how the world passed her by and the sea of clouds under her fell away with their shine of blood red hue. Be that she could do this.

Is it really possible for me to enjoy all the moments these ponies get? All the carefree moments and joy, this moment being the purest. Like no other. I never want this feeling to end. It’s something I could never get… with how I am.

She looked in front of her at the expanding darkness of the sky and back over her shoulders down to the fading lights of the world below. Back up, watching those magenta wings she now had beating softly against the sky no matter how fast they flurried. They moved so slow to her. So graceful in this one moment that they were her wings.

They are my wings.

The same feeling. The same power. All this power I can feel inside of these large, muscly wings. No, they don’t feel wrong. They don’t feel different. And all it took was being somepony else to feel it. It’s like I have my real wings back… only because I am Soul now.

They would never care… if it were my own wings.

5.41
My wings could never do this, and none of these ponies would care if it were my wings. No, they only care that it’s you. It may as well be you. I’ve studied you so well and know everything there is to know just to pass as you. To get them to like you and not me. Haha, you need to thank me later for that. And for this. Be grateful while I put on the show for them… your precious friends.

Blight kicked her wings one last time with the greatest jolt she could manage and turned her body. There was no higher to go. With the world shrouded in darkened red below her. Like a sight most profound. To return to it now and show them all just how great Soul is.

Blight spun over. Seeing how the dark sky circled around her, up and over, twisting away until naught but red remained and she could feel the pull again. With one great flap of her wings… all that feeling of freedom came crashing back down on her and carried her forward. Down to the sea of red. Reaching for it with her hooves, it felt like they may buckle at any time from how much wind smashed against her body.

Hehehe, oh all this power. I can feel it and it’s so good. Makes me feel like I can do this. Isn’t that what I always wanted? To have talent to do stuff like this. Going this fast just like a pony that matters. Matters enough to make friends. All that wind ripping against her and tearing at her furs. Striking her face and making tears bead the sky behind her. This must be what Soul sees when she did this. It’s like… the entire air is being torn apart in front of me. Like I’m going right through it.

Does it really take a pony like Soul to do something like this? I really don’t understand what it is about her. Why she is the only one who can get all the love and compassion from ponies. It doesn’t seem so hard to do this. I’m doing it right now. It even feels like I’m doing nothing but falling. Falling and flying fast down towards that great sea of red clouds standing in her way from the world below, and the sky itself leading her on.

She saw the path. A split of air that tore away in front of her, the likes of which should not even be possible. Opening up in front of her like a slide for her to fall down into. Carrying her forth into the world while everything behind her tried its best to pull her back up. It was impossible. Not with how much her wings did flap now. How great the drive to reach a speed that only Soul’s wings could achieve. Until now.

I don’t understand why they care more about her and would ignore me. My wings can be just as good. So what is it about Soul? Is it just because… she’s not a freak?

It’s good to, for once, not feel like a freak. All I had to do… was be Soul.

The sky itself fell apart for her. No longer able to influence her and only her speed remained. Growing greater and greater. No telling how fast now.

It’s extraordinary.

5.42
“Soul! I’m doing it! I’m doing it!” Yelling so loud yet she had a hard time hearing herself. …Do you all see? I can be great too! I’m not so different. All I wanted was to be much like you ponies. I want to know joy… and having a home. And all you ponies treat that like it’s some meaningless thing, none of you realize how precious it really is. Because none of you know.

For now… it’s like I can.

Like I really can be a part of this world. No matter what you all would think. What ponies did to me… and what you all would do to me. Would any of those ponies believe it to happen to me? For me to break free just like you did, Soul, and experience the true feeling of accomplishment. That I may have a place, that I can be like them and do what they do. What all of you do?!

I will feel it too!

The world was opening up. Accepting her back. With the clouds ripping apart in front of her and cover itself in a sea of black and ash. Ash as bright as her own fur now. The sky is all mine once again.

Soul wanted me to feel what it’s like to be among other ponies? Hehe, no… I don’t think so. Such a naïve filly. This… this is what it’s like to be powerful again. To feel like… nothing can ever harm Soul’s sweet Soulblight again.

Your power is back, …Soulblight.

5.43
My power...?

Blight opened her eyes. Her ears rang. A ring, then a pound. As her entire head rang hard and her tail whipped against her back. As her entire body shuddered for but a moment in that brief moment of fear. So brief to be squashed by the same thing that caused it. Wiping away everything else.

Blight listened, as she saw all of Ponyville before her again, to that mighty sound behind her. Just like she remembered it to sound. Returned to the sky once more. A crack of thunder roared out behind her, taking but a moment for her to look back and see. See how the clouds were sent away, blasted by a roar of sound unlike anything she could imagine to carry the winds forth among a sea of magenta. Magenta turned to black, to be the one thing she could see for that moment before the fear returned. Fear when she saw how fast that sight ran off from her and she turned back to see it, see how fast the world was coming at her and a bed of green rushed her sight. Faster than she could even blink when she blasted out from the spectrum of magenta light flooding her sight in time to see that she was careening right for the ground.

Strange. Ponies would think I’d crash here. Destroy every bone in my body and leave this nothing more than mangled flesh and paste strewn among the grass. But I am not afraid of that. Because this is a feeling like no other. No matter who said it. My… power.

I feel so powerful. Like she was the one in control. Because I can hear it. Far above me, the endless choir of thunder blasting across the skies. She knew exactly what she left behind. A sight like no other with only Rainbow Dash able to come close to making something so perfect. Now every pony across the town may see that beauty. All because of me. I did it. I can accomplish great things too. And now you all see. I feel so happy.

Blight opened her eyes and giggled. Hurling her wings forward. All it takes is will. Blight thought and it happened. Feeling such a dark and gentle touch upon her wings. Caressing them as if she were tending to Soul herself. Covering those magenta wings in the darkness of her magic. Certain nopony could see. Not with how fast I’m going, and the wind struck her. Hard. Taking all her strength to keep her neck straight because she was certain any less may send her head flying right off. But it worked, and she let her magic go. Faster than she could blink. But now she could do it naturally.

5.44
She softly glided down and hovered over the grass with her hooves just shy of touching the blades. A few more flaps, the last feelings of being as airborne as she could ever achieve with these wings before she finally returned back to earth and sat down on the grass. Resting her mighty wings against her sides and then, screw it. She let them fall to the ground too.

Blight took a deep breath. Inhaling hard all the while listening to the roar of the skies sound over any breath she could make. Looking down upon the grass, amazed at what she saw. Like she could tell what the sky looked like just from looking at the ground. With all that grass turned dark in the light of her own fur and it all swayed. A breeze rushing over it all and herself.

She heard the amazed gasps of the ponies she recognized. Looking back over to the castle that towered just across the hill and all the ponies… Soul’s friends gathered. Huddled together, looking up at the sky with eyes unblinking. Saturated in the light, the same light that shined off the castle itself from where Rainbow Dash still stood tall on the balcony Blight left her on. Taken by the sky. Her wings locked at her sides.

Blight let out a small laugh. Do you all see? I did what you wanted. I can be amazing too.

Blight looked over her shoulder, turning around and plopping herself back down with a sigh and a damning need to fall onto her back. Only craning her neck. Staring up at the sight above. She too could only stare in wonder. I did that. With the last of the clouds being sent away in a hail of wind preceding what lit up the sky. The entire sky drowned in magenta. Circling far and wide through the clouds and spreading across the heavens themselves. Making the sky ripple like heat tore it apart. Ripping away the blue of the sky and not even the Sun had dominion anymore. Not with a rush of magenta, then such a black… darkness took the sky.

Blight stared. Holding her mouth agape. Wow. I really did that. …Not even Soul did that. So… this is my power? “Hehehehe.”

5.45
Wonder what I did different? Rumbling the earth, roiling the skies. A sight like no other. None she had seen, like nopony could be capable of it… except me. She felt the ground quake below her watching up at it and another burst of thunder rang out. Like being belched from that sea of darkness washing over the sky. Following after the last sights of that magenta light burning across the world. Shining the last of its light over Ponyville. Until night did fall.

Soul can not do that. I… I just did that. What Blight was seeing was beyond anything she could imagine. A sonic rainboom. Whatever it may be that she just did just like her best friend and Dash. Mine did this? Dash’s, …not even Soul’s can achieve this. Is this… why? These are Soul’s wings. This is her body. That… is her move. But how? How did I do this? To turn the entire sky black and shake the earth most violently. So much so that Blight had stand up now. Feeling a soreness in her butt from sitting on the vibrating ground. Hating the sound more and more. Endless thunder banging across the sky, roiling within that darkness.

So dark hahaha! This is the move I can do! It’s not Soul’s wings. It’s what my wings can do… and you all get to see it. Love what I can do because I am not so different from Soul. I am not a pony you all should fear. None should fear what I can do. Isn’t it beautiful? This darkness. Covering the entire sky. It’s like… Blight… widened her eyes.

It’s like… my magic.

The entire sky churned. My magic? Not even a thought could pass. Pass before a prick of red light struck across the sky. Snaking. Shining upon the land before it disappeared. Then another. Until silence fell. So quick. So sudden. Lightning.

Something is wrong. My wings… did this. Then that means... My magic!

Hahahaha! Won’t these ponies just love to see the real you?

Blight looked back up. Right as the darkness swelled and then collapsed for the Sun to shine back down. Silence and then… a ripple. Just like her body. Her wings. All to shudder when she felt it. Blight’s eyes widened.

No.

5.46
Blight could only watch. Watch as the world rushed past her. Like no other feeling before. In stunned silence as she watched and felt the wind slam her hard enough to force her to do it, to use that very magic once again. The magic that did this to keep herself planted on the ground unless she would be thrown away like trash in the breeze. To see the others fly off to, in the corner of her eyes. Turning a little and seeing them all slam into the wall of the castle screaming.

All the screams. She listened. Horrified. Hearing them all over the blast of wind howling all over the town, all over her. That sent even the grass tearing out from the ground and away forever. Joining with the screams of so many ponies all over the town. Mares, stallions and children screaming out in fright unlike the fright she felt. The pure fear running down her spine and making her stomach plummet with no words to escape. What have I done?

Glass shattering. Birds crying out. Blight kept still. Not even realizing she wasn’t even blinking anymore. That she wasn’t even breathing. Not with the horror she heard. That she caused. Planted into her by seeing the frightened faces of the others across the grass. Planted hard against the wall. She jumped when a log flew by faster than she knew it and exploded against the castle just short of the others. Even Rainbow Dash sent flying, crashing back into the doorway right before… Blight’s breath came out as a scream. Seeing it all. Hearing the dreaded sound that tore out her mind when every single bit of glass that shattered and metal buckling. Crashing. As all the trees in the distance bent and fluttered violently in the wind.

Shaking, screaming. It hurt. It hurt so much to watch. Because she could not stop it. I did that. My… my magic. My wings. No. She turned around, looking at the sight of Ponyville washed in wind and darkness flooding over it so quickly. Tearing apart the sky. As terrible as the chaos she heard within the town. This was not what I wanted. I wanted them to see something spectacular. For them to all see that I can give them something great. That I am just like them.

I want to be with them too. I want other ponies too.

But this… No. No! What was I thinking? She couldn’t take it anymore. The piercing cry of Rainbow Dash inside the castle. The fear that ran strong everywhere. She heard it and even felt it. Because she felt that fear too. A fear not of what was happening. She was well aware of what happened. A fear of what she did. What she had no intention on doing. To fail. To ruin everything again.

Blight dropped to the ground with a pained scream. Howling up at the sky. Using all her last strength to pull Soul’s wings up, for they were not her own, and cover her eyes. Hide it all away. No matter how much her mistake tortured her. Tortured like the cries of every pony out there. Of Soul’s friends. My friends. The friends she hurt. I don’t want them hurt. Please, please… I didn’t mean it. I don’t want this. Stop it! “Stop it!” Her cry lost in the thundering crack of the wind.
5.47
Soulblight reeled back hearing that grating sound of ripping metal straight from one of the castle’s spires listing even further from where it began to dangle. It took too long for that noise to stop. Grateful it did when it did. Also more grateful that the great star atop the castle looked to be undamaged. Some scuffs along its surface could be seen the closer she got to it but all she really could find was more and more evidence of all the damage she actually did cause.

Not a single window was intact. Whole ones blown right out and others left with small shards of green still left behind to show that a window once stood there between the sheets of dirt and debris painted all along those walls. Like the castle had turned into some rundown heap not tended to in years. Even its glow was gone. Gone despite how the Sun still peeked out over the mountains in the absolutely clear sky where not a cloud remained.

Blight still heard the final sounds of thunder resonating silently in the distance. All this mess. What am I supposed to say to all of them? I’ll gladly do my best to clean all this up… and, Blight looked over to the sprawling structures of Ponyville over the tree line. To where she still heard the murmurs of disgruntled ponies all over. No doubt, that all needed to be cleaned up too. I hope it’s not too bad. But she dreaded the fact, dreaded doing all of this. Such was the reason it took her so long to make the decision to head over. Head over to this, the scene of her mistake.

Coming closer and spotting the others set about that scene. She couldn’t bear to look at them. Seeing them scatter about locked on that destruction she caused. Where she must have sent fear running down their spines. Because this had to have been a horrible experience. She didn’t wish to see it. Turning away. Taking a deep breath before she decided to keep going with slow and steady steps. Certain of what was in wait for her. Just hoping that they would be understanding. How could they be? Blight lowered her head in her walk.

5.48
I didn’t know I would do that. Even when I felt it, there was no way to tell. That churning feeling inside her body, the enjoyment she had to feel such great power at her disposal. And I heard it all. I… wanted this. This… this is my power. Why did it do this?! I… I never wanted any of this. I never expected it to happen. All my power. To turn the entire sky black. I don’t even know how I did it.

I… I just wanted to feel great. To feel like I was doing something good. When I’ve never felt that chance before.

I thought they would all like to see I can do something cool too. There was no way to tell… that that would happen. But that was me. They all expected something from Soul, not me. I just ruined everything. Oh please, I didn’t want any of this, and Soul has to be mad at me now.

It really had not gone at all as she had planned. Even seeing how messed up her own magenta fur was along her legs. Ruffled violently much like her wings left hanging over her sides. Still trembling. Of fear or exhaustion, who could say? Blight stepped up. Stopping. Guiding her eyes along the ground before she built up the nerve to look back up. To see nopony even noticed her come. Or they didn’t care. More focused on what lay before all of them as they did such a menial job of trying to sift through the mess. All of them rushing around the castle, except Twilight.

The princess who stood just ahead of Blight with her back to her, staring up at her castle, silent. Wings left limp at her sides, and Blight could tell by how she moved that the princess was shaking. What should I say? There’s… there’s no excuse. They all expected Soul to be perfect with this move. To give them all a show unlike any other. Not to destroy all this. To ruin the moment entirely. Everything was ruined. I ruined it.

“I…”

5.49
Blight lifted her ears, hearing the flaps of wings. Finding Rainbow Dash had come out and did none other than land right next to her. Blight too stunned to say anything. To think of what it was she wanted to say. But Dash was here anyways, and she also stared down at the ground just as Blight had done. Just for a moment.

She came in a little closer to Blight’s side with a frown to the ground until she finally looked up and gave Blight a little smile. A stupid grin. Acting like nothing happened? I can tell. Nice try. I know I messed up. Now… guess I get to deal with whatever hate these ponies have for me… they’d never like Soul after this, then Soul will never like me. I just… it was too hard to try to not cry. Not with Soul’s body.

They will all hate me. Even Dash stopped smiling. Displeased at… me?

But I… Soulblight backed away from her a step.

I thought maybe Dash would still stick with me, she was Soul’s friend after all. And I thought she might like me. …So why look so unhappy? She must be mad. Disappointed with me. Because I couldn’t deliver what she wanted. That none of them wanted. I only tried. I only wanted to try to be the pony they could rely on. They could enjoy being around. I only made another mistake.

“Really now, did she have to be so rough. You’d think she’d be better suited for such a thing.”

Blight’s ears perked up. What?! Blight looked over. She… she dare say that? Straight out of the mouth of Rarity. Over there with the others inspecting the castle. Far away. Beyond Twilight. Blight’s eyes widened. So that’s it, huh?

“Well I hope there’s at least one window we don’t gotta replace” Applejack said and she leapt off a pile of rubble and ran off along the side of the castle. Followed closely by the others going around asking if everypony was alright. Really expecting them to be hurt. All of them to be hurt from her stupidity. All of them angry.

Just as I thought. They’d even talk shit about me behind my back. Think I don’t hear, hehehe. So what? Ponies always do this. Like all the others! After busting my ass to try and impress them. Do everything to make them happy. I… I didn’t need to do that move… even though I wanted to, and I messed it all up. It’s all my fault. Damn it all, Soul… I…

“I’m… uh…”

5.50
Blight shuddered when she knew Rainbow Dash set a hoof on her back and gently ran it up the back of her neck. Making that hush sound… like she wants me to shut up. She has no idea. Blight wanted to stamp the ground as hard as she could. Yell at anything. Yell at herself. Damn it. Damn it all!

She could feel her lips quivering. Hear legs shaking. Does Dash feel it? Can she feel me shaking? And she said nothing. Nothing to make it better. Blight looked up just in time to see that they all saw her… before promptly looking away. Going off. Her heart plummeted. Her mouth dry. She no longer had anything to say. Just feel. Feel the pain. Until those purple eyes turned around and looked at her. At her with such a sadness unlike anything she could see as other than pity.

For the princess, too, to show how upset she was as well. When all I wanted to do was make them smile. I couldn’t even do that. They can’t even like my power. Now… Soul, …Blight bared her teeth.

Forget it! Smacking away Dash’s hoof. She jumped back. Not caring how horrified Dash looked. How stunned she was. Because Blight could tell it didn’t matter. Not anymore.

I ruined it all. She flapped her wings, not looking back.

5.51
“Soul! Wait!” Rainbow called out after the pony. Reaching a hoof after her, wanting to follow but only taking a few steps. It was pointless. She could tell in Soul’s eyes what was going on. How she acted. Dash let that same hoof that Soul had hit away join the others on the ground.

I am so sorry. So sorry. I didn’t say anything. What could I say? I just wanted things to be different. Soul was upset and all I did was tell her to hush. I… I really don’t know what to do. What is wrong with me? Just when I thought that everything was going so well.

We came so close… “Go after her.”

Rainbow stopped. Looking back over her shoulder. Twilight standing right behind her. Nodding her head. “She needs you.”

5.52
“To think I ever expected anything!” Blight screamed out. Slamming her hoof down so hard that the ground sunk under it a little. Her wings jolting straight up in response and the ripple of water as well.

She shook, furious at it all. Desperate to find some comfort, enough to just let herself fall to the ground and lay on her side. Looking out at the small pond she lay on the embankment of. Stretching her hoof out over the mud and touching that water against the tip. All alone. Even here, she still was reminded. Angry to see it. No matter where, it will all be the same. All the debris left strewn over the water surface and felled branches littered the ground from the buckled trees looming high over her. Just barely able to hide the setting Sun that shone in the water. Giving the only semblance of beauty this place now had left. All the rest stripped away because of her.

How nostalgic. Laying here and just staring out at something so miserable. Almost like going back in time. Haha, it’s the best I can expect from this world. And here I thought the entire party would go well. I thought I was doing such a good job and maybe these ponies would like me.

“I was doing a good job. I really was loving it all.” But of course, of course something like that had to happen and I didn’t even intend it. The happy sounds of a party and the bustle of ponies enjoying life, all of it gone. Not a single sound rang out now. Complete, dead silence over this place.

She didn’t want to listen to any more. Shutting it all out from her ears. Just much of the same. All those ponies just hate that I made a mistake. Oh they hate me. They hate Soulblight! Like everypony always does! Well… maybe that Rarity can say something about me again, acting like they all like me. Such a pitiful lie. “Of course they don’t…” Now I get to deal with it. I get to deal with the fact I ruined this day for all these ponies.

I ruined this day… for the pony who needed it most.

5.53
“Yet you stay quiet. Why… why do you not care!?” Soul is the one who has to deal with all this now. It’s like she doesn’t care. She, of all ponies, had the right to be the most angry at her. Just like before. I only mess up what it is that you want. This… this is no different. I know she sees how it all is now. This was meant to be a party to welcome Soul into Ponyville, for her to feel just what it meant to be accepted and loved. Appreciated by ponies whom she could never expect to turn on her. Those ponies would never be like… the ones who would betray her.

I only wanted things to turn out good for her. And she’s not saying a word.

Blight rolled over onto her belly. Not my belly. I hate this. This isn’t my body, I should not be allowed to have it. I only screw everything up. Now they all are mad at Soul. “They all are mad at you, because of me.” She slammed her other hoof out into the water. Letting those mighty wings drape the grass at her sides. Fully exposing herself. Letting anypony have her.

“So take it back. I’ve done enough damage.” It’s always best for a freak to be in her own freak body. Where I’ll… I’ll never be like the rest of you. I always… be this.

Nothing happened. Why? “Why do you hesitate? Is there some reason you don’t want to? Say why.” Especially after that stupid disgrace I did. Messed everything up with your body.

What do you want me to say?

5.54
“Say? What do I wan…” Blight held her breath. “I wanted us to switch back. I practically warned you. You should expect this type of shit with me, after all we went through. I always mess up, I always ruin everything when it counts. I just wanted to know what it was like to be around them, but you wanted me to keep going even when it was obvious you were missing out on the same experience. You could have done everything so much better than me and you wouldn’t be in this situation. Now you get to deal with it because of my stupid mistake. Why do you not want your body back now?”

Because that was the burning question. The only thing left to gain for Soul. Because she was the only one who could fix all this mess. I only mess things up. That’s why… that’s why you were the one who saved both of us… when we were alone. I was just the one who held you back. Who hurt you. Who wanted to hurt you.

You’re gonna blame me over it?

Soul did not sound happy, making Blight freeze.

After you were having so much fun. How can you expect me to stop you? You made it clear that you wanted to enjoy the party. I let you, because I wanted you to have it.

Because you’re too damn nice, Soul. That’s always been how you are. Even when it hurts you. That’s why you were the one who solved everything. Even after I ruined your life, you still made me happy. Now I ruined it again. Your life… no… I can’t say that. Because she wouldn’t understand. “I ruined your party. This was meant to be all about you, to celebrate you. Now everypony is mad at you.” Just like before. Oh no. Did I…?

Shut up! I don’t want this again.

Oh yeah? “Well we got this again.” Blight stood up now. Feeling a very strong urge to raise a hoof to her own face, only stopping when she remembered whose face it was. She really doesn’t understand. It may as well just be a repeat. All when it could have been prevented. When… I could’ve prevented it. “Now you get to live with the consequences.”

5.55
I don’t get it. Blight, did you not see just how happy you were? I could tell you were the happiest mare around. I loved seeing that. You were finally getting your own party. You got to have other ponies around you, because you wanted it. You asked me. Then the one time you make a mistake, you get like this. Nopony is mad. Believe it or not, I’m not even mad and I’m the one you think has been ruined by this. You really need to stop being so harsh on yourself, I’m your best friend. I still am, and I’ve gotten real tired of this.

Blight could tell the shift in her tone. “Oh, you’re going to be blunt now?” Blight scoffed. Staring down at her sad reflection in the water.

Yeah because you need to stop thinking so poor of yourself!

“Oh, is that right?” Such an amusing thing to hear. Like the pot calling the damn kettle black. You’re the one who worries about nonsense. Nonsense when it was all things that she didn’t have to be the one to deal with. Because that kettle was the one who put everything out there to try and make it all work in the end. I can think poor of myself whenever I please, because I deserve it and nopony can change that fact. Not after how much has happened. Now that all these ponies know how I am.

Soul is still so naïve. So hopeful that things will turn out alright in the end. Blight could feel her teeth biting down against her jaw. I can’t help but be mad at myself. After all the work I’ve tried to make this night actually count. Because this party would have just been more of the same otherwise. I put myself out. I am the one who wanted to see how these ponies are and now I see they would never like me. So congratulations.

Sweet Soul, congrats being the better pony of us two.

“I deserve to be mad at myself.”

Why?!

5.56
Blight reared herself. Slamming both forehooves hard into the ground. “Because it’s what life taught me!”

This joyous and lovely life that all these ponies did enjoy. None of them would ever understand. Soul, she was the closest who came to it. But none can, because none of them can ever know just how much needs to happen. What one needs to experience. For it all to still be burned so hard into her mind like scars lining the skin. And now we repeat.

“You have no right to question how I should feel. Because this is how my life is. This is not the first I’ve done this to you. I keep doing it and keep making everypony so mad at me.” Blight shook violently. Her legs barely able to keep herself standing. It was at that moment, right there when she felt that pain again. Burning deep into her heart. No, I hate to remember. I don’t want to.

Blight…

“And nopony can ever know!” Blight almost fell to the ground that time. Needing her wings to catch her. “I fail so much… it always leads to this…”

“I don’t think you failed.”

Blight stood up. Arching her chest out with the deepest breath she could take. Needing to wipe her eyes really quick to get rid of the tears she now noticed on her cheeks when she heard that familiar voice.

So now I have to deal with her. Like she would know anything. Blight still turned around to face with Rainbow Dash standing between the trees. Peering over to her with a frown. Kicking a hoof along the ground. I never even noticed she was here. Blight gulped. “How long have you been standing there?” she demanded. “Just in time to hear you call yourself a failure” Rainbow responded and she left the safety of the trees. Walking over to join with Blight. Briskly going by, more interested to just do what Blight had been doing. Staring out at the pond. A quick lash of her rainbow tail. Blight cocked her eyebrow. Dash leaning down and sighing so deeply. Like she sounded upset. Just as she had when she mentioned the thing that Blight had said. Staying silent. Impatiently waiting for her to do something, give some reason as to why she was here, Blight grimaced in frustration.

5.57
“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be back with the others?” Not like Dash made it a point to do her best to come to those who needed her. That much had been proven, and this pony should not even bother with me. Best for her to just go back and hang out with her real friends who would never do anything to hurt or disappoint her. Where she will be safe. The whole thing about Dash being here made Blight on edge to keep herself from demanding her to leave.

This should be fun to hear her pretend. Make believe that she knew anything.

Rainbow took her time to look back at her. Not at all pleased herself. Almost close to glaring at Blight. “What’s with the attitude?” she asked. “You’d rather not have me here?”

“I’d rather you go back to the others and leave me to deal with my own problems” Blight said. “I destroyed your castle anyways; shouldn’t you deal with it?” “Wow, Soul” Dash said. Making such an obviously fake laugh, completely unimpressed. “First off, the castle is fine. That’s nothing that Twilight can’t deal with. Second, cut the attitude” Dash raised her voice. “I don’t know what it is, but that crap you’re saying is the only thing that I see you’re doing wrong. Cheer up a little.”

She has no idea. Oh how easy it can be for her to just say to cheer up. Yeah, let me be happy after seeing how you ponies all are. Blight had to laugh at that. Being sure to tone it down when she realized she was getting dangerously close to losing her voice in that laugh. Just short of bringing out something that really would scare Rainbow.

“Oh I’m sorry, perhaps you weren’t there when I messed up and completely ruined this day for everypony. Not like you’d understand, Mrs. Perfect…” Blight accused her with such a quick lash of her hoof. Really not wanting to give her any time to respond. “I wanted to impress everypony, give them something great back for all the hard work that they did. I wanted to reward you too. The only way… was just that, and I messed it up.”

“Soul…”

5.58
“Guess you didn’t hear it when all your friends had something to say over it. Like they think I’m so stupid to not notice how upset they were. And you come her saying I should… cut the attitude?” Damn it, she almost sounds like Soul now. Like neither of them really understood what it was like to be this way. Soul of all ponies should know. How can she not? I messed up.

You did not mess up.

“They weren’t mad at you, Soul” Rainbow spewed. Such a thing to say, Blight shook it out. I will not be lectured by some arrogant pony who has no idea what it’s like to lose something and never get it back. She has no idea how much it hurts when I realize ponies would never love me for who I am. No matter how upset Dash started to look. How confrontational her voice was.

“Maybe you should wake up and see the bigger picture, Dashie.” Blight walked over to her. “You have no idea. No idea what it’s like to have to work from the bottom up to get at your dreams, those damn dreams that are taken from you by others for things you were not at fault for. Or maybe you should. You all worked so hard on this party to welcome me and I ruined it, now everypony is mad at me and that dream of yours for me to have friends is ruined all because of me.”

“You didn’t ruin shit!” Dash yelled. “I thought that rainboom you did was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen you do. Nopony could ever do that. Maybe it didn’t go the way you wanted but it still impressed me. And you don’t know what the others may think. You don’t know that they are actually worried for you.”

Oh this is hilarious. Blight giggled a little. Really taking a lot of strength just to keep herself from blowing her cover. Trying to keep up with how Soul was was starting to get harder the more this dragged on. She actually began feeling a little tingle inside her. Really wanting to laugh her heart out to the delusion she was hearing. Almost like pleasure. Haha, I need to stop before anything happens.

She had to step away for a moment. Regain her composure. For what was left of it. Rainbow Dash is a bold one, I can see why you like her, Soul. But she really doesn’t know her place. She never has known true pain. Such is the curse of youthful ignorance. But Blight couldn’t be mad at her. Just like getting mad at Soul for being so hopeful. Doesn’t mean I got nothing to say to this stupid mare.

5.59
“They were all just caught up in the moment, but they’ll cool down. Twilight actually is very worried about you. All you did was make a mistake.”

“A mistake, huh?” Blight asked. Glancing at Dash from the side. Just like that, Rainbow turned around completely. Smiling now and waving her forelegs up briefly in joy. “Yeah! But not at all that bad. Like I said, you did pretty amazing. The best show you could’ve done for all of them. You should’ve seen their faces when you lit up the sky. They loved it.”

“Up until the last part, right?” Blight asked. “You made a mistake and they all know it. None of them expect you to be perfect, just be yourself. There really is no need to worry about it” Dash said. This is amazing. She really has no clue. I’m doing my best to mimic Soul but now she’s really starting to get at me. But that was the crazy part. How does Dash not know just what this can do to Soul? Why is she not being herself? After all the time spent watching these two as kids, this was just not right to see Dash act like this. Rainbow Dash truly was ignorant. Maybe she had forgotten, hard to believe considering how close these two were. Yet even Soul seemed to be having a hard time understanding just what this means. What upsets me.

They all don’t like me. If they knew I wasn’t Soul, they’d all want to get rid of me for what I did. Because I’m not good enough. I am the one who ruins everything for everypony. That’s just how it is, and there’s just more ponies that are mad at me. None of them will understand.

Blight grinned. They are all perfect ponies.

She sighed up at the rising Moon beginning to take its place in the sky. Watching it move. Sit up there, just like so many other nights like this. She may as well be alone again instead of laying in bed with her best friend during these nights. A gift she desperately wanted to give back. But to who? To see if this whole endeavor meant anything. All the while somepony stood here with her pretending to know anything.

5.60
“Caught up in the moment?” Blight said. Lowering her head back down. Staring out at the trees past Rainbow. Let me enlighten her. “Like everypony else twelve years ago? When they were all caught up in the moment of banishing me over a little mistake that I didn’t even do. You really don’t seem to understand even after what I said back in the castle. So let me tell you right now…”

Blight pushed herself to Dash now. Stamping forward to a flustered Pegasus until she planted herself firmly in her face. Kneeling into her. Wanting to be sure Dash could look into her eyes when she said this. “Just maybe… I’m not happy with this shit. Ever think of that?” Dash remained quiet. Stunned.

“No? Well let me say why.” Blight took another step forward. “Just a little mistake I made of being at the wrong place, doing the wrong thing did this to me. I spent twelve whole years alone and scared because of that mistake and you don’t even know. No, you know what you did? You ignored me. You left me to Celestia and she sent me away while I didn’t hear one word of you being worried for me. You never came to save me from her. Can you imagine me, a little frightened filly, defenseless in the corner of an old house listening to howling wind all the while I fought every damn day to keep myself from freezing to death! Freezing to death!”

Blight shoved her hoof right into Dash’s chest. Hopeful she got the point. Forcing her back, but Blight followed after her. “I almost died so many times, in between the endless nights where I just sat there crying myself to sleep. Eating next to nothing. I spent years dealing with that all the while wondering where my precious Dashie was. If she was even thinking about me, if she even cared because you were the only pony who wanted anything to do with me. Yet I make one mistake and you turn your back on me.” Just like everypony did to me, and it’s what you all will do too.

“Soul… I…”

Blight stomped forward to shut her up. “Shut your hole! The only reason I’m still alive was just so I could get the chance to come home and see you. These wings…” Blight flashed them up. Looking back at them and shaking her head at them. “I didn’t get them to become a damn Wonderbolt. I got them to fly out of that hellhole I was sent to because nothing less could do it. I got them to return home. I did all of this just to try and make up for what happened.” And what does it get me? It only gives me all the pain in the world.

5.61
Blight stopped her walk when Rainbow stepped back into the pond and was forced to hold her ground. So close that the Pegasus had to sit herself down into the murky water. Blight staring down at her. Taking a moment to breath and relax just a little at seeing how sad Dash looked. “I wanted to see you” Blight admitted that one big truth. “Even after you turned your back on me. So don’t go lecturing me over making mistakes, because… my life taught me one thing. That mistakes hurt… badly.”

Blight gulped saying that. It’s so hard to not remember just what those mistakes did to me. “And I find it hard to believe you weren’t upset over what I did back there, when you were so quick to leave me when we were kids.”

“I was… just a kid” Dash whispered.

“And we didn’t know any better…” Blight said for her. “Well Celestia was an adult. She was quick to turn on me as well. So what does it matter? The result was the same. I suffered for twelve years, I finally came back and you’ve done a damn fine job at…”

Blight gasped when Dash’s hoof planted itself against her mouth.

She looked down that foreleg reaching up to her to where Dash was staring up… with a smile. “You don’t need to say anymore.” What is she…? Blight stepped back just as Dash stood up from the water. Following her and not lifting that hoof off of Blight’s mouth. Rainbow smiled deeper, looking down at the ground. She fluttered her wings at her side. Before she finally gently let her hoof down.

“I’ve been waiting so long for that…” Dash said with a giggle, and Blight had no more to say. Unsure what it was she was seeing. But Dash kept coming closer and Blight kept backing up. What is she doing? This… this isn’t what I was hoping to happen. What she expected. But they both stopped. Listening to all that water dripping off of Dash’s tail and hind legs. Soaking the soil that buckled under her hooves. Soulblight looked over, to see the other source of that same sound. Where she was surprised to see none other than Twilight crossing from the trees and standing over there. Silent but with a smile.

What is she doing here? What is…? “Dash…”

5.62
“I really… really missed you being so strong, Soul” Dash said. Looking back up at her. “I like it, just like I used to.”

Just like… wait, but I was just being… Blight had nothing to say. How is this pony even getting this out of what I said? “I was always the only pony you ever got heated with, guess I should be honored you’re doing it again. After twelve years, I really did miss that. It’s true, I haven’t been a good pony to you. I regret everything I did, and have been trying my best to make up for it today, ever since you got here. You have been through so much, things I can never hope to imagine and I’m so sorry you had to go through it all.”

Dash reached up and touched her hoof against Blight’s cheek. Blight felt her heart skip a beat. Gasping slightly. Listening to her. Seeing just how sincere Dash looked in her eyes where not even the dark of night could plague them. Shining like Soulblight’s fur with those yellow eyes of her right in the middle of Dash’s looking back at her. To see just how shocked she looked in her reflection. How… calm she was feeling when Dash spoke so softly. “I can’t turn back time, if I could then I would’ve long ago to stop you from leaving. So you never would have had to feel so alone and so helpless. But that was then, there’s nothing that can be done about it. We have to deal with what’s going on now, and now, I want you to be happy after all those years. It’s why I did all this for you. Even after that ‘mistake’ you made long ago, I still did all this for you. Does that not mean something?”

Blight looked back at Twilight. The princess still standing watch over them, leaning against a tree with a smile. She’s not mad at all, neither is Dash, and Dash is talking like this. She really shouldn’t. Dash is too damn proud to say this stuff to me. Does she even know Twilight is here too?

Dash, I know you’re trying to make yourself out as a better pony but… you aren’t answering my question. Not at all. Being nice to me… it’s… it’s not enough. Right? Is she being nice to me… or to Soul? I am the one who made the mistake.

“I… umm…” Blight couldn’t even think of what to say. Just that… she felt so warm inside. That this was counting for something.

5.63
“I’m really happy you’re back, I’m really glad to see all that you accomplished in the time we were apart. I only want to reward you for doing all of that… and to let you know that… mistakes are just that. They’re not something to hold us back.” If only you really knew. Sometimes… it’s just too much. It feels too much. But… I…

I like this.

My mistakes? Not hold me back? Rainbow Dash is… kind of nice.

“You really did all that training just to see me?” Dash asked. That was the exact reason Soul had. Part of the reason, in that mare’s never-ending drive for self-sacrifice. She always gave so much. Just like what I did. “Yes” Blight whispered. Lowering those wings of hers down.

“That’s so nice” Dash smiled wide. “You think one dumb mistake is gonna ruin this moment after all you did? You’re not as bad as you think. I actually really liked your rainboom. I’ll even admit… that it was…” Dash looked off to her side. Gulping loudly before she turned back to her. “Better than mine. So don’t be ashamed. The party is still on, and you’re still our guest of honor. So come back.”

Rainbow Dash…

“We’d all like you back” Twilight finally spoke up while walking over to join them. Dash quick to shiver and turn away with the biggest blush she could have. Clearly answering that other question. Gone silent now. Stepping aside for Twilight to step in, offering her hoof to Blight. Staring down at it questioning whether or not she should take it. For this seemed too much to believe. “One mistake won’t change how we feel about you” Twilight said softly. “Everypony makes them. Even Dash did with Applejack’s farm.” Met immediately with Dash grumbling off to the side. Not able to get rid of her blush let alone staring Twilight off for saying that.

She did, however, take a look at Blight. Expectantly. With both ponies just so bright to her right now. Not at all like she expected anypony to act after what happened. When Twilight had more right than any other to be mad at her. Alongside Dash… they had no reason to, yet they did. “So what do you say?” Twilight said pushing her hoof closer for Blight to take. “Come back? All your friends are waiting for you.”

Friends? With Rainbow also giving her own hoof now for Blight to take. Standing proudly now next to Twilight. Neither of them changing. …They still want me.

Unbelievable.

5.64
The doors opened for Blight and both Twilight and Dash let her in first, stepping within the room atop gleaming and clean floors of crystal much like the walls and even the doors themselves. As shiny as all the windows returned to being, and she gasped in amazement. Doors opened to reveal that the room was completely as she remembered it. When she expected everything in here to be sent about with shards of glass everywhere. No, it turned out just like all the rest of the interior and the castle itself. As incredible and relieving to see that castle completely untouched when under the dark skies of the Moon.

Chairs all set perfectly around the food, plenty of balloons and streamers flittering about. Nothing out of place. Even that stupid drawing of Pinkie still set up. Exactly like nothing happened. If she were younger, she may even think time had been turned back if not for what Twilight had said. That alicorn stepping by her and joining her inside the room. Proud of herself. “See, just a little magic, no biggie.”

“Yeah” Dash chimed in. Stepping forward and standing by Blight’s side. Sweeping her hoof forward to behold the room to her in all its sparkling glory. “So no need to worry anymore about it.” Dash gave her a little push, and Blight complied. Joining with them back into the heart of this castle where the sight of all her mistakes had been completely wiped away and everything returned to normal.

Amazing. I just hope it wasn’t too hard to fix. I could have done it myself, and I know I should’ve done it myself. Nopony should clean up after me. Now she had to find some way to pay Twilight back if the alicorn would ever accept such a thing. Knowing the princess, she would deny it. Likely boast how easy it was to fix this when Blight should have insisted on it herself. Or stayed to fix it instead of running. Really, that whole fit continued to prove to be a big mistake on her part. She was only glad that Dash was not upset over her yelling at her back there. But these worries were melting away. Except for another.

5.65
All the others were also here, the centerpiece of this remade room. Standing and waiting silently together… with all their heads down. Why?

They looked like they were ashamed. When I should be the one to feel that way. Really, I’m standing in front of the ponies I could have hurt. Twilight and Dash were one thing. But there was no way these four could feel the same way. Not with the sight of that log slamming so violently close to them still fresh in her mind, and all the other things that could have happened. It was pure luck.

That alone made her bow her own head. Stopped when a cyan furred hoof tipped her chin and pushed her back up. With Rainbow Dash shaking her head at her. Blight did as she wanted though she was hesitant to. Because this really was not necessary. Not wanting to have anything to do with what happened but Fluttershy was insistent when she burst forward on soft wings to stand before Blight. “Oh I was so worried. Thank goodness you’re alright.”

Yeah, I’m alright. But Blight didn’t care to admit it. Just a bit… perplexed at how the Pegasus was acting with her. For she had no reason to worry, when I’m the one who has all the reason to worry. This pony who cried for me, she could have gotten hurt. There were no real ways to express just how relieved she was to see her just as she had been. “I’m glad you’re alright too” Blight said back. Giving her a little nod. But what can I really say?

“You just ran off, we thought something happened to ya” Applejack said stepping in to join with them. “Right when the party was gettin’ good.” “I’m sorry” Blight said. Taking a really long moment to decide. Decide that “I was just so scared that I made you all upset.” Blight stepped closer, firmly staring into Applejack’s eyes. Raising her voice, wanting them to know just how sorry she was.

“I didn’t mean to do that move… I… that’s not what was supposed to happen. Please forgive me.” “Forgive ya!?” Applejack said astonished. “Why… that was the most amazing thing I’d seen a Pegasus pony ever do. You done blotted out the whole damn sky… shoot!”

5.66
What? But it wasn’t amazing. It was terrifying. Did these ponies even care about what really happened? Even Fluttershy nodded in approval with AJ. They all could have gotten hurt, I could have easily ruined everything for Soul and for all of them. So why forgive me? I can’t understand. Not after what had happened. Remembering it. How her entire body felt so free and light. Like she was truly strong and happy without even knowing what it really was. I got carried away… and I had no idea I was. So funny how a moment of happiness like that could lead to something so terrible. It almost sounded novel to her were it not so wrong.

“But you sounded so upset…” Blight pointed out to AJ. All of you did, and they looked so mad at me. They can’t be lying to me now. Not when it counted. So… Dash laughed a little at her side. What? This isn’t funny.

“Oh come now, sugar cube” AJ said with a tip of her hat to Blight. “We weren’t upset with what you did, …just… well…” AJ stared off to the side with a really obvious smirk.

“You thought you had to clean it up, right?” Rainbow said for her and Twilight laughed as well. “Don’t worry, I saved you all from chores” Twilight said to them all. “From chores?” Blight questioned. None of them should have cleaned up to begin with. Really, all I would’ve needed to do is just one quick spell. Twilight didn’t need to be the one to do it.

“It really was a dazzling display” Rarity, of all ponies, said. “A sight of such raw and gorgeous power, really reflects on the pony who did it.” Giving her a wink at that. This felt so weird. They shouldn’t be complimenting me. From the start, this was all unimaginable. Ponies aren’t usuallt this forgiving. No. They always hate me when I do something wrong. The typical response, yet these ones didn’t. Almost like they are sincere with me. With how they treated me earlier.

5.67
“But you said…”

“I know I said a rather… harsh thing” Rarity cut Blight off. “Take it that’s what made you run off, but I assure you I wasn’t mad at you. I can just…”

Not mad at me. That sounded very hard to believe. Yet that wasn’t the amazing thing to Blight. The amazing thing was she silently listened to her and believed everything Rarity said. With how all of them are acting… maybe they all are right. Maybe Dash was right in the end. That these were ponies that would love Soul, and I think… they like me.

Their words mean a lot to me. What they do means a lot to me. Blight could still feel that soft touch on her face that Dash gave to her. Would anypony just do that for me? Would Dash do that if she saw who I am? …Maybe. Maybe she would like me.

“Forgive me, I can just get rather upset when my mane is ruined. Personal habit, dear.” Rarity smiled widely. Giving her curly purple mane a generous tap. “But it’s all better now. I never had anything against you.” She looked down humbly. “It really was a wonderful move you did.”

“Maybe next time, we should use a bomb shelter” Pinkie said happily. “I’ll get to building one soon cuz you bet I want to see that move again.” Blight wanted to laugh. She managed a smile instead. Shuddering a little with how happy she was feeling that… that she could actually believe all of them had nothing against her. They were all still here for her. None of them shunned her. They actually care?

“I don’t know what to say. None of you are mad at me?”

“Why would we be mad?” AJ asked. “Yeah, silly” Pinkie burst in from behind Blight. “Everypony knows a good party needs some bang and you got it. You’re alright in my book.” Even wrapping her own hoof around Blight’s neck just like Dash did. But to hear what they were all saying as well, it meant so much more. Blight couldn’t stop from smiling. Looking over to Dash. That cyan Pegasus knew it. She knew she was right, and that it was all turning out just as she said. She really does know her friends so well. It really makes me continue to wonder, but not now, and everypony joined in.

5.68
“We’re your friends…” Twilight said. Said and made Blight’s ears perk up.

My friends, but… and all of them nodded. Circling around her. Not leaving her side as she expected. Not at all like Dash did with Soul. She stood her alongside them all. Not leaving. With smiles that made her feel so comforted. Like she truly did belong. Belonged among these friends. They really mean it.

“Friends stick together… through anything.”

Friends stick together… through anything. Dash? Blight glanced over to that other pony. The one pony she expected out of all of them to know just how deep that line meant. She looked as if she did. Friends do stick together. No matter how far. That must be why… you also cried all those nights. I’m so sorry I yelled at you.

“…The party’s not over” Applejack said over the silence. “Maybe this group of friends should enjoy what’s left of it.” “I’m so down” Rarity answered. We group of friends. Why… it sounds so beautiful. The only thing missing… is that magenta Pegasus standing by my side. Too late now. I see now what she wanted. …She was right.

I’m sorry, Soul. For yelling at you. We should never have fought.

Hey, we are friends, right? We were eventually going to fight over something. I’m just so glad you’re happy.

Thank you for all of this. Thank all of you. I think they all do like me!

Blight finally joined them in laughter. “Yes, let’s party.” Queuing right up that upbeat music that played so vibrantly throughout the party. Let’s finish this night off right!” Pinkie yelled out and everypony ran off laughing. Music playing so happily and then… softly as it changed entirely. Blight felt it, looking over in time to see that Twilight did something with her magic to change it and that purple pony trotted off with a goofy grin to Blight.

Huh? This music though. It wasn’t so happy or hyper as she could call the previous. It sounded… different indeed. Like it spoke to her. Soft and strumming. But to also be strong. It made Blight’s heart flutter. Her mind calm… to hear such a soothing melody as solemn as the chilly snow-filled skies themselves. Like it really spoke to her. Made her feel… happy. Like somepony did softly sing to her. Caressing her ears, and all of the others did do nothing more than dance to it. Quietly. Softly. Like the song itself. How this entire atmosphere changed. How strange.

All of them together.

5.69
Blight stumbled over, just as Pinkie pushed herself into Blight’s side and she ran off. Before Blight could even complain to the giggling pink pony, or before she hit something soft to break her fall. Turning, finding none other than Rainbow Dash with her. Staring at her. Not even caring Blight fell into her.

“That Pinkie, huh? So rude” Dash said. “But I think her hearts in the right place.” She smiled.

“…Yeah” Blight said stepping off of Dash, but that pony still followed her over and… set one of her hooves down on Blight’s hoof. So suddenly, Blight almost shrieked feeling her hoof touched by another. So gently and soft. But Dash held her hoof down. Or was it that… that I’m… not even trying to get away from her? Just watching that cyan Pegasus and how she made a small giggle while rolling her eyes. Even as she came closer.

What is with her? Why am I feeling this way? Blight felt scared of how it felt but… she could honestly say she… actually liked being this close to Rainbow. That there was nothing to be afraid of. There was only one other pony who ever earned this feeling from her. I can’t believe I feel it with her. That this is truly happening. That this pony asked her this question.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

Dash…?

5.70
Blight stood still between all the other ponies, all circled around her and doing their own thing in the best ways that Blight could call dancing. Looked more like partying especially with how much incredible fun it looked as if they all were in. Not even paying attention to the two pegasi, where Rainbow Dash offered her hoof to Blight.

She stared down at it. Nopony has ever asked me to dance.

“I’ve never really danced before” Blight admitted. Safe to say that since she knew for sure that Soul was also in the same boat as her. Just her admission. Please don’t expect much from me. I feel kind of nervous, especially with how good some of them are with their hoofwork, while others… not so much. Looking away from Twilight and back to Dash with a grin. And I’m so nervous… to be dancing with another pony. Me of all ponies.

“Don’t expect much better from me.”

“That’s alright” Dash nodded. “I’m not one for it either. In fact… this is my first time with another pony.” So she really is serious about doing this with me. We’ll actually be doing some sort of duet… should I be happy or afraid? No back out now, even with that last point. She still grimaced over it.

“Don’t worry… we’re all here to have fun” Rainbow assured her. “Just ignore the others and follow my lead.” Pushing her raised hoof closer to Blight. Like she were begging for her to do something. To follow her lead. Blight raised her own hoof as well and met it close to Dash’s. Taking one last look at all the others who really were just into their own thing. Like there really wasn’t much to worry over. All of them having fun. They probably expect the same of me. None of them will care… it’s just Dash… and me.

“Why do you want to dance with me… and not the others?” Blight had to ask. A duet at that. The others just were dancing their hearts out but… that was not at all the vibe she was feeling from what they were going to do together.

“Maybe I want to see how good you are at keeping up with me. Maybe I just want to enjoy this with you. You know, cuz we haven’t had much chance to do things… just the two of us.” And the more Dash spoke, the more her eyes trailed off away from Blight. She is so flustered. She may use whatever reason she wanted. To Blight, they were all good enough no matter which one was the priority. Because it told her a lot. After all that happened tonight… she wants to dance with me. A pony… likes me enough. Enough to ignore the mistakes I make… and to dance with me.

“I’d be honored…” Soulblight agreed. “And thanks.”

5.71
Blight needed no telling to know what to do and both pegasi clapped their raised hooves to one another’s. Blight did exactly as Dash asked and followed her lead. Setting her hoof down with Dash and both stepped towards the other. One step, as Blight slid her left hoof underneath Dash and a cyan one did the same with her. Sliding closer, Blight stopped just as she did just short of ramming their noses into one another. But it feels so perfect. Like this was meant to happen and Dash didn’t even flinch. Dash just kept her cool doing this. She had no fright of doing this.

If she’s not afraid of this, then I won’t be.

Both pegasi raised their wings as high as they could, Blight’s towering well over Dash and casting her in a shadow. Not one feather fell out of place, and Blight watched her partner move. Folding her wings back up and sliding her hooves, skidding her hind legs right and circling with Dash as she felt her fur touch against that of Dash’s with both their forelegs locked under the other. Lowering in a bow… she outstretched her wings and sent them forward till their tips touched with those of Dash’s until Blight found herself surrounded by magenta and cyan feather enclosing her with her partner. Blocking out the others, like it was only them.

No others to watch.

Blight smiled finally. It’s like all that worry dripped away… with how well this was going. I love it. She almost missed when Dash started snaking her outstretched foreleg up along hers. Blight did the same and crossed those two legs together. Perfectly.

“I never thought you’d be any good at dancing” Blight commented on the performance of what she could call her instructor.

“I guess being at those Cloudsdale balls payed off” Dash said. “Balls? Since when were you one for such formal events?” Blight stepped back as both let their wings go from the other. Circling again with Dash as both their legs remained locked. Watching Dash’s tail flowing behind her with the grace of her wings. Blight didn’t know if she was performing the same but felt so free like this.

“A chance with the Wonderbolts” Dash said. “Though… I never could get any of them to do this with me.” “So I’m just a substitute?” “Shut up” Dash said and quickly skidded forward, wings parted and curled up like a crane to the ceiling that Blight mimicked. Stepping back from each other as quick as they came close and never letting go. Even when Blight suddenly found herself pulled closer to Dash. She held her wings the same as Dash had her own, even when startled.

“I prefer to do this with you.”

5.72
Blight widened her eyes. Feeling Dash drop their entwined legs, a moment to pass before she found Dash crouch before her… and she twirled, wings still kept up… like she wanted Blight to do the same. She did it as well. Just a little slower than she saw Dash do it but she almost kept up with her and twirled with her until their forelegs locked again.

“With me, huh?” Blight saw it now. Even though she loved these moves, there was one thing about them that she noticed with how slow and elegant they were… and how they always revolved around them being one. Like a true duet indeed meant to impress the others with how in synch their skills were.

“You’d rather not do this with some stallion at the ball?”

“Why do that when I could do it with the best partner I’ve ever had?” Dash grinned.

Soulblight held her breath, almost ready to gasp but… she held her poise. Not wanting to break the perfect circle the two made as they slowly circled together with their hooves locked, Blight keeping her partner in her eyes and the same done from the other side. Both ponies guiding the other along… until Blight felt a small tug from Dash. She knew what to do. The same that Dash had done, and she pulled Blight close to her this time. Different… when she saw that Dash arced her wings open again and flashed them out behind her, with a quick tilt of her head backwards like she was directing her.

Does she want me to do the same? There’s something about her eyes. No. I’ll do the opposite. Blight sent her wings forward. Dash’s wings curled back, held in the air. But not Blight’s. She saw them there, held around Dash’s neck.

“Well done” Rainbow complimented. Soulblight giggled in enjoyment knowing she got it right. Then Dash made her move, dropping the lock they had and switching hooves so her right leg went around Blight’s left, and she backed off. Their wings closing. Blight waited and watched. Her partner bowing her head a little and dipping her wings to Blight. She did the same to her, and Dash pranced. Sidestepping on soft hooves that Blight also did, but in the other direction. Locked together, they spun slowly in that circle.

So gentle and perfect. There was no reason to fear tripping over. This all was just so calming. Not a hoof out of step and both pegasi mocked the other without flaw. Face to face no matter what as they sidestepped along the other’s path. Never letting their hooves go from one another. In their perfect dance.

5.73
“Almost like back then” Dash said softly. Blight looking up from watching her slowly prancing hooves and seeing Dash staring at her deeply. Shocking at first to see her look so intently at her. …Why calm my heart?

Soulblight couldn’t say she didn’t like it. She couldn’t say that for any of this… her own voice coming out as soft as Rainbow’s. “What do you mean?” Stepping closer just as Rainbow did, circling all the more with her. Tightening her grip around her leg. “I know this… may sound weird but… do you feel like… like we’re flying together?” Her own wings even twitched when she said that.

Like we’re flying together? In this… dance… I wonder. Would this be the same experience for Soul? Soul loved doing this with another pony, the feeling of being so close to one and trusted enough to participate with them.

Like we’re flying. …Soul, she would always compare her flying to dancing. Carving perfect moves in the sky. That total sense of freedom and skill, and she always shared it with another. With this pony.

So she felt the same, and… do I? For that happy and carefree filly she saw long ago alongside another filly flying in the sky like the greatest partners that could be made. A bond that was so deep, at least for Soul… when she loved it more. More than what I can call normal. Is it for this reason? The same feeling I have now.

Soul… I’m so selfish, and so sorry for taking this moment from you. This chance to feel it again. But I promise, you will feel many more like it. Because… that deep bond. Blight lowered her lashes. Smiling with that thought and looking up at her partner; this pony feels the same. And she likes doing this with me. It was mutual, and no other pony can experience it. For it was unique.

Blight took a deep breath. Pulling Dash close and then stepping aside. Just in time for her to glide past her silently. Rainbow reacted to her move, as did Blight and both of them spun around the other. Blight raised her wings up high. Rainbow did the same. One. Two. Three. Four spins and Blight stopped, reaching her right hoof out and connecting with Dash’s left. Both locked together again. Wings dropped down and their tips touched high over their heads. Blight let out her breath. Staring into the eyes of Rainbow.

“Just like I’ve always wanted to do with you” Blight confirmed. With a pony who would like me for who I am.

5.74
The others clapped. Stopping her concentration for a moment, and it looked like Dash hadn’t noticed it either. To see all the others gathered around them in looks one could describe as awe. Clapping and then stamping their hooves in excitement. Watching the pegasi in their dance. And we aren’t even stopping.

Just one glance, Blight didn’t care. Not at all to know the others were watching. I don’t even care how long they have been watching. It could not ruin the moment. Rainbow Dash even pulled her closer, unafraid, and they circled again with wings touched together. Magenta feathers lapped over cyan ones.

“Same with me…” Dash whispered with a smile. “When we flew together in the skies, I even felt it was just like a dance back then” Blight said.

“Funny, I felt the same way too. It made it feel even more fun.” Rainbow looked off to the ceiling. Sighing and looking back down, not losing her smile. Not losing this moment that Blight loved, and the longer it went on, the more she felt… that happiness… softly creeping in. Like no worries existed now. She almost forgot the whole point… again. But it was easy to, just like this whole night had been. Entwined in this dance with Soul’s old friend.

It’s like she has become… my friend. I can’t help but feel this.

“Did you miss having a pony to do this with?” Blight asked. Pulling Dash closer to her, and the Pegasus accepted it. Willfully coming closer till their fur almost touched and their wings pressed into the other. “Not anymore” Rainbow said. “You don’t miss it?” Blight waited for her response. Feeling a tickle along her wings, looking up in time to see Dash’s wings slide down her own and snake in around her neck. Closing in. Blight was hugged. Between those great wings of her Soul’s old friend, and she let her own wings fall to the floor.

Her heart skipped a beat. Though she still did what she needed, and both ponies stood up. On only their hind legs, so close. Her forehooves set upon Dash’s forehooves, between the comforting shelter of those thick blue wings. Standing inside those wings. Closing the others off, and Dash whispered. “Because I have you again. I missed you… and you have no idea how happy I am to see you like this.”

“You are my friend.”

Her… friend? I’m her… friend.

Blight closed her eyes. Her forehead pressed softly, softly against Rainbow Dash.

5.75
“It’s amazing how things turned out.” Soulblight stared up at the deep night sky. Feeling like she had been here before. Perching her forelegs and head atop the railing of the great balcony high above the quiet hills and grasslands where even the crickets chirped softly. Like nothing wanted to disturb this beautiful scene that the Moon shined its lovely gaze upon through a cloudless sky. Empty and perfect as she recalled all the other nights.

“Nights like this always were so different, nothing at all like what everypony experiences.”

“Are you talking about…”

Blight looked over to Rainbow Dash perched just as she was right next to her. Nodding before Dash could finish what she wanted to say. Rainbow went back to staring out at the sky with her. Silently listening just as Blight did to the still world around them. With much of Ponyville and far beyond set in dark, where the only lights to shine flickered desperately through windows, and this castle shone like a mighty star among the world. Such a perfect sight.

“I never knew what to expect of ponies here. If there would be anything here for me, anything to show me that I can have a home. So many fears and so many unknowns.”

Maybe I wanted this for Soul… what about me? My heart loves it.

It’s like… I have found a world I can trust here. As the silence went over that world, and Blight… there was no pain. There could be none.

For once, I feel like I belong. How is that possible? I… I’ve never felt this before. Like ponies actually do care about the things I have to say. None of them want to hurt me… they even dance with me. So few ponies… ever make me feel this way. So few moments.

5.76
“I always used to stare out at the sky like this wondering what it would be like to have a home like this. Whatever that home could look like and if everypony would want me. If I would be accepted.” If I would mean anything to them all. To be around ponies like these. Actually participate in their lives for once. Even when Soul did it, Blight did notice it all, and to do it for herself. That great gift that Soul gave me. All these gifts she gave me. Sure, all these ponies could have had their own party without her being here, enjoy themselves and each other’s company. But would it be the same? The same as me being here. To think about all the smiles she made, all the fun and moments to be shared with them all. No matter how good or even bad.

I think so.

She glanced back over at that pony. How calm she looked as she stared up at the sky, like she didn’t even know Blight was watching. I feel something from her. Unlike any other… except for just one pony. Is it so weird… that I feel the same for this pony right now? I saw it in her eyes while we danced. In a dance… one she had never done before… yet it felt so right. Like it was meant to happen. Meant to go as it did.

When I touched her leg, was it right to feel a shiver? When she looked at me, was it right to be speechless? And as we did come close, …was it right for my heart to feel that way? Now. Now, I don’t want to leave her side… even if this party is ending, I don’t want this to end. With Dash’s eyes half closed even though she still smiled. I still want to be with her. Just as I want to be with Soul. And that… that was the point… of all of this.

I see now… I wanted this all along and that I feel that I belong. Does Dashie feel the same?

5.77
“It’s like all my worries are gone” Blight said the truth.

“You know, I spent the morning not even knowing what to do for you” Rainbow said. “I was so scared that I wouldn’t be able to do anything to make you feel welcomed again. You staring out at that sky, it must have been so cold. So frightening.”

“So cold… it always made me cry. Staring out there… all alone” Blight chimed in. And nopony will have any idea how I truly felt.

“You must have really been so alone. I can’t even imagine it” Rainbow said. You don’t and you never will have to. Even if that was just the easiest thing to get over. “I never want to feel that way again, and I don’t think I have to” Blight edged closer to her. Propping her head up on one leg and… she offered the other to Dash. Snaking it along the railing and just short of touching Dash’s leg. She took it. Dash’s fur laying on top of Blight’s, and she smiled deeply. Both of them did.

“Did I make up for it?” Rainbow asked. Thinking back over the day… she did. You actually made me feel…

“You did, a while ago.” When it took special ponies to make me feel this way, I see it as more than what they would. For they all take advantage of this feeling. Unlike those who come to cherish it as we should. Together like this. Like no other time. For nights like this to go on, to be plentiful. The planting of that wish. All of it made possible now, now I feel it, and I don’t want to let it go. Enough to say it inside herself.

I like this pony.

Light flashed over them. Blight didn’t even shake. She couldn’t not when holding the leg of this pony. Neither did Dash. With both of them looking. Looking up to see it all, when not even the thundering boom could stop Blight from smiling. From feeling any fear. To only feel that sense. The sense of happiness. As it shone in her eyes. As bright as the sky, bursting of fire. Blooming in the Sun’s shine. Orange and yellow sparks dashing across the sky before they too roared into life and became like a flower. A flower in the sky.

5.78
Soulblight watched them all. Fireworks… to see them for herself. Too much of a kindness. While they went off with every color of the rainbow. Lighting the entire sky and becoming one with the Moon to brighten up the night over all of Ponyville. To the sounds of thunder. To the sounds of ponies cheering in awe all across the town. She could hear them all. All their joy to be felt from an endless burst of dazzling lights unlike anything Blight had seen. All because of this. This great time.

To think, I may have lost this chance. That I could never know it. We came so close to losing it. Amazing. Now it’s like all my fear is gone. For even a moment. This moment unlike any other. Blight would have it no other way. I’m happy to say that I feel I made friends tonight. I feel like I belong.

Maybe it won’t be too bad to be myself around them.

Blight almost felt her eyes swell thinking that. So much so… she had to wipe a hoof over them. Just to stop it. Strange, I didn’t think I’d feel this way over… over that. She looked away and… she saw them. All of them. Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy… and…. a smile so deep right at her side, and a magenta hoof touching down on her back. As Soul did stare up at the sky with them all. Blight smiled too… even when she blinked, and it all went away.

It’s just Rainbow Dash and me.

Today… we are all together. And I will make it so forever. Because I really do feel it. I was right about the others. But Soul, you were right about them loving me…

Blight looked back over to the one pony she had with her. Rainbow’s smile so deep and bright looking up at the colorful skies. “Thank you for tonight” Blight whispered to her. “It was beautiful.”

Dash grimaced… and her happiness showed deeper. So much that she slumped her head and… she even wiped a hoof over her own eyes. Her shimmering eyes. Lit so well in the greens and blues of the sky. Flashing all their colors over her. The one thing in this night to look so open to Blight. “I’m glad you liked it” Dash whispered glancing over to her from the side. Trying her best, but Blight knew it. Rainbow was happy. “Anything… to make you happy.”

5.79
It really is amazing how things turn out. I never thought I’d feel this way. For another pony. Rainbow Dash, you’ve come so far… so far from the filly I saw. So much that you are actually making me cry. You went so far. Even yet… you never changed. It really is incredible. For any pony such as her, to go through so much, to not change at all. To still be that filly that I respected long ago. And now I do feel we can all be together.

Why be sad? There is no reason to be. Because I… I want to make it all right now. When I never thought I could. Back when I thought I couldn’t do it, no I will. All because of Rainbow Dash. Finally. I know… I know what it is that all you ponies cherish. To get that feeling.

...I got my answer.

So many ponies now. So many in my life, enough for me to see that chance. I can’t help but cry. To feel my own tears go down my cheeks. I have to cry. Together under this night sky with the one pony I have learned to like. I look at her with tears in my eyes and truly do see a pony that I want in my life too. In this world that I want in my life. That has accepted me. I trust you all… and I trust you…

Rainbow Dash.

5.80
“Hey… you’re sorta staring at me.”

Blight blinked, seeing Rainbow Dash once more… the mare actually folding in on herself and shyly smiling over at her.

Don’t try to be so shy… I can see it. You’re not so bad or tough enough to hide that you’re blushing. It’s just who you are. And you share your kindness to me. I like it. Don’t ever change. Rainbow Dash.

“Was I?” Blight whispered. Softly stepping down as the fireworks died off. “I didn’t notice.” Soulblight giggled. I don’t often get that way. Consider yourself lucky, Dashie. I don’t often feel this. There is but one other pony who was able to gain my trust, and it’s like a fantasy now. This fantasy world we share together. This feeling you have me. I can see no other way to end this night… than with this.

Soulblight walked up. Rushing. Just to do this.

Her head found its spot. Hiding underneath Dash’s head. Rested against her chest, and Blight had to put her legs around that pony so tightly. Never let this moment end. This moment of hugging another pony. When that pony grabbed her too and held her tight, that was when Blight finally cried into her fur. No more sad tears… joy. Held together underneath one another’s wings.

I feel safe. Thank you, Dashie. “Thank you for all of this.” That was all it took to feel Dash’s heart rush inside her chest. Beating hard against Blight’s cheek, and she heard that gentle voice. Heard it clearly… even if it was a whisper. I hear it and…

“I love you… Soul.”

Soul?

5.81
I see.

5.82
Consider yourselves lucky. To have such a normal life. One you two will share together. Rainbow Dash and I hug but it’s only you that she hugs. And now I feel it. As my tears become pain. Fine…

“W-what was that?” Blight asked.

“N-nothing.”

Act so shy… but I know how you feel. None can escape these ears. You love Soul. Not me.

5.82
Rainbow yawned. Just as she picked up the second pair of saddlebags and plopped them on her back. Being sure to give her wings enough room to fly. Don’t want to keep Soul waiting. Another night together. Soul probably is so tired after all this. As was Rainbow Dash.

As the castle fell silent and everypony left. Everything so perfect, with not one problem to rise from this day. For it to end like this. I love it. To feel that way. I… I never thought I’d say that to her. I’m glad she didn’t catch it. I… I must’ve… Dash sighed. Sighed and smiled. No. I did good enough. She doesn’t need to know. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy. Glad to know I didn’t fail her. That we could finally hug.

We finally hugged.

“Rainbow…” she heard from the corner of the room. Surprised to hear it, to know that she was here. She saw her, Twilight come in through the door. Standing in it. She didn’t move, and both ponies locked eyes.

“Take care of her” she said. Rainbow cocked her eyebrow. …And her heart dropped.

“Take care of Soul Serenity.”

She knew. …Even though she smiled. The princess walked off. Her good friend left her with but a small glance. But Twilight’s smile was burned into her mind. …Just as it dropped, it eased. Rainbow felt no fear. Rainbow walked out on soft hooves. Looking down the hallway to see her friend leave her. Twilight’s hooves echoing along the castle, as were here words.

“She needs you.”

Next Chapter: Part 3 Solace - Act 6 Estimated time remaining: 11 Hours, 11 Minutes