I sat there in about as much shock as she was. But he died...The Doctor said he was found dead in the Gorge... I thought to myself. It didn't make sense. How can a dead pony come back to life? If he was a zombie he wouldn't have been able to write that, let alone not cause a nation wide panic. Unless if he didn't really die.

I threw that idea out the window. I concentrated on getting Fluttershy settled down and calm. "Hey, let's get you something to drink, alright?" I said as I picked her up and led her down to the kitchen. I sat her down on the couch and grabbed a glass of apple juice.

I passed it to her and she gingerly took it. "You okay?" I asked, trying to get her to talk calmly.

She took a few sips. "Yeah, I'm okay. I thought he died, though. How is he back?" she asked as she looked at me.

"Are you absolutely sure it was his hoof writing?" I asked.

She shook her head and took a few sips. "I mean, it has been a number of years since I last saw him, so I guess it could be any pony." she said. "But..." she started and trailed off.

"But what?" I asked.

She looked at me with grave eyes. "But what if he returned? What if he is searching for me?" Fluttershy questioned.

"Is it possible it was your mother's?" I asked.

"Possibly. But why wouldn't she just come and get me?" she asked me worriedly. "Why would she send me a package?"

I thought about it and realized it was how her mother would get inside her head. "When you think about it, it isn't unlike her. From what you told me, the only time your mother hit you was when you were in the hospital. She likes to get inside your head and psych you out." I said. "I wouldn't worry about it. She probably just wants to scare you." I told her, not even knowing if I believed what I was saying.

She took a finished her glass and nodded her head. "Rainbow Dash?" she said, looking at me. "I'm scared."

I could see in her eyes just how scared she was. "Hey. There's no reason to be scared." I said as I sat next to her. I pulled her close to me for a hug. "You've got me, the fastest Pegasus in Equestria and the Captain of the weather team to protect you." I said. Her hair hung over my shoulder as she laid her head on mine. I rubbed a hoof through her hair, nice and soft like a bunny. I chuckled a little when I thought of Angel.

"Now, I know you worked hard on the dress, but I don't think we should go to the dance. I'm not going until I know you are safe." I said.

She pulled out of the hug. "Oh, no! We are still going to go to the dance! You have a date with Long Horn! You can't miss that!" she exclaimed.

"I thought you said he was a big meanie?" I reminded her.

"Well, yes. But if you're going to give him a chance, then I might as well too. And besides," she said as she flushed a little, "I'd feel much safer being near you."

"Well, in that case," I said with pride, "let's forget about the box and enjoy the night." She nodded her head and looked at the ground. "It'll be alright. Okay? Like I said, you have me here." I said trying to reassure her.

"I know." she replied. "I'm just worried about what may happen to you."

"Come on, I'm Rainbow Dash. No pony can beat me!" I said boastfully.

Fluttershy looked at me with worry. I gave her a smile to show her that she shouldn't be afraid. She smiled back, but I don't think she believed it. Heck, I didn't believe it.

I cut up the pictures and journal excerpts from the box and threw the package away in the trash. I didn't blame Applejack for it. She didn't know. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if she had looked inside. Fluttershy and I sat around and talked, trying to get the box as far away from her mind as possible. She enjoyed talking to me. I think it's because I'm always there to make sure she is alright. She's like my little sister, even though she is a year older than me.

I liked talking to her too. It wasn't because I liked to be the protector, which I did, but because she was just a down to earth, no pun intended, Pegasus. I think I'm the one pony who she can talk about her true feelings with. She was kind, sweet, and a lovely pony to be around. Some days I actually longed for the days when we would just sit close to each other. We didn't even have to talk. Just the feeling of being close to her made my heart...

Again I shook the thought from my head. Why am I having these thoughts? I thought to myself. She's my best friend. I've known her for most of my life and she's been living with me since we were fillies. I continued to talk with her, though. I may not understand the feelings I'm having, but I liked them.

Before long it was time for us to get ready for the dance. I had calmed Fluttershy down enough for her to get ready with a smile on her face. She already had a dress and didn't need to scavenge around to find one. I banned her from making anymore dresses until she learned a bit more. I didn't want her to have to bandage her hoof again. I put on the Rainbow Flared dress and walked out of the changing room to see her standing in a green dress laced with flowers. She looked stunning. I couldn't help myself and I blushed.

"Do I look okay?" she asked, catching sight of my red cheeks.

"Uh, yeah! Of course you do!" I said trying to get ahold of myself. "But, I still think mine looks really cool."

"Oh, I'm so glad you like it. I was worried that maybe I had overdone the lightning on the edges." she said. We walked out the door and flew down to Town Hall. As much as I liked the dress, it didn't give me much room to move my wings. I didn't voice it, however. Fluttershy worked hard on it and I didn't want to upset her. I just wish I could stop blushing every time I saw her.

We landed in front of Town Hall where they were letting the ponies in. We walked inside and we began searching for Long Horn. It wasn't too hard to find him. All we had to do was look for the sea of mares that were swooning over him. I literally had to fly up and over them in order to stand next to him. "Hey, where ya' been Dasher?" he said, calling me by one of my many nicknames.

"Fluttershy and I just got here. Not to mention trying to get to you was difficult with this hoard of mares around you." I said, motioning to the group.

"Yeah, well, I have that effect on mares." he said as he tossed his long golden mane over his shoulders. "Let's get some punch." he said and walked over to the concession stand. When we approached the table I looked behind me to see if I could find Fluttershy. I found her walking around with her head low. Being as shy as she was, she wasn't going to introduce herself to anypony. But I could see by a few of the stares from my fellow classmates that they were as stunned by her dress as I was. I could tell it was making her very uncomfortable.

"Hey, Fluttershy!" I called. "Over here!" She turned and quickly ran over to me. She must have been thankful to have be close to me again. In all honesty, I was glad she was near me too. Not just because I didn't want to be alone with the top jock of the school, but also because I liked how she looked. It would definitely improve her social status if she was seen around not just one, but two of the most popular students. Ponies knew that she and I were friends, but they also know I stick my neck out for those who were defenseless.

"Hi, Rainbow Dash. I lost sight of you in all the commotion of those mares." she said to me. "Oh. Hello, Long Horn. How are you tonight?" she asked.

"I'm doing well. How about you, Flutters?" he asked. I could tell by his voice that he was only trying to be nice because she was a friend of mine.

"I'm doing well, I guess." she said quietly.

"Yes, well, Dasher and I are going to take a stroll real quick. We'll be back shortly." he said and walked off with me trailing behind.

I looked back to Fluttershy. "It'll be okay." I whispered as I passed her. We walked to the corner of the room and he pushed me into the corner. "Hey! What gives?" I shouted at him.

"Look. I'm all for you hanging out with Flutters over there, but when you are with me, you don't even talk to her." he said sternly.

"And why should I do that?" I asked him.

"Because if you don't, I'll let the whole school know that you're pal is hiding from the cops and that you are harboring her." he told me.

I looked at him shocked. "That's not what happened!" I shot at him.

"Doesn't matter. You know how gossip spreads around here." he said with a mischievous smile.

I groaned. "Why the hay would you do that?" I asked him.

"Because I don't like her. She's weak and helpless. I like you. You are strong and valiant. But my reputation would sky rocket if I gave out that juicy secret." he told me with a wink.

"She was right. You truly are a jerk." I said.

"Well? Are you going to leave her alone?" he asked.

I gave him a death glare. "Yeah. I'll work with you." I said shamefully.

"Good." he said with triumph. We walked away from the corner to a paranoid Fluttershy.

"Hey Fluttershy. Can I-" I was nudged by Long Horn before I was able to finish. I gave him a look. "At least let me tell her I can't talk to her." I whispered. He rolled his eyes and walked to the concession stand.

"What's wrong, Rainbow?" she asked worriedly.

I took a deep breath. "You see, um...I can't...You need to..." I couldn't say it. She was too vulnerable and too fragile. But I had to. If I didn't, both our lives would be ruined. "I can't talk to you tonight." I said quickly. "I can't be seen near you when I'm with Long Horn."

Fluttershy looked like she had been stabbed in the heart by a serrated knife. And I was the one who had stabbed her. I could see the tears start to well up in her eyes. "But...But...But why?" she asked in between her tears.

"It's because..." I started. I wanted so bad to tell her that we could still talk, that I wanted to have her by my side. But if I didn't know if I could. I had to keep her as far away from me as possible tonight so that Long Horn would keep his big mouth shut. "It's because I'm afraid you'll ruin my reputation here with Long Horn." I said quietly. I wanted to cry. I wanted to sit there and cry because of what I just said. I told her, no, I promised her that I would never leave her, that I would always be there for her. And now I'm pushing her and shoving her away as if she was an outcast.

I suddenly remembered all those years ago when I had first met Fluttershy. She was being picked on during her first practice session of flight school. I ran over to her and helped her out so she wouldn't be alone. The bullies laughed at her when she fell and had trouble flying. They shunned her away because she was so shy. And here I was doing the same thing. Shunning her because some other pony didn't like her.

She fell to the ground crying. I picked her up and gave her a quick hug. "I'm so sorry, Fluttershy. I'll explain everything when we get home." I whispered into her ear. I pulled out of the hug and walked over to Long Horn.

He had a huge smile on his face. He was enjoying watching the pain I felt. "Was that so hard?" he asked with a wide smile.

"Buck you." I said. I picked up a cup and downed the punch in one gulp. I hated him. I hated him more than I hated Fluttershy's parents, I hated him for making me suffer, and I hated him for the unforgivable pain that Fluttershy was feeling.

"C'mon, be happy! You're with the really popular and handsome stallion. Many mares would do a lot to be where you are." he said.

"What? Blackmailed to ditch their best friend and forced to stay with the blackmailer in order to prevent a lie from spreading? Sorry if I'm not as enthused as you wish I was." I said as I turned to look away from him.

"Hey." he said with a little more seriousness than before. "If you don't want the lie to spread, you will at least act like you are happy to be around me." I gave a groan. I turned to him with a smile. "That's better! Now enjoy the night." he said and took me to the center of the dance floor. I had to dance there, with that low life dancing in front of me, and I had to be happy about it. Happy that I was with a pony who made me into a bully and into a jerk. I wanted to vomit. He was a pig and I was the dirt he walked over.

"You aren't happy enough." he said as we were dancing.

"Sorry if I'm not glowing with joy." I said, keeping the smile on my face.

"You have to be able to prove that you are having a good time." he said, a slow smile rising on his face.

"And how in the hay would you have me do that?" I asked.

"Easy. Kiss me." he said.

I smacked him with an audible slap. "In your dreams!" I exclaimed at him.

He rubbed his cheek and gave me a glare. "If you don't want that rumor to spread, kiss me."

"You know what!? Tell it! Tell it to anyone, I don't care! Tell whatever Celestia forsaken lie you want! But I will never, ever kiss a scumbag like you!" I shouted. The music had stopped right as I yelled that. Everypony was giving us stares of disbelief.

"Looks like you drew the crowd to us. You can still redeem yourself by complying." he said as he tapped his cheek.

I smacked him again, much harder than last time. "If you want a pony to be your little play thing, choose somepony else! I am not dealing with you." I said and marched out of the room and out the doors. As soon as I went outside I flew to my house and up to my bedroom window. I flew straight in and saw a weeping Fluttershy in her bed. Angel was patting her back when he saw me. He squinted his eyes and pointed back out the window.

I sighed. "Hey, Fluttershy." I said quietly.

She looked up to me with blood red eyes. Her dress was getting crumpled from lying in the bed. "Rainbow Dash? What do you want?" she asked as she wiped her eyes.

"I...I want to apologize for what I said earlier. You were right. Long Horn is a jerk. I should never have agreed to go with him." I said ashamed.

She sniffed and wiped her eyes again. "What was that all about?" she asked.

"When he pulled me off to the side, he told me I had to leave you and not talk to you. If I didn't he was going to spread a lie about us." I said.

"What was the lie?" she said a little calmer now.

"That you were hiding from the cops and I was harboring you." I told her. I walked over to her and sat next to her on the bed. "But I ditched him. He was going to force me to kiss him. So, I told him off and left. You know, after I hit him a few times." I said with a sigh. "I wouldn't be surprised if the police came by later tonight or tomorrow.

Fluttershy slowly put her head on my shoulder. I didn't stop her. I wanted her near me. "Rainbow Dash?" she asked. "Can I tell you something?"

"Of course." I replied, looking at her.

She gave a deep breath. "When you told me that you were going with Long Horn, I was jealous. I wanted to spend the dance with you. So when it came time for me to find a dress, I wanted to find something absolutely beautiful and stunning." she said. "I had a dress before, but it wasn't really a good looking dress. So I went out and found this one. It wasn't cheap and I had to sell a few of my personal things to get it. But once I did, I was so excited that I would be able to have a dress that looked amazing. I...I wanted to impress you, Rainbow." she said with a choke.

"You did." I said, rubbing her back.

"I noticed you blushing when you saw me. I was really happy that you liked it and thought I looked good. But when we got to the dance and you told me to stay away, I felt like it was all for nothing, like I had traded in all my items for no reason whatsoever." she said sadly. There was a knock on the front door, but I made no move to go answer it. "I was very worried about what this meant for us. So many thoughts passed through my mind that I found myself hyperventilating."

Another knock on the door but I still ignored it. "You know I would never kick you out Fluttershy." I said reassuringly.

She nodded her head. "I know. But I was worried more about something else. Something more than that." she said.

"Oh, hello there. Am I interrupting something?" a familiar voice said as Fluttershy and I looked up startled.

"Doctor? How did you get in here?" I asked.

"I soniced your door." he said as he placed an item in his jacket. "I love what you did with the place. Is that the White Tail forest?" he asked Fluttershy as he pointed to her wallpaper.

"Oh, um, yes." she said shyly.

"Wait, wait, wait. You soniced my door? What does that even mean?" I asked, confused.

"Oh nothing bad. I just opened your door with my screwdriver. Anyways, Rainbow Dash, your parents are downstairs. Nice dress by the way." he said as he walked back down the stairs with my mouth agape.

Author's Notes:

I would like to thank CountDerpy for editing these chapters. He is one of the reasons I'm able to get these out so fast. Check him out! He's a great writer!