The wind was just strong enough to force me to correct for it with each beat of my wings. My father was nearby, standing on a cloud with several of the other pegasi whom had come to witness the first test of the Slipstream Flight Aid, or SFA for short. I already had the prototype strapped to my back and I could feel the tiniest eddies of the air on my primaries as the minutely unstable magics did their work. For nearly an hour now I had watched as my father described the intricacies of the magical device to several prospective entrepreneurs and philanthropists. My wings itched to fly the skies, but I knew that the demonstration was swiftly approaching.

The sprawling city of Manehattan was still visible in the distance, but our height made it a large grey smudge on the ground. Three of the local guards had decided to come and witness the event, more because they knew my father and I than because they had a genuine interest in the invention. The captain of the watch, though, was interested in the invention, and the three others had volunteered to come to watch me. Scabbard, my only real friend in the guard, slowly moved to my side, his own wings maintaining a slightly slower beat than my own. “So, Icarus, you ready to break some records?”

I scoffed and waved a hand at him. “Hardly. Dad tuned the whole thing down several levels from full power. I’ll top out at two hundred. Two-fifty tops.”

“That’s still pretty good. For you, at least.” He snorted as a wide smile came to his face. “I mean, your top speed is, what, again?”

“One seventy. But that was measured with a strong headwind. Like you’re any better, though.”

He shrugged, his grin only widening. “Any excuse, right? ‘Sides, I get one seventy five with my armor on. So I think I’ve still got you beat. Anyway, I doubt that thing will help you to break records, now that I’m thinking about it. Some girl over in Cloudsdale did a Sonic Rainboom some years ago. Now that’s a record.”

“Pegasi can’t go that fast, Scabbard. I mean, come on. The math just... It doesn’t work at those speeds.”

Scabbard was about to respond when my father called me over. I lazily drifted over before my father gave me a warm smile. “And this is my son, Icarus, the man who will be demonstrating the capabilities of the SFA. As you can see the device sits comfortably between the wings with small leads running along the wings. The encasing material for the magical flux core is naturally resistant to the magics utilized in a pegasus’ wings, so there’s no interference in that regard.”

“Enough talk, Daedalus, we already know the specifications. Let’s see this creation of yours in action. I, for one, am most interested to see if this device can do all that you claim.”

“All that and more, Quark. For the sake of safety, though, the device has been turned back to just forty percent of it’s maximum capabilities.” My father turned to look at me and he gave me a small nod. “Now, if you can get going, Icarus? And remember, keep it reasonable. This is a prototype after all.”

I let a smile come to my face as I flashed a small mocking salute to my father. “Right away, dad.” I flew lazily through the skies as I gained some altitude and headed towards the cloud that Scabbard had moved to where I was set to start from. The flight took only a few minutes but the butterflies in my stomach made it seem quite a bit longer. I knew all the math behind the creation strapped to my back, but that made it no easier to realize that I was, literally, the first pegasus to actually utilize some device to facilitate the flight that came to us as easily as breathing.

“Relax, Icarus. Your dad may be crazy, but he’s the good kind of crazy.” Scabbard’s normally cocky attitude was in abeyance as he looked over the device on my back once again. “Seriously, though, this thing’s really fucking scary.”

“Don’t remind me. He swears he worked out ‘all’ of the kinks, but I know that’s bull. If he had done that he wouldn’t have waited so long to test it.” I settled onto the cloud, fanning my wings a few times to make sure they were fully limber for what was about to come. “Flip the main breaker on the back, and let’s get this shit done. Time waits for no man, no matter how great.”

I felt Scabbard mess with the device for a few moments before he slapped me on the shoulder. “Any last words?” His cocky grin was back in place, but the concern was still in his eyes.

“Always match your leathers? No... Forty-two? Overdone... Ah, I know. Experience is the most brutal of teachers. But you learn. By the Creator, do you learn.” With a little hop I leapt from the cloud, my wings remaining staunchly closed until gravity had done all the work it could. Once I felt that I was going fast enough I snapped my wings open, the sudden change in direction sending a spike of adrenaline through my body. Each beat of my wings felt more powerful than the last, and soon I was topping out for my natural speed.

The tiny handle clutched firmly in my hand seemed to weigh more than it had before as I rested my thumb on the button. The faint pressure offered as I pressed the button belied the meaning and significance of the action. In the first few moments after activating the system there was next to no change. But, after a few heartbeats, things started moving a bit faster. I felt lighter with each beat of my wings, and the world around me began to blur as I went faster and faster still. I could still feel the air sliding around my body, but, somehow, the entire process seemed to be happening just over my skin. As I approached the cloud on which my father stood I pressed myself harder still, determined to send the wing power meter into the hundreds.

I flashed past the cloud, and yet the exhilaration of the flight spurred me to greater heights and speeds. With a quick change to my wings I rocketed nearly straight up, the faint tug of gravity acting as the only resistive force to my flight. With a cry of unbridled joy I leveled off once again, now well over three miles above the ground, and more than twice as high as I had been before. With even less air than before to resist my flight I sped up further still.

On a downstroke, though, something changed. The tiny magical eddies that propelled the air around my wing seemed to be growing narrower, allowing me to go more than twice as fast as I had previously been able to go. A sudden flash of pain lanced through my wings on the upstroke of that same sweep of my wings, and the spasm that flashed through my body prompted yet another spear of pain to be driven into my body. The process cascaded over and over until finally my sight was lost in a blur of blackness.

The fall to the ground was notably uneventful, if only because I was unconscious for most of it. My first return to awareness was as fleeting as warm water in a searing hot pan. All I could see was the world far below as I lazily spun circles while plummeting. My second return to awareness was filled with the sounds of distant shouting and the distant sound of frantically pumping wings. My third, and final, flash of awareness came when I felt a pair of arms wrap around my body and the frantic pleading of a familiar voice in my ear. I don’t know what was being said, but the tone of the voice indicated intense fear, panic, and sadness.

When I woke up for the next time I was in a hospital bed, several dozen different machines hooked up to nearly every bit of my body. I didn’t feel at all unwell so I quickly took stock of what I could see within the room. Most of it was standard hospital equipment and paraphernalia so I ignored most of that as I continued my search of the room. When I finally spotted something worth noting it made me acutely aware of the fact that I wasn’t quite alone in the room. Daedalus, my father, was sitting in the chair beside me, his normally pristine clothing disheveled and coated in more than a few rather large splotches of red.

As I sat up in bed I tried to speak to my father, in order to rouse him, but the only sound I could make was a coughing noise as my tortured throat rebelled against the sudden activity. It seemed to have been enough, though, as his eyes opened and relief passed through his frame visibly. With what seemed to be exaggerated slowness he stood and moved next to me, his eyes solidly locked to mine. “Good... Good to see you’re awake.” I struggled to form another response, but my throat was still too angry at me to allow speech. My father must have noticed because he quickly grabbed a glass of water from a table and handed it to me. “Drink slowly.”

My first instinct was to do anything but drink slowly, but I did as he advised and the soothing water, despite being a bit warmer than I’d have liked, seemed like a balm for my throat. I drank the whole thing over almost two minutes and when I finally finished my father had a small sad smile on his face. “Before any doctor comes in I wanted to be the one to tell you what happened.” I raised an eyebrow as my father grabbed the chair he had been in before and he moved it closer. “First off, it’s been four days since the accident. Everyone in the city has heard about it, including some people who are ecstatic to finally see me fail, even though they know how much it’s cost me. Second... You won’t be able to fly again. Not under your own pow --”

“What?”

I reached a hand over my shoulder, but before I could raise my hand further than shoulder level I found my wrist in my father’s grasp. “Icarus, the SFA... It --” Frantically, I pulled my hand from his grasp, unwilling to sit still and listen. Both of my hands roamed along my back, the absence of any feathers acting as the first warning sign.

Featherless and numb... Creator, PLEASE, featherless and numb...

Then, as my hands roamed further up my back I felt it. A tiny wrinkle in my skin that I could feel the stitches in. My dad averted his eyes as he choked back a half sob. Two even ropy wounds ran along my back, held closed with more stitches than I could count. The area was still numb from whatever anaesthetic they had used, but what little I could feel hurt more than I could say. I felt tears run down my face but they were ignored as my hands continued to run up and down the two holes in my back that had once been where my wings merged with my body.

“The SFA. It... Failed. Catastrophically. At the high altitude the system couldn’t cope with the thinner air. It worked harder to compensate, and it ended up narrowing till your wings were caught in the magical eddies.” He heaved a sigh as he began wringing his hands in his lap. “The SFA literally ripped your wings to pieces. Scabbard managed to save you from a hard landing, but by the time we got you here you were already cold to the touch. Blood transfusions from myself, Scabbard, and a healthy amount of what they had in stock saved your life.”

“Why did they amputate my fucking wings? I’ve seen plenty of gruesome wing injuries! But they’ve never had to amputate! Flying is... Is... Flying was.” I fell silent, all of my fury vanishing, only to be replaced with sadness. “I want to be alone.”

“Icarus... Son... It wasn’t salvageable. They were torn apart. No amount of magic could’ve repaired that level of damage.”

“Get out! That damn machine of yours did this!” My father only looked sadder, but my anger grew in response. “Only when it’s someone else do you take all the precautions! But for your son? No! No, instead you’ll go on pure mathematics! When it really matters you fuck it all up!” He didn’t say a word as he stood and walked from the room. When he got to the door he looked back at me, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He didn’t look back at me as he left, the sound of the door latching opening the floodgates.

Much after that was a blur of sadness and anger as I was given all manner of medications to help my body cope with the massive amount of blood in my system that wasn’t my own. Over the course of my stay I learned the full severity of what had happened to my wings. While knowing the truth was nice, it did nothing to soothe the emptiness I felt whenever I glimpsed another pegasus within the building. I was only confined to my room for a day after I woke up, and after that it was just the room where I slept. I was constantly watched, that much I knew. Always just at the edge of my vision, or near the exit of the room, was one of three different unicorns. They looked just like all the others, except for the fact that they were always watching me.

The fourth night after I woke up was probably the most memorable of all the nights. I was in bed, as was the norm when I was in my room, and a nurse came in. It was around three in the morning when she came in, and her surprise was apparent when she saw that I was awake. She checked the IV that I was hooked up to each night and then she just took a seat next to me, watching me as I watched her.

She was the first to break the silence. “Tell me about yourself.” Silence followed her question before she finally started telling me some about who she was, and why she chose to be a nurse. She told me so much, her voice never faltering, even when she told me about some of the harder parts of her past. When she finally finished, she repeated her query. I obliged her, telling her all about the things I had done with my friends, what I aspired to in life. My dream to be the greatest inventor in all of Equestria. My hope to finally crack the Starswirl Equation, despite not being a unicorn. All of that and more, until, finally, I came to the help I gave my father in his inventions.

“Talk it out, Icarus. It’s the only way to get over it.” She gently took my hand in hers, offering companionship as I dealt with the emotional baggage that I had been gathering over the past few days, and even the weeks and months leading up to the test. Finally, though, after nearly two hours of talking she stood up and gave me a quick hug. “You’re stronger than you think, Icarus. Just find someone you can talk to about all of this, and it’ll get better.” She strode to the door before she looked back at me for a moment. “Before I go... Is there anything I can do to help more than just being there to talk?”

“You can find me a way to fly.” Even with the help of her being there to talk I still wanted my wings back more than anything. “Some way to be as free on the ground as I could be in the sky.”

It took a year. A year, and now, finally, after all of it, the judge sits up there, a stack of papers in his hands. “And in conclusion it is the feeling of the superior court of Manehattan that Icarus Apollo Phaethon be released from the contractual obligations of his employer, Daedalus Minos Phaethon, and sent to an unrevealed location for witness protection purposes. As an added stipulation, the city of Manehattan feels that the services provided by Daedalus Minos Phaethon no longer outweigh the risk of his existence within city bounds. As such, a petition was filed, and approved, with the Canterlot Scientific Researchers Board for an immediate relocation of the aforementioned inventor to an undisclosed research outpost. Effective immediately.” The judge looked down at me for a moment before he then looked at my father. “On a strictly personal note, entirely off the record, this is probably the grossest abuse of my power as a judge I have ever seen. The system was abused and molded to fit the agendas of certain corrupt officials within the various boards and coalitions of the Manehattan division of the Scientific Society. The two of you have my sincerest of apologies. However, they have the legal , if not moral, backing, and the ruling must be followed through with.”

Two royal guards stood by my sides as I was escorted through the room, and into a sparsely decorated antechamber. Other than a few chairs and a single dead ficus tree there was nothing of note. I swiftly moved to one of the chairs, planting myself in it before burying my head in my hands. The two guards stood impassively at the door, their gazes never flickering from the wall immediately opposite them. After nearly an hour of silence I finally tried talking to them, but, in line with their reputation, they ignored me completely.

Just as I was about to get desperate for interaction with someone the door opened and a rather attractive looking unicorn came into the room. A young looking male was right behind her, a notepad in one hand, and a quill in the other. “I don’t care if you have to juggle an appointment with the mayor and my hair appointment. Make. It. Work.”

“Right, yeah, I’ll have to shift...” His voice trailed off as he continued to write. The unicorn looked at me for several long minutes before she levitated the chair over to her so that she could sit. She quickly crossed her legs before she stared at me.

Unwilling to be the object of her scrutiny I did what anyone would do. “Who the fuck are you?”

If she was taken aback by my tone it failed to show in even the smallest flicker of her face. Instead, she just waited a moment before offering a small smile. “The one unicorn responsible for giving you the best chance of having something go your way in this whole fiasco comes into the room, and your first thought is aggression. I like that. Totally goes against the information I have on you, but I suppose even my investigators aren’t flawless.”

“How should I know who you are?” I crossed my arms as I leaned back in my seat, my gaze never leaving hers.

“Well, you wouldn’t. But I’m here to tell you that I am here to help you, not hurt you. These Manehattan lawyers are good at what they do, but when faced with a hardass like myself, born and raised amongst the nobles of Canterlot? Well, they just don’t seem to measure up. Now, my name is Dawn Sparkle, and I’m here to make sure you get the fairest possible treatment from here on out.”

“Dawn Sparkle? You... I know you, but I don’t know why.” Her name had sent up some signals in my mind, but I couldn’t tell why her name was so familiar. “Something about your son and Princess Celestia?”

“My daughter, Twilight Sparkle, was taken in as the personal student of Princess Celestia, yes. My, how news travels.” She sighed before she motioned for her attendant to come over. “But we’re not here for a chat about my familial standing. We’re here about you, and your predicament. Now, in that regard, they are fully within the law to request a new place for you to stay. It’s an absurdly old and outdated law, nearly four hundred years old, but it’s still a law. As such, you now must be presented with new living arrangements, at the expense of the government, in the city or town of your choosing.”

“Manehattan, then.”

Dawn grinned at my answer, and how quickly I made it after she paused. “In the city or town of your choosing that is at least one full day away when traveling by carriage.” She grabbed the pad from her attendant, quickly flipping to a page covered in writing. “Now, since the law is four hundred years old we’ll be using their standards to determine the distance.” She showed me a list of equations, none of which were even a bit complex, before she continued. “I’ve made a list of the best possible places for you to live, and now the choice is yours.” She tossed me the pad before she leaned back in her seat. “Ponyville, Baltimare, Canterlot, if you like stuffy asshole nobles, and Clopton all fall within the range, and would be able to house you immediately. Personally, I’d stay away from Canterlot, since you don’t seem to be quite the type for the noble posh folk.”

“Ponyville. Sounds familiar...”

“Situated just next to the Everfree Forest, and it’s one of the closest towns to Canterlot, excluding the settlements around the base of the mountain. Also one of the sites of the last battles of the Secession War more than a thousand years ago.”

“What’s it like?”

She snorted as she shook her head. “No idea. I’ve never been there. I’ve been told that it’s a pleasant little town. Best apples around, too. The Apple Family has one of their biggest orchards right next to the town. It’s also the only supplier of the famed Zap Apple.” She shrugged. “Probably less than ideal for you, since you grew up in a big --”

“There.” I tossed the pad back at Dawn, her eyes widening just a bit before her horn glowed and the pad floated over to her. “I’ll live there. I don’t want big city, I want small and out of the way. Within a few days of my accident the entire city knew. I’d rather avoid going anywhere that people might know me.”

“You’re sure? Changing residence after this will be a bit difficult for several years.”

“Just do it, and be done with it. I’m already changing my entire life because of my wings, I don’t want to go somewhere where everyone and their uncle will remind me of that fact.”

Dawn just smiled and nodded as she stood. She strode over to the door before she paused for a moment. “From one person to another, not from lawyer to client?” I looked over at her. “I really am sorry for what’s happened. I hope that you can find peace with your new life.”

The gentle sounds of the train had long since lulled me into a state of quasi-consciousness. I kept count of the stops, but more than that was a blur to me as my mind functioned at only a minimal level. With just a single stop before Ponyville I forced myself into a more active state as I began to force myself to go through a list of the first twenty prime numbers.

Once I was fully roused from my state of inactivity I reached under the bench I was on and grabbed the bag I had taken with me. All of my other belongings had already been shipped ahead of me, and placed within the house that was to be mine. I was a bit worried about what it would be like, since Dawn, whom I had become close to, hadn’t been the most informative about where I’d be residing, save for the fact that it would be, in her words, ideal. I had my reservations, but I figured that as long as it didn’t leak, didn’t creak, and had a good electric system I’d be happy.

The sun had yet to rise on this bleary May morning, and I was just a bit resentful about that. The train ride from Manehattan to Canterlot had been last night, and the wait for the train I was aboard had been, instead of the promised ten minutes, more than four hours. Still, it wasn’t all bad. I got free tickets for the trains, and all of my stuff moved for free as well. Not that there was really all that much to take care of. I’ll be the first to admit that ninety percent of my belongings are books. And of those books about half are technical manuals for various pieces of modern, and pre-modern, technology.

I couldn’t keep still on the train as we entered the small valley in which Ponyville sat. With a sigh I stood, slinging my bag over my shoulder and taking to the halls of the train. Due to the nighttime nature of the trip most of the cars were sleeper cars, rather than the usual passenger style train cars that were preferred. As I moved from car to car I saw not a single other passenger, a thought which was just a slight bit unnerving. When I finally reached the last car of the train I took a seat on one of the benches, relaxing for a few minutes.

A gentle sound caught my attention as I reclined on the bench, and I sat bolt upright as I saw an elderly woman approaching me. The wide smile on her face, as well as her uniform and trolley, made it clear that she was a member of the staff for this train. “Good morning, dear. The next stop is the last, in case you forgot.” She clicked the small locking mechanism on the cart into place and then she began fiddling with some of the snacks arrayed on top of it.

“I didn’t forget. That’s actually where I’ll be getting off.”

“I’d hope so. It’d be a shame if you decided to live on the train. We’d have to start charging you quite a bit in rent.” I chuckled weakly at her joke, and her smile seemed to shrink some. “Dear, I’ve seen my fair share of heartbreak on trains. Who was she?”

“Oh, no. Sorry, it’s not a girl. Or even a group of them. I’ve never had a girl, let alone thoughts of my own herd.”

The kindly woman glanced at the seat opposite mine for a moment, and I nodded. She looked back down the train car for a second, and then she took a seat. “The conductors don’t like it when I sit on the job, but I say bollocks to them. Dear, if it’s not a girl, is it a g--”

“No!” My eyes widened. “No, sorry. I don’t really swing that way. Don’t have a problem with anyone who does, but I don’t. The problem is that I...” I hesitated as I realized the absurdity of what I was doing. I had no idea who this woman was, or even if I wanted to talk about what happened. “I don’t really want to talk about it. Suffice to say that things haven’t been going all that well for me.”

The woman laid a hand on my knee, and I looked back up at her. “Make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in, dear. Don’t let life keep you from living.” She held my gaze for several long moments before she started cackling madly. “Oh, by Celestia’s beard, this is rich. Here I am giving advice to some young’n when I can’t even follow my own advice.” Her laughter died off before she gave her head a gentle shake. “Dear, find a nice girl, or a few, and enjoy yourself. Find someone you can talk to, since dealing with your feelings alone is so much harder.”

The train rocked gently as it came into the station. The old woman looked about for a moment before she heaved a small sigh. “You ever get the feeling that somehow you do the same thing over and over, and yet nothing ever really changes?”

“I’ve heard that’s called insanity.”

“I suppose.” She glanced upwards for a moment before she let out the tiniest of sighs. “At least he lets me talk to different people. Always ones with problems, though.” Without another word the woman stood up, and released the locks on her trolley. She cast a last glance over her shoulder before she reached the door to the next car, a small smile flashing over her features as she opened up the door and stepped through. I just stared after her for a moment before I rose from the bench, my bag finding a home over my shoulder once again.

The door to the train car yielded to me as I opened it, and I stepped out into the brisk air of Ponyville’s compact little train station. As I looked around I felt a tiny chill run down my spine as the intense quietness of the town hit me. Back home, there had never been silence. Short of a massive blizzard the city never really slept. Day and night seemed to merge together into a constant stream of commerce that ebbed and flowed with the tides of day and night. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder once more as I started walking down the platform towards the building that sat on the platform.

“Icarus!” My name seemed to echo in the early morning as I entered the squat structure. It only took me a moment to locate the source of the sound as a unicorn strode up to me, her usual smile gone and replaced with a look of annoyance. “Where in Tartarus have you been? You were supposed to have gotten here four hours ago!”

“Blame the trains. Apparently my scheduled train departed ten minutes before I even got to the station in Canterlot. I still don’t see why we couldn’t have done a direct line.”

“Stipulations of the law. I tried to argue around them, but... Well, there’s only so much I can do in the face of stupidity.” She took a few deep breaths. “Nothing we can do about that now, though. During your unscheduled absence I took the liberty of more fully preparing your home for your arrival, as well as making a list of the things you’ll need to purchase to finish furnishing your new home.”

“Has the library been stocked with my books?”

“No. As per your only request, the library has just had all the book boxes stacked in the center.” I smiled as Dawn and I began the walk to my new residence. She seemed to know exactly where she was going, since she never once faltered at any of the many intersections we came across. “So, new home, new town. What are you going to do with yourself, if you don’t mind my asking?”

I offered a shrug that she couldn’t see. “I don’t really know. I haven’t really given it all that much thought.” Dawn stopped abruptly before a house, and I nearly walked into her as she gave me a smile. “This is it?”

“Yes. Took a good bit of work to get all the paperwork done, but this is your home, now.”

I glanced at Dawn for a moment before I frowned. I bid her to follow, and she reciprocated my frown, clearly unsure where I was going, and what I was doing. “It’s not a home yet, Dawn.” As we neared the door the handle flashed with Dawn’s magic, and I opened it as soon as the shimmering light vanished. The main room was a living room that was as bare as the trees in the midst of summer. As I proceeded to explore the house I felt myself coming to both love and hate so much about the building. When I finally reached the library, though, I smiled to myself. “It’s not a home for me until this room is done.”

A gentle prod at my hand bid me to turn around, and I smiled when Dawn handed me a small roll of parchment. “Thought you might like the deed. And, as a small bonus, a full permit for construction. It’s your canvas, Icarus. Do what you like. And, of course, fifteen percent of the bill, up to four thousand bits, will be covered by the government, as per the law. After that it’s on you to pay full price.”

“Considering I need just parts, no labor, that’ll work just fine.” I felt a yawn scrabbling for release, and I didn’t even bother trying to keep it down. “But, now, I am going to sleep some.” I walked from the library, back to the living room, and Dawn followed. “Thank you for what you’ve done for me, Dawn.” I held the deed in my hand as I opened the door for her. “Feel free to come and visit if you’re ever in the area.”

“If what my daughter’s teacher tells me is true I’ll probably be back sooner than I’d like.” As she stepped out she flashed a quick smile over her shoulder. “And, just so you know, the Summer Sun Celebration this year will be a doozy. Really, quite impressive.”

After the return of Princess Luna the small town of Ponyville became a short lived hot spot for activity. It was during that time period that I finished my renovations, as well as my first job within the town. It turns out that the various townsfolk weren’t oblivious to my efforts and workmanship within my home, despite the fact that there was very little outside evidence of what I’d done. Still, bits were bits, and I wasn’t going to turn away business.

It was during those following weeks that I finally got myself settled into a pleasant, if not slightly isolationist, way of life. I’d rarely venture forth from my home, and when I did it was solely for work, or shopping. Just about a month after the return, a Monday, I think, I finally got my first contact with the newfound local celebrities.

I walked through the market much like I always did, my half full bag of produce weighing down on my shoulder. A loud voice seemed to call out my name as I traversed the marketplace and after a few minutes I noted the source of the voice was none other than the Element of Honesty herself. After a moment of indecision I approached her, unsure of why she had taken note of me. A few customers got there before I could, so I simply waited for them to finish before I addressed the farmer. “Good morning, Applejack. You were calling me, right?”

She nodded before smiling. “Yeah, I was. I’ve heard that you’re pretty good with tools and the like.” She motioned for me to come to the side of her cart while she spoke. “This way I can chat with you and do business at the same time.” A few customers came and went before she continued. “Anyway, I’ve got a bit of a problem back on the farm, and I was hoping that you could help me out. For a fee, of course, as well as any parts and tools you might need.”

I shrugged before putting my bag down beside my feet. “Depends on what needs doing. Are we talking farm equipment, or building repair?”

“A few things, really. Normally Mac can take care of the problems we see on the farm, but these he just can’t quite seem to tackle.” She grabbed an apple from the stand before tossing it to me. “Consider it an incentive. As well as a payment for your time.” Several more customers came and went before she was able to speak with me again. “Some plumbing, a damaged tractor, and a bit of repair on the barn roof. Nothing serious, just some stuff that Mac can’t really do on his own.”

I finished the apple as Applejack tended to another customer. When she finished she looked over at me once again, a smile on her face. “I suppose I can see about fixing up that stuff for you. I won’t give an estimate until I see what I’ll be doing, though.”

“That’s all I’m asking. If you could come this afternoon, around two, I’d be grateful.”

“Sure, that’ll work.” I bent down and grabbed my bag, casually throwing it over my shoulder. “I’ll come to the farm at two.” I threw her a casual wave as I walked off, my shopping still a pressing concern in my mind. The rest of the morning was spent shopping and then taking care of the few small jobs I had already lined up for today. As two rolled around I started making my way towards the Apple Family Farm. I’d heard all kinds of good things about the farm, but I’d yet to visit the apparently idyllic estate. The road that led towards the farm was in good condition, and I just enjoyed the pleasant day as I walked along.

As I entered the estate I was simply amazed at the vast expanses of land that were all occupied by the farmers’ crops. It wasn’t exclusively apples, as I had heard back in Manehattan, but it was actually a decent mix of different crops. True, it was mostly apples, but there was still some corn, and other staple crops growing on the farm. My lazy pace down the road gave me plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, and it was a nice change of pace from the doldrums of my home and the town.

As I reached the end of the road I entered the clearing in which the farm house, barn, and sheds resided. Applejack, and an impressively large man stood on the porch, the two of them both looking at me. Applejack raised a hand in greeting as I came into sight, and she walked down from the porch, quickly closing the gap between her and I. Once she was close enough to communicate without shouting she began speaking. “Afternoon, Icarus. Did you finish up your shopping?”

“Yeah, and a few smaller jobs as well. I brought along some of my own tools, in case I need them. Now, what’s on the agenda, and is there an order?”

Applejack fell into place beside me as we continued towards her home. “The tractor in the barn needs some work, since it just refuses to start up. That’ll probably be the longest one to take care of, so I suppose we’ll keep that one till last. Mac fixed up the roof already, seems I was wrong about the damage, and he was able to fix that up. Last thing I know of is a small problem with the cider press down in the basement of the barn.” We went up onto the porch and I gave a quick nod to the mountain of a man that could only be Big Mac. He returned my nod before looking at his sister. “I don’t know if you’ve met Big Mac yet.”

“No, but I’ve heard quite a bit about him.” I held out a hand. “Good to meet you, I guess.” He shook my hand in his, the pressure in his grip firm, but controlled. After a moment he released my hand, and then turned his attention back to the horizon. “I think we should start, as you suggested, with the cider press. Automotive technology is, despite what many think, an entirely non-magical business. And that means that it’s far more difficult to fix, let alone find the exact problem.”

“Alright, then. I’ll show you to the press, and then we’ll go from there.”

“... And from there it was just a matter of putting the whole thing back together.”

Applejack shook her head in amazement as she looked at me. “You mean you took the whole thing apart to fix the problem?”

I gave the tractor a pat on the side, my smile widening. “Yep. Sometimes you need to tear things apart to figure out why there’s a problem. That’s what I did here.” I looked down at my ruined shirt. “I just wish I had drained the oil before I had started.”

Applejack couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she threw an arm over my shoulder, leading me out of the barn and into the open area in front of her home. “It’s fine, Icarus. We can replace the oil, no problem. Now, how much do I owe you?”

I waved my hand in the air, exhaling sharply. “Call it eighty-five bits and we’ll be even.” She opened her mouth to object, but I cut her off. “That’s low, for all I did. Before you object to it, or anything.”

“I know that’s low! I was expecting more than two hundred for all you did!”

I glanced at the tractor again for a moment. “Not everyday I get to work on a classic like this. All original, hand crafted parts. A piece of machinery like this deserves the love and care. Frankly, if I didn’t need to eat, I’d have done a repair like this for free.” She grumbled for a moment about how she should be paying me more, but I just laughed it off. “Really, it’s a privilege. Anyway, I need to get back home, so I guess I’ll see you around.”

“Whoa, hold on there, Icarus. First off, I still need to pay you, in case you forgot. And I also need to head into town for a get together with some friends, so I figure I can walk into town with you. Keep you company, and have someone to shoot the breeze with.”

“Oh.” I blushed as I broke away from Applejack. “Yeah, the bits would be good. I still insist that you don’t have to pay me for the work on the engine.” She only glared for a moment before she ran into the house. I idly kicked at a rock as I waited, my mind flitting about as I thought back to that magnificent beast of an engine.

Hard to think, sometimes, that my father contributed to the creation of that whole piece of machinery. And how fast it spread...

I felt my smile vanish as I thought about my father, and when I saw Applejack returning I had to force a smile to my face. “Well, Icarus, here’s your money. As well as a little extra from Granny Smith as a thank you.” I looked at the bag in her hand for a moment before shrugging, and taking it from her. She furrowed her brow at my sudden acceptance, but she said nothing about it. “Well, you’ve got to get home, and I’ve got some friends to see, so how about we get going?”

About five minutes later and we were on the main road heading towards the town in the distance. The sun was nearing the horizon, and so the sky had been cast into a wonderful array of colors. I was nearly able to forget about the company I was in, but it seemed that every time I looked over at her she was unashamedly staring at me. “You’re acting different. Since I went for the bits back home, you’ve been acting off. And I’d like to know why.”

“It’s not really anything you need to worry about. Just a city boy dealing with city boy problems.”

“Bullshit. Icarus, I may not know you very well, but if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that I know when someone’s lying to me. So, with that being the case, why don’t you just spill it?”

“Maybe it has to do with the fact that I just don’t want to talk about it.” I winced at my own tone of voice. “Sorry. Sore subject. It’s, ah... Not really something I’m comfortable with.”

She just nodded as she lapsed into a silence of her own. The two of us continued in that way until, at long last, we reached my home. She looked at it with a faint smile on her face before she followed me to the door. “You’ve done quite a bit here, Icarus. I’m impressed.”

“Yeah, not really. The outside’s not where the impressiveness is most apparent.” I opened my door, confused for just a moment as to why it was unlocked when I was bombarded with the voices of a dozen different occupants of my home. For several long moments I just stared in awe at the impressive display before me. The main library, which acted as the entrance hall, was filled with all manner of balloons, streamers, banners, and confections. The large open space, which stretched the entire expanse of the three stories, was filled with a massive balloon sculpture of a rainbow.

“Welcome to Ponyville, Icarus.” I turned to look at Applejack, her wide smile telling me plainly that she knew. “Took us some time to find a way to get you out of the house for a while, but we pulled it off.”

Before I could manage a reply I found myself tackled and looking up at the pink haired girl I knew to be called Pinkie Pie. Her smile was even larger than Applejack’s, and her eyes sparkled with merriment. “Were you surprised, Icarus? I bet you were, since you couldn’t have seen this coming from a mile away! I mean, it took me weeks to figure out when I could throw you your ‘Welcome-to-Ponyville-Party” since I throw one for every new person who comes to town! I would’ve done it earlier but, sometimes, I totally forget when something really big happens, like when Twilight came and Nightmare Moon came back but she was really Princess Luna. Hey, why am I floating... Oh, hi Twilight! I was just telling Icarus about how--”

Twilight put a hand squarely on Pinkie’s mouth, her horn glowing as she levitated the energetic female. “Sorry, Icarus. She tends to get a bit... Excited when she’s at parties.”

I sat up, checking my person for any injuries. “I noticed. She’s not always like that, right? I mean, I’ve heard some things about her...”

“No.” She giggled for a moment. “No, only when she’s gotten into the Cakes’ sugar supply, there’s something big happening in town, or there’s a party.” She paused for a moment, lost in thought. “All of which seem to occur quite often when Pinkie’s involved.” Twilight held out a hand to me, and I quickly took it, getting to my feet quickly. “Now, Pinkie, there’s no need to get that excited. Clearly he’s not quite as new to town so you don’t need to get super enthusiastic.” She slowly lowered her friend to the ground, still keeping her hand solidly in place. “But she has a point, Icarus. Despite being new to the town, much like me, you don’t seem to be getting out much to socialize. And I’ll be the first to tell you about the --”

“Magic of Friendship, I know.” I flashed a small smile. “Trust me, I’m just fine on my own. I do my job, do some drafting at home, maybe some inventing, and I’m a happy guy.”

The unicorn just frowned as she let her hand fall from Pinkie’s mouth. “I thought the same thing, and look at me now.” Rainbow Dash, along with the other missing Elements, approached us with big smiles on their faces, save for Fluttershy who was busy hiding behind Rainbow Dash. Before Dash could say a word Twilight continued. “You need to get out some more, Icarus. I’ve been here shorter than you have and I already have the six best friends I could ask for.”

“Damn right, Twi! Who could ask for a better friend than me?”

Twilight turned to look at Dash for a moment before looking back at me. “Yeah, Dash, that’s just what I was thinking. But, joking aside, Icarus, you really should try and get out some more. Maybe my friends and I could help you out with that?”

I looked between the assorted females for a moment, my mind torn on the issue. Finally, I relented. “Yeah, I suppose. Mind introducing me? Formally, I mean. I already know who you are, but...”

“I understand, Icarus. Maybe once the party winds down some we can talk, just the seven--” She stopped when Spike approached, a smile on his face. “Just the eight of us.”

The last of the balloons drifted slowly to the floor, my feeble swat having given it a pitiful amount of momentum. I looked around for a moment before I exited the library, entering the living room where my other guests were enjoying themselves. It had been my decision to end the party a bit earlier than Pinkie would’ve liked, but since it was my house she relented. When I walked into the room I was pleased to hear them chatting amicably amongst themselves. The conversation died when I entered the room, but I did see that coming. Without pausing I moved over to the leather chair that I preferred to sit in when I was alone in the room, and the girls, and Spike, watched me with anticipation.

“So, now it’s just you and me. I suppose I should start, since I’m the newcomer. Sort of.” I paused for a moment. “Since I can’t think of any really eloquent way to do this... My name is Icarus Phaethon. I was born in Manehattan twenty-XXX years ago. I draw, work with my hands, and I have massive fascination with the written word.” I paused for a moment as I collected my thoughts. “There’s... Well, there’s not really that much more to me, to be fair.”

They took turns introducing themselves to me, although I was already quite familiar with all of them. Twilight was the last one to introduce herself, and she stared at me for a moment before she took in a quick gasp of air. “Wait, Icarus Phaethon?” She looked at me for a moment before her eyes widened. “The son of--”

“No. I’ve heard it before, and that always irks me. Granted, not many people even know who he is, but no. There’s no relation between him and I.” I felt horrible lying to her, all of them, but I knew that it would be easier than trying to explain everything. The simple thought of doing so dredged up some memories, and for a moment I had to fight to keep my composure. “He’s a great guy, but there’s no relation.”

Twilight just stared at me, along with the others, before Rainbow Dash finally broke the silence. “Well, if that’s all we’re going to do tonight, I’m gonna get on outta here. I’ve got weather to plan, and I’m kinda behind on my planning.”

“I’ve got to go too.” Fluttershy stood up after Dash did, slowly walking to the door. “I really enjoyed it, Icarus, but I have to go and help take care of my animal friends. I’m helping Angel to do better on his own, but he’s not always so cooperative.”

“Glad you could make it, Fluttershy. Maybe sometime I’ll come out and see your cottage.” She just nodded before she followed Dash out the door. “Anyone else leaving now?” Applejack, Pinkie, and Rarity all stood at that, offering their thanks for the party, and wishing both me, and each other good nights. Once all of them had left I turned to look at my two remaining guests. “So, Miss Sparkle, Spike, it seems it’s just us now.”

“Actually, dude, I’m gonna go too. I’ve been helping Pinkie with this whole party for the past couple of days, and I’m dead tired. Twi, I’ll see you back at the library. Icarus, nice place. I’ll see you ‘round.” The dragon let out a yawn as he started for the door, his shoulders slumped.

I heard my front door close, and I looked back at Twilight, a bit of surprise registering at her intense gaze. “You’re a terrible liar.”

“Um... Oh, I know. You’re the protege of Princess Celestia. See, I can point out the obvious too.”

“My mother told me about you, Icarus. I don’t know the whole truth, but I know more than you might think I do.”

“Oh? Please, then, in that case, enlighten me. I want to know how much you know.”

She visibly brightened at the chance to display her knowledge, and so she jumped right in. “Well, for one thing, you are the son of Daedalus Phaethon. You lost your wings, but I don’t know--”

“Stop. Just... No. Your mother clearly told you more than she should have, and I don’t want to have to deal with this right now. Maybe some other time, but not now.”

“I just want to help.”

“You, and a hospital full of doctors that didn’t really care.” I stared at her for several long moments before I finally looked away from her. “I think you should go, Miss Sparkle. Before I say something even stupider than I have already.” Not a word was spoken between us as she stood, and walked from the room. She paused for a moment at my side, but she let the opportunity go by without a single action.

A few months passed after that party, and I grew even less sociable than I was before it. Much of my free time was spent locked away in my study, and I spent only short bursts of time hanging out with one of the handful of friends that I had made throughout the town. The Elements had all demanded quite a bit of time from me, often asking for me to help them out with some small task or errand, and I was often willing to help, if only to maintain relationships with them. Of all of them, though, Pinkie and Dash both seemed to ask for more of my time than the others.

The day started like any other, and I was determined to spend as much of it writing as I possibly could. Sadly, somebody, or something, was determined to see me fail in my attempts. I sighed explosively as I pushed myself away from my desk, the sketchpad still as blank as when I had sat down before it more than an hour ago. “Maybe something to eat... Pinkie’s usually got some good stuff.” I checked my clothing to make sure that what I didn’t want seen was safely tucked away as I grabbed my keys before heading out into the pleasant warmth of the afternoon sun. The streets of the town were filled with all the usual townsfolk, and all of them seemed to have a smile on their face. Not really a hugely surprising observation, though, given the beautiful weather. Many of the townsfolk took the rainy days that happened as a form of imprisonment within their houses, and afterwards they were eager to escape into the town.

I was not such a person, but I could understand where they were coming from. I greeted whomever approached me, but I never really went out of my way to talk with any of the passing locals. The marketplace was the usual bustling affair of people shouting out over the crowd trying to sell their wares. Of all the shopkeepers trying to gain my attention, only one succeeded. And that one wasn’t even a shopkeeper, but actually just a girl with a cart of apples. I gave her a casual wave as I passed by, and she waved me over, a small frown on her face.

“Hey, Applejack. What’s with the look?”

“It’s Pinkie, Icarus. I went by the Corner on my way here, and the place is absolutely mobbed.” I nodded, not fully understanding where this was leading. “She’s babysitting the twins today.”

“Oh. So I take it her hands are full?”

“Sugarcube, you’ve got no idea. Honestly, I don’t know how she’s doing it. She’s not gonna ask for help, but I do think that she could use it.”

“Maybe. Well, that’s where I’m headed, so I’ll see if I can do anything to help.” I grabbed one of the apples off her cart after that, tossing her a bit as I continued on my way to the store that was my destination. When I did reach my destination I saw that Applejack wasn’t kidding when she said that it was mobbed. The line stretched out the door, and the inside of the shop was probably well over its maximum limit for people. Seeing that it was probably hopeless to go in that way, I went around back, grabbing the spare key that Pinkie kept stashed under the broken flower pot. A key she had told me about after I had helped her to close the Corner once.

The kitchen of the small shop was a buzz of activity as Pinkie rushed about the kitchen, ingredients soaring through the air as Pinkie worked her unique brand of magic upon the situation. There was no smile on her face, though, as she darted about. When she spotted me, though, she let a smile come across her face as she threw herself at me, her arms wrapping about me. “Icarus!”

I had no real way to react to the situation I’d been forced into, so I simply waited for her to finish the hug before responding. “Applejack told me that it was busy here. She didn’t say that half the town was here.”

“Oh, well, you know... After the rain we usually get a big surge in business. I just wish that the Cakes were here, since it’s getting a bit much. Still, I told them I’d keep things in line, and that’s what I’m doing.” The repetitive ringing sound of the bell from the main room sounded out, and several loud voices called out, demanding attention. “It’d be great if the crowd was a bit nicer about it, though.” Forcing a smile to her face, Pinkie bounced out front, eager to continue taking orders. The Cake twins, though, were anything but happy, as if to compliment the forced smile on Pinkie’s face.

I walked over to them, a frown on my face. I held out a finger towards Pound, the tiny infant fingers wrapping around my own in a grip that was surprisingly strong. It seemed that the small attention was enough to bring a smile to their faces, and soon I had one in each arm as I gently bounced them. Just as I set them back in their crib Pinkie stumbled into the back, her smile vanishing in a moment as she rushed over to me and the babies. “Are they crying again? I’m running out of flour, and what I do have I need for baking...”

The bell outside rang once again, and Pinkie turned between the babies and the shop door over and over. Her eyes began to water slightly, and I put my hands on her shoulders, forcing her to look straight at me. “Pinkie, calm down. I’m going to help you. And we’re going to get this done. And we’re going to do it right.” Her eyes still shimmered with unshed tears, but the frown seemed diminished. “You go and watch the front, I’ll do what I can back here. Just send the orders back, and I’ll do the rest.”

“What about the twins?” Her gaze finally settled on them, her frown returning as the bell sounded once again. “I can’t just leave them back here without anyone to make sure they’re okay.”

“Well... you’re the better baker, so I’ll handle the front of the shop, you take care of the rear.” I paused for a moment. “Before you laugh, no, that wasn’t a pun.” She threw her arms around me for a moment, and then she turned back to look over the controlled chaos that was her kitchen. “If things get backed up, give me a shout. I’ll come help out when I can.”

I tossed the rag in my hand into the sink as I finished cleaning the counter. The twins were both asleep up in their room while Pinkie and I finished up with the last of the cleaning in the kitchen. I had arrived just after two in the afternoon, and I was only just finishing with the cleaning at just before eleven. The shop had closed at nine, like always, but there had never been a chance to do much cleaning throughout the day, and so things had taken quite a bit of time to clean. As I turned to observe my fantastic job in the kitchen I heard the sound of the bell once again, and I had to suppress a feeling of anger.

I stormed out front, my voice coming out more irritated than I should have allowed it to be. “Look, we’re closed, you stup -- Oh.” Pinkie was smiling at me as she held the small bell in her hands. “By the Creator, Pinkie, I thought there was another customer.”

“Nope, just me.” She looked over the shop as she admired it’s pristine state. “I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me today.” I waved a hand in the air, trying to dismiss the action, but she persisted. “Really, Icarus... Thank you.” She leaned over the counter and planted a quick kiss on my cheek. Unable to think of any kind of response, I did what came naturally. My cheeks flushed a violent shade of crimson, and my mind refused to put any two words together in a sensible fashion. As I stood there, waiting for the mental reboot that would never fully arrive, Pinkie bounded over to the tip jar that was overflowing. Within a matter of moments she had it counted, and changed into larger bills. Once that was done she opened up the register, and pulled out a single hundred bit note, and held it out, along with almost two hundred bits in tips. “This is for you, as a thank you from me.”

“I... That’s a lot of money.”

“And you earned, Icarus. You didn’t need to offer to help, but you did anyway.”

“Any of your friends --”

“Our friends, Icarus. And I know they would’ve, but it was you, instead.” She hopped up onto the counter, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “It was you who came to my rescue.”

I rolled my eyes as my brain finally managed to return to a state of almost proper functioning. “I don’t think I rescued you. I just helped you out some. Now, I’m going to head home. I’m really freaking tired, and even hungrier than when I came in today.” I offered a casual wave as I stepped out front door, the bits intentionally left on the counter. It wasn’t that I didn’t need them. It was more a matter of principle, really.

A few months later, just after the new year started, I was approached by Dash as I was making my way through town, trying to make it back home before the snowstorm got underway. I had just finished up with a fairly lengthy job taking care of a sagging roof, a job which ended up paying enough to last me most of the rest of the month without lifting a finger. Rainbow Dash had spent some of the past few weeks in Cloudsdale, gathering up a team to arrange for the very snowstorm I was trying to escape.

She seemed a bit frazzled when she approached me, and soon she had my hand firmly clutched in hers, my steps following hers as she led me through town. Within a few minutes she and I were beneath her cloud home, and she glared up at it. “I kinda made a mistake when I planned the storm. My house won’t be habitable for the duration, so I need someplace to stay. I saw you first, so I figured I’d crash at your place.” She looked at me for a moment, and then, when I looked over at her, she reverted her gaze back to her home. “I mean, we hang out often, right? That’s not a problem, is it?”

“No. But isn’t Pinkie, or Twilight, or, dare I mention it, Rarity, closer to here than my place?”

“Yeah, but Pinkie’s a bit too hyper. She hasn’t been out that much over the past week, and we both know what that means. Twi’d try and get me to read a dozen books before the storm ended, and Rarity would try to give me a makeover. And we both know how that’s going to end.”

“Blood and tears?”

Dash let out a small chuckle before she handed me a small necklace. “Here, wear that. I had Twi make it so non-pegasi could walk around my place without worrying.” Without waiting long, she grasped my hand, quickly pulling me up to her home. The brief flight sent butterflies to my stomach, and for just a moment I felt like I was free once again. But before the sensation could really take hold I felt the familiar yielding texture of cloud beneath my shoes. I slipped the necklace into my pocket without a thought, following Dash into her home.

By the time I made it inside, just a few seconds after Dash, she had already made it upstairs. Her voice echoed down the stairs as I began looking around her home. “I’m just gonna go and grab some of the essentials. Feel free to make yourself at home.” I didn’t shout back up at her as I started looking at some of the books on her few sparsely populated bookshelves. Most of the tomes were Daring Doo novels, but there were also quite a few different books on weather patterns and acceptable practices for dealing with errant, and unpredicted, weather formations. Some of them were painfully outdated, but I managed to hold my tongue.

Less than five minutes later, and Dash bounded down the stairs, a large bag slung over each shoulder. “You mind taking one of these? I could fly with both of them, but I don’t want to risk anything getting in the way of my wings while I take us down to the ground.” I just nodded, and then moved closer to her, holding out a hand. She handed me one of her bags, and soon we were outside her home once again, ready to make the trip to my place. I cast a quick look at the encroaching storm clouds, frowning at their intensity. “Yeah, I may have made a small mistake with them. They’re probably gonna last at least two days. Maybe three.”

“Then we’d best hurry up. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not get caught in the air when that thing hits.” Rainbow Dash hesitated for just a moment before she grabbed my hand, throwing both of us off the cloud on which we stood. Our trip down to the ground took us about halfway to my abode, and the walk from where we landed to my home took only a short while, but it was still enough time for the snowstorm to get started. Even with my coat I could feel the chill in the wind, and I was quick to unlock, and open, the door to my house. Dash rushed past me to get inside, and by the time I managed to strip out of my heavier traveling clothes I turned to see Dash’s stuff piled up in the middle of the library floor.

I only sighed as I began taking care of it, quickly hanging up her jacket. I heard her rummaging about in my kitchen, and I walked in to find her looking through my refrigerator. “Dude, Icarus, you’ve got a kitchen that I’d kill to have. I mean, I don’t do that much cooking, but, seriously, this is pretty damn impressive.”

I shook my head as I walked up to her, forcing the refrigerator closed. “Yeah, it was one of the few rooms I really spent time working on. Now, I do have some work that I need to get done, but I suppose that you can hang with me in my study. Or something. I dunno, it’s up to you.” She just shrugged as I led her through my home to my own private little sanctuary. I could practically hear Dash’s jaw drop when we walked in, and I just chuckled softly as I walked over to my desk. The drawing that was sitting out on my desk gave me a brief panic attack as I realized it was one of my less-than-reputable drawings. And one of Rainbow Dash, no less.

I quickly threw the drawing into a drawer, slamming it shut with a bit more force than I intended. I shot a quick look at Dash after the sound faded to silence, and she just stared back at me for a moment before she went back to browsing some of the books adorning the shelves. As I regained my composure I took a seat at my desk, quickly locating the latest invention that I had been sketching out. As I put pen to paper I felt a presence just behind me. “Icarus, what are you drawing?”

“It’s a compressor. It works to make refrigerators a bit better.” I quickly delved into some of the mathematics behind the device before I heard Dash roam off to look at other things. I only shrugged before I resumed my work on the drawing. A few hours later, just before I was going to quit for dinner, I heard a shout come from the library. I leapt from my seat, dashing through my home to get to the source of the cry. As I burst into the library I noted with interest that Dash was looking around her, her eyes examining the walls with no small amount of agitation.

“There’s nothing to do here! You just sit around doing science, and stuff, and the rest of your house is more boring that Twilight’s place! At least she’s got some stuff that’s interesting to play with, or read, or something!” She finished her rant staring at me, an almost accusing glare on her face. “How do you stand it? I mean, come on! What do you do for fun?”

I looked around the library for a moment before I shrugged. “I read. I draw. There’s not much else, really. And if you’re looking for something more interesting to read than technical manuals, try the third floor. That’s where I keep the fiction.” At her blank look I sighed. “The made up stuff? Like Daring Doo, Storm Runner, Catalyst, Taupe, and all those other characters.”

“You’ve got Daring Doo? And the NRS? No way!” At my look, she wiped the smile off her face, replacing it with a forced look of disinterest. “I mean, yeah. I guess that other stuff is okay. Daring Doo’s my favorite, but I have heard some stuff about NRS. I guess it’ll do.”

“Right, Dash. I was here for that episode in the hospital, remember? You don’t have to pretend to dislike books.” I went over to one of the spiral staircases, slowly making my way up. “Frankly, I know of few other pastimes better than enjoying the written word.” I paused as I looked out at Dash who had taken to hovering up the open middle section of the library. “What better way to spend the time than exploring the world of fantasy, revelling in the joys of some character you’ve come to love, and sharing with them the bitterness of the bad times.” I finally reached the third floor, and Dash landed beside me, following as I led her to the section I mentioned earlier. “It’s the greatest escape mechanism I know, Dash. Your past can’t haunt you. Your mistakes...” I trailed off, frowning at the direction I’d taken.

“Um... Icarus?” I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I recoiled from it. “You okay?” Her eyes roamed my face for a moment, before her eyes widened. “Wait, where’s that necklace I gave you? Did you lose it, or something?”

Seizing the opening, I pulled the chain from my pocket, holding it out to her. “No. I took it off a while ago.”

Dash snatched the necklace out of my hand as she looked at me. “Twi is right, you really are a terrible liar.” She stepped closer to me, quickly walking around me as she looked me over. “She’s right, I’d never have guessed. How did it happen? Twi didn’t say, but I think she doesn’t really know.”

“I don’t know if she knows.” I started walking away from the pegasus, my shoulders slumped. “All I know is that I’m not going to tell you. Definitely not now. And probably not later, either. I’ll call you when I make dinner, I guess.”

The remainder of that day passed without incident, and it was around noon the next day, as I was looking through my technical manuals that I heard another cry of dismay come from the other occupant of my home. I only rolled my eyes as I continued looking through the manuals, hoping I’d find something worthwhile. When I heard my name called out, I groaned as I began making my way to my study. “Dash, it had better be something good this time. Not something about how you just can’t... Oh. Yeah, I...”

Dash was staring down at a piece of paper on my desk. While normally that wouldn’t be something worth noting, I also noticed that she had a certain folder open on my desk. A folder which contained all of my personal drawings. The kind of drawings that one doesn’t show to children. Dash was just staring at me as I entered, and her cheeks were flushed. “When... Why?”

I only stared back at her, unsure of what I could, or should, do in such a situation. “I like to draw things...” I paused for a moment as I thought about the possible pictures she might be looking at. “I like to draw pretty things...” I started walking over to my desk, and Dash, to try and start salvaging at least some of the situation. The picture on my desk was one of Rainbow Dash, posing before a mirror. It wasn’t a picture that she had actually posed for, as I had done it entirely from memory.

I put a hand on it, trying to move it back to the folder it had been taken from, but Dash grabbed it before I could. “But... If... Why not Rarity? Or Fluttershy? Or even Twilight?”

I grabbed the picture back from Dash, quickly putting it into the folder, and throwing the folder back into the drawer it called home. “There are some of them, too. And quite a few other fetching women from around town. Yours is, ah... The second one I did from memory.”

“But...”

“I think you’re good looking, Dash. Maybe a bit rough around the edges, but when you try to look good, you pull it off well enough to make a priest renounce their vows.” Her blush only intensified at my words, and I quickly looked away from her, unsure of what I’d do. “I’m gonna go do... Something else.” Before she could say anything in response I left my study, quickly making my way to my bedroom. Without a thought I threw myself onto my bed, my gaze pointing up at the bare ceiling.

Only a short while passed before a gentle knocking sounded from my door, and Dash’s voice came from behind the door a moment later. “Icarus? I... I just want to talk to you.” I looked over at my door for a moment before I let out a loud grunt, my gaze quickly reverting to my ceiling. The door opened quietly, and a moment later the door closed. I heard her soft footsteps as she approached, and soon she was seated on my bed, just an arms length away. “I know how I look, Icarus. And I’ve had people draw me, and take my picture before, but this? This is just so...”

“Different? Insulting? Perverted, provocative, wrong? Stop me if I get to the right one.”

“No. No, none of that. I mean, yeah, it’s different. And it’s certainly perverted, in the right ways. But I just don’t know what to think.” Silence descended upon the room for several long minutes before Dash turned to look at me. “I think you’re a really cool guy, Icarus, but I just don’t know what to make of you. You’re hidden away in here nearly everyday of the week, and when you do come out it’s to shop or to do work around town. I just don’t understand you.”

“I don’t understand me either.”

She leaned a bit closer, one of her hands pressing gently on my chest. “Then you should figure it out, Icarus. You’re supposed to be the smart one, right?”

I nodded a bit. “Yeah, I guess. I just...” I looked away from her. “I just like my privacy. Back home... Back in Manehattan I kept to myself as well.”

“Well this is a new town, and you shouldn’t let your old habits color your new life. I may not know all the details of why you came here, but I do know that you need to make something of it.” She pressed down on my chest a bit, drawing my attention back to her. “And I know just how we’re going to do that.”

The rest of that day passed in a blur of activity as Dash and I talked freely about the kinds of things that she was interested in, aside from the Wonderbolts. By the time the conversation wound down, it was well into the evening, and the snowstorm was finally abating, signaling to us both that she’d soon be returning to her home in the sky. We arranged for some plans for me to start going on runs around town with her, once the weather got better after the Wrap Up, and so she left me to my own devices after that, coming by about once a week to dabble in my collection of books, and to drag me out of my forced quasi-exile.

Several months passed, and with the Winter Wrap Up came the beautiful season of Spring, and, with it, a promise fulfilled to Dash. Granted, I refused to do any further exercise with her after that, offering the excuse that I’d do it on my own, and to be fair I did follow through with it. It was after one of those runs that I was stopped by Applejack as I was making my way back to my home. She seemed a bit off in her mannerisms, and I was able to pick up on it right away. After talking for several minutes she explained the problems she was having, and I promised that I’d come to the barn right after I got changed and took a shower.

With my toolkit in one hand and a canteen of water in the other, I started off from my home, my destination on the far side of town. The pleasant weather was just cool enough for me to go without a jacket, but still too chilly for just a plain old shirt. I made my way through the winding streets without much thought, and without a single real fact worth mentioning. Much of the town was busy in the market, or working their jobs throughout town, and so I didn’t even get approached as I walked. The road out of town, and to the farm was a bit muddy due to the recent rain, but that didn’t really serve to deter me from my quest.

The new buds forming on the apple trees let off an immensely pleasant scent and my trip onto the farm grew more pleasant with each step. When the barn finally came into sight I noted with a smile that Applejack was waiting out for me, her hand rising in greeting when she spotted me. She didn’t move from where she was, content to simply stand and wait for me to arrive, and so I picked up my pace just a bit. When I was finally close enough to start speaking, Applejack began. “Alright, Icarus, we’ve got a few things that need doing today. Mac’s already started on the plumbing.” I raised an eyebrow, and Applejack just waved a hand dismissively. “Crusaders.” I nodded, knowing that one word was a full explanation. “Anyway, we’ve got a few things in the barn that need your attention, so let’s get to it.”

“Lead the way, AJ.” Shortly after that, and we were moving through the barn while Applejack noted the various things around the barn that would need to be looked at. Most of it was some minor damage caused simply by some wear and tear, broken tools and weathered metal parts. However, the last part of the tour of repairs was something that disheartened me some. The tractor had most of it’s bodywork removed, and much of the delicate hardware was exposed. “Again, AJ?”

“Yeah. We made sure that everything was fine for the winter, but when Mac tried to start it up... It just wouldn’t do anything. It sputtered a few times, but that was all.”

I nodded as I moved closer to the tractor, one of my hands running along some of the exposed metal. “I’m going to see about getting this in order first. I’ll come and get you when I get it working.” I was already too engrossed in the mechanical beast of burden to listen to what Applejack said as she left. I spent hours on the machine, looking over nearly every aspect of it before I really got into the heavy work.

With Mac’s help I was able to pull the engine out of the chassis, allowing myself a more free way of working with the delicate part. As time dragged by I grew angrier and angrier at the stubborn piece of metal, and it was after an hour of fruitless work that I finally snapped, and did some work on the other articles in need of my touch. It did little to relieve my mind, and when I finally returned to the infernal device I found no new inspiration waiting for me. With a resigned sigh I swept the tools off of one of the many crates I’d gotten, and then I planted myself atop it, staring at the pile of parts that once made up the engine.

I heard the sound of footsteps coming up behind me, and I turned to see Big Mac walking in, his gaze flitting about the myriad parts laid out. Just behind him was Apple Bloom, her typical bow bobbing with each step she took. A tiny smile tugged at the corner of my mouth as her eyes widened when she looked at all the parts. “So, Apple Bloom, what do you make of it all?” I watched her reaction carefully as I spoke. “What seems like it just doesn’t quite fit into the whole thing.”

Big Mac raised an eyebrow as he looked between me and his sister, but I waved a hand at him, hoping that he’d do as he usually does and keep silent. Apple Bloom quickly took to looking at all the parts, and I offered explanations of the parts as she looked at them. It was during this exploration of the mechanics that I realized what the problem was, but I wanted to see if she could make the same connection I had just made. Finally, after she had looked at every part I had laid out, she finally fell silent, her fingers twitching as her gaze roamed from part to part.

“Can we put it together, Icarus?” I nodded, and soon the two of us were working on putting the whole thing back together, laughing and talking as we did so. Applejack came in as we worked, and she simply watched us for a time, a smile on her face. However, when we reached the source of the problem, Apple Bloom slowly fell silent before pausing for a long time. “Here. Something here is the problem.” She looked at me when she spoke, and I nodded. “I don’t know what the problem is, though.”

I nodded again as I leaned forward, picking up a fairly small part of the whole device. “Well, you’re right. We’ve reached the part of the engine that’s broken. Turns out that this little piece right here is the problem. And, without this, I can’t make it work, no matter how hard I try.” I tossed the piece back onto the ground, a feeling of bitterness welling up inside me. I remained silent as I stared at the offending piece of metal, and I felt a hand on my own.

Apple Bloom offered a small smile as she looked at me. “It’s okay, Icarus. We’ve made do without the tractor before, we can do it again.”

Despite her positive attitude, I still felt a measure of resentment towards the device. “Thanks. Why don’t you go out and play some? I need to get this all cleaned up.” She hesitated for a moment, but I just pointed out the door. “Go. Have some fun. Enjoy the nice weather. It’s not going to last.”

She walked out slowly, a last smile coming over her shoulder as she gave Applejack and I a final wave. I let out a massive sigh when she was gone, and I slowly stood, my glare of resentment returning to the engine once again. “Well, it seems that, once again, I just can’t quite cut it.”

“Icarus?”

“It’s nothing, AJ. Just... Memories. This isn’t the first time I’ve failed when it comes to things made by the inventor of this specific piece of machinery. When I finally catch up with him...” I trailed off as I spoke, emotions I had been holding back threatening to bubble to the surface.

“Bloomie is right, though, Icarus. We’ll be fine without the tractor. It’s mighty convenient, sure, but we don’t really need it. Now, how about we just head on up to the farmhouse and have a nice drink or two. Consider it a bonus to your pay.” I only nodded as she and I quickly finished up cleaning up the remaining pieces of engine. After that, we headed over to the farmhouse where Applejack instructed me to take a seat at a table on the porch. I obliged, and a few minutes later the farmer returned with several bottles in hand, and a few glasses in the other. “I don’t rightly know what you prefer when it comes to liquor, so I brought some options.”

I browsed what she had brought before I felt a smile come to my face. “Chimay? Who here likes the fancy stuff?”

“Mac. He’s got a strong taste for the cider we make, but sometimes he likes to dabble in some of the foreign drinks that make their way to Ponyville. This is one of his favorites.” She leaned a bit closer to me as she gave me a smile. “Don’t tell him I gave it to you, though. He doesn’t much care for sharing it.”

I let out a sharp snort as Applejack popped the cap off the bottle. “Hell, I don’t much care for sharing what good stuff I do buy for myself.” I took to glass from Applejack as she finished pouring it. “But, good company demands good drink.” I took a drink of the beer, enjoying the taste as it ran across my tongue. “Always a treat, this one.”

Applejack took a drink from her own glass. “Yeah, it’s probably Mac’s favorite. That, and Hoegaarden. Honestly, I like our cider more, but Mac’s been one for some more exotic tastes.”

I leaned back in the chair as I took another long drink from my glass, savoring the tranquility. “So, AJ, tell me, what’s with that hat? I mean, I know some of the story behind it, but not the whole thing.”

She recoiled slightly at my question before pulling the stetson from her head and looking at it. “Dad got it for me. Just before Apple Bloom was born. It’s been with me through thick and thin, and I could never replace it, no matter how bad it gets.”

“It is a bit... mangy.”

“Don’t you go calling my hat mangy, Icarus. I take fine care of it.” I opened my mouth, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips before Applejack leaned towards me. “I mean it, sugarcube. Call it mangy again, and we’re going to have a problem.”

My smile only grew as I leaned in to match her. “That hat, AJ. I have just one word for it.” I tensed myself in the seat, readying myself for the coming run.

“Sugarcube, I don’t play around with stuff like this.” She also tensed in her seat, a smile on her face. “You’ve been around long enough to know not to really try and make me mad.”

“But Applejack, I can’t just let you wear that mangy thing!” I burst from my seat at those words, quickly putting what little skill I had at running to use, the path from Sweet Apple Acres disappearing before me as I sprinted the length of the road. Just moments later, and I heard the sound of boisterous laughter, prompting me to slow, stop, and turn around.

“You left your tools, Icarus! You’ll have to come back eventually!”

After avoiding the farm for a few days, I was finally forced to return to the farm, and reclaim my tools and receive my comeuppance. Admittedly, it wasn’t as bad as I had thought, and the entire episode quickly grew into a little running joke between her and I. I usually reserved it for when I was leaving the farm, but I would often take the time to set it up in other places.

After that visit to the farm I found myself rushing about town quite a bit more than I had been over the past few months. As summer approached, and with it the growing heat and humidity, many of the residents of town began seeking out various ways of keeping cool, myself no exception. Granted, my familiarity with the cooling mechanism of refrigerators gave me a few ideas, I was still unable to make anything really effective at cooling the home.

It was in the middle of August that I was finally able to apply my greatest skill for the first time in Ponyville. It was during a relatively cool week that I found myself heading to the Boutique in order to get some new clothing to replace what was no longer wearable, and to have repaired what could be repaired. As was the norm, my entrance into the Boutique prompted a well practised response from Rarity, and true to her words she did come out a few moments later to help me.

There was the usual banter between the two of us at my arrival, but soon she paused, and moved to the open sign in the window, quickly flipping it to closed.

“Rarity, that’s not really necessary. I don’t, for once, actually have a problem to talk out with you. Dash hasn’t asked me to run with her since then, and I like to think that I can just come by for clothing without some ulterior motive.”

“Oh, certainly you can, Icarus. But, I have need of your skills with those wonderful tools of yours. And, of course, your mind.” I merely raised an eyebrow before Rarity began dragging me into the back of the shop with her magic. “You see, when it comes to making clothing, I am an artist. And, as an artist, I must have a canvas to work with. Those are my mannequins. Each one built with the skill and care of a true artisan.” She gestured, extravagantly, to each mannequin she passed. “And the cloth is the paint with which I work. Each hue a different shade of color, each fabric type a different base for the paint. But, no matter how great the canvas, or exquisite the paint, it matters not if my tools are of poor quality.” Finally, at the end of her little speech, she gestured towards her old fashioned sewing machine.

“Haven’t you been using this for years, Rarity?” She nodded, and I approached the device, looking at all the intricate exposed metal work with a practiced eye. “I don’t quite see what the problem is, Rarity. It’s a sewing machine.”

“Yes, but it just... It can’t keep up with the latest trends and styles any longer. I’d love to splurge on the latest and greatest, but... Well... Business over the summer is, sometimes, not as good as I’d like.” I raised an eyebrow, quickly looking at all the displays covered in clothing. “Oh, it’s not like I don’t get any business. It’s just that I’m not getting as much as I’d like.”

“And so you want me to do what? Buy you a sewing machine?”

“By the Creator, Icarus, no! No, of course not! I was just hoping that you could devise some way of making what I’ve got better.” I looked back at the machine for a moment, looking at what I had to work with. “I can pay up to three hundred bits now, and I can cover whatever else it costs in installments.”

There was a trace of hesitance to her voice, and I gave her a smile. “Don’t worry, Rarity. I doubt that it’ll cost anywhere near that much. I mean, it’s not quite like you want me to remake the entire sewing machine.” I pulled my multitool from my pocket, quickly undoing the few screws that held the whole device together. “I’m happy to help, Rarity, but you’ll have to be specific about what you want. I can make it better, sure, but I need to know something to aim for.” The fashionista rushed from the room at my words, and I shook my head as I went back to looking at the sewing machine.

A few minutes later, and Rarity returned, a magazine in her hand. She held it out to me, and I took it from her, looking at the sewing machine on the page, as well as some of the fancier stitching methods it could perform. “I’d like to have a machine that can do some of those newer stitching methods. If you can’t make it do all of them, that’s fine, but I’d like to be able to make at least some of them work. It’s mainly for strengthening the seam so that I can use heavier materials.”

I looked over the page for several long minutes before some ideas began swimming within my mind. I could make it work, that much I knew, but some of the parts that I’d need to make would be pricey, even with unicorn magic to shape the parts. “I think I can do it, Rarity. It’ll probably be a long process, probably a couple days, but I think that I can make it work. I’ll come back when I have all the parts, and then it’ll just be a day long process of getting it all to work together.”

Her eyes brightened at my words, and she threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. “Oh, thank you so much! This means so much to me!” My cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and when she finally broke the embrace I was eager to depart, as much to save some level of my dignity as it was to keep myself from reacting to the uncomfortable tightness I felt in the muscles in my back. A few days, and several trips to the metallurgist, later, and I had amassed my supply of hardware for the task. My arrival at Rarity’s place went the exact same as the last time. As I sat myself in front of the machine once again, Rarity sat down nearby, her eyes glued to what I was doing. “So, Icarus, what will you be doing to make my dreams a reality?”

A grin flashed across my face before I spoke. “Well, first I’d start with a romantic candlelit dinner, a grand bouquet of roses, and a bottle of some expensive wine.” I looked at her for a moment, laughing at the blush on her cheeks. “Hey, you asked--”

“I prefer alstromerias. White and purple.” The blush on her cheeks only intensified, and I quickly looked away, the machine suddenly demanding my complete attention.

“I... Oh. Um, okay. Good to know. Anyway, it’s a long process, and I’ll do what I can to explain it as I go along.” And so I did, explaining why I was doing what I was doing, and what it would do to help her sewing machine do what she’d want it to do. Over the course of the three hour period she slowly moved closer to me, moving her chair whenever I would do some work on the device. By the time I was finishing up my work she was leaning against me gently, one of her arms draped across my back, specifically in such a way to avoid where my wings once were. When I finally put the last screws into place, securing the, now slightly bulkier, machine, I let out a small sigh. “Rarity.”

She didn’t respond at first, her arm simply shifting a bit on my back. I repeated her name, a bit louder, and she seemed to figure out what was going on and she quickly put some distance between us. “Oh! Icarus... I, um... I was just watching you work.” The blush on her cheeks was quickly fading, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes.

“Just watching me work?” She nodded, the blush returning, and I let out a small sigh. “Sure, okay. I’ve managed to make it do nearly everything you wanted it to be able to do, and a bit more besides.” I quickly walked her through all of my newest additions before finally stopping and explaining how she could go about using my unique additions. Her eyes brightened with each explanation, and by the time I finished she was looking at the device with a level of admiration that I hadn’t yet seen in her.

“It can do all that?” She swapped seats with me, her hands roaming over her sewing machine, gently exploring the new levers and switches that I had installed. “Icarus, this is amazing!” She turned around, looking at me once again. “This is even better than the machine I wanted to buy. It does all I need it to do and more, and it’s still my sewing machine.”

I just nodded a bit, before remembering one last bit. “Oh, and just to make sure things stay neat and clean, I added a tiny little magical sensor just before the sewing needle. Should things start getting messed up in any way, that little sensor will immediately turn the device off, hopefully saving you some trouble and some material.” I pointed at the small crystal, and her smile grew just a bit more.

“Oh, Icarus, this is just... I don’t even know what to say!” I only shrugged, gathering up the few tools I needed for the operation. “Really, that’s it, Icarus? You’re just going to save me nearly eight hundred bits, and you’ll just nonchalantly walk out of here?”

I offered a sheepish smile. “Well, I was going to write up a bill and deliver it to you. Eventually.”

“No, no nononono! No! This won’t do! I simply must repay you somehow.”

“How about I get the clothes I had originally come here for back on Tuesday?”

She stopped mid thought as she looked at me. “What?”

“On Tuesday, when I came in. I came here to get some new clothes.” A smile flashed across her face as she took my hand in hers. “Rarity, please! No, I don’t want to be a mannequin for you again! Not after the last time! I still have holes in me from the last time!”

A few hours later, and after being stabbed with pins only four times (“That’s less than half of last time, Icarus!”) I sat on a chair in her dining room, waiting for her to emerge from her workroom. She claimed that she would try to keep it fairly simple, but I knew her well enough to be certain that simple was far from her mind. When the door opened, she walked out carrying just two hangers, each one with a single article of clothing. The hanger in her left hand bore a pair of jeans, pristine, as she would only make the best, but still showing some of the trademark areas of ‘wear’ that came from a pair of rugged and worn in jeans. Somehow, she managed to make them look old and new at the same time. The other hanger bore a shirt with a sweater atop it. The shirt was simple white, while the sweater was a pleasantly striped pattern.

“I thought about what you wanted, Icarus, and so I made what you asked for, much as I wanted to do far more than just these.” I raised an eyebrow, and she just flushed a bit. “Come now, Icarus. I can do simple, when I want to. Besides, it’s what you asked for, and the customer, no matter how wrong, is always right.”

“I appreciate it, Rarity. And it’s not simple, it’s fashionably minimized. It’s a statement without stating a thing.” I walked over, taking the two hangers from her, admiring the feel of the fabric. “I’m glad that you only did what I asked, Rarity. It’s not everyday that I get what I ask for.”

“I aim to please, Icarus. And, sometimes, every once in a while, I do just that.”

I had a quick flash of inspiration as I started readying myself to go. I put both hangers in one hand, along with my toolbox before I grabbed Rarity’s hand, quickly raising it, and planting a kiss on the back of her hand. “You, Miss Rarity, do it far more often than once in a while. Now, if there’s nothing else you require, I’ll take my leave.”

Rarity seemed to avoid me for a few days after that, and any time I tried to bring it up she’d quickly pass it off, and soon it faded into the background of memories I have, and I thought about it no further. Time passed as it is wont to do, and it was November, and I was working in my library, reorganizing some new sections that I had added, hoping that it’d be the last time till next year when I do my grand reorganization. Unlike Twilight, I only do a reorganization once a year, putting all new additions onto a shelf kept specifically bare for purchasing and sorting new books.

As I was working, a few loud knocks came from my front door, and I quickly made to answer it, unsure of who was coming to see me, since I hadn’t been getting many visitors due to the crappy weather over the past few days. A fact which had prompted my reorganization. As I approached the door I gave a call of acknowledgment, hoping that it was loud enough to prevent the visitor from departing.

I threw open the door to find myself face to face with Spike, his bored demeanor speaking volumes. He took a step back when I appeared, but he quickly steadied himself before holding out a hand. “Hey, Icarus. How are you?”

I took his hand, giving it a quick shake before motioning for him to come in. “Not too bad. I’ve been doing some quick reorganization, in anticipation of getting more new material in. It’s not nearly as intensive as what Twilight does, but it’s still a bit of an onerous task.”

Spike nodded, a smile gracing his visage. “Don’t I know it. Twi does a reshelving and reorganization every other month. Although at times it feels like it’s closer to every month.”

“With Twilight’s book related OCD, I’m not really that surprised. Anyway, what brings you by? I mean, you don’t have to have a reason, I’m just assuming that you do have one.”

“Oh, yeah. I do. Twi asked me to come and get you, along with what you think are your rarest books. She wants to, maybe, do a book swap or something.” Spike gives a quick shrug. “She didn’t really tell me all the details.”

I nod, quickly turning to head to where I kept my more valuable books. “I think I can do that. Not all day, mind you, but I’m certainly willing to see what she’s got to offer.” I walked up to the shelf, quickly pulling out the books that caught my attention. “I’ve seen most of the library, really, so unless she’s got something hidden away inside that tree somewhere, I doubt she’ll be able to offer up anything I haven’t seen already.”

Spike laughed as he took some of the books I had from my arms. “Trust me, Icarus, you’ve seen less than half of what Twilight’s got if you’ve only seen the public portions of the library. I mean, she’s got access to the Royal Canterlot Library. If it’s been written down, chances are she’s got a copy, or she’s read it.”

This time I laughed, as I turned to look at the other occupant of the room. “Oh, is that so?” Spike simply nodded, and I went over to the desk I had in the library, quickly pulling out a key from one of the drawers. “Then, in that case, I think I’ll have to go into my more secluded stash.” Spike followed as I led him to my personal study, and then up to a large safe in the wall. After entering the combination to the lock, and then putting in and turning the key, I was rewarded with the sound of the locks disengaging. “And in here, Spike, are two unique books; a two thousand year old copy of the founding of Equestria, and the outlawed edition of Stone Tablet’s predictions and theological observations.”

Spike’s jaw dropped as I gingerly handled the two ancient texts. “Man... Icarus, where did you... Twilight’s gonna flip when she sees those.”

“Well, all the more reason to get them to her as soon as we can. I’m interested to see how she reacts to both of them, considering that they are one of a kind.” With that said, I grabbed a coat suitable for the cold weather outside, and the two of us set off for the library, Spike carrying a small pile of books while I held the two ancient tomes. Idle conversation passed between us, and Spike hinted heavily at his interest towards the crusaders, even displaying a level of affection bordering on what he had towards Rarity.

As we made our final approach towards the library, Spike stopped for a moment. “Um, Icarus. I know what we were talking about, and... I’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention any of this to the girls. Despite how old I am, Twilight still treats me like I’m a little kid, and I just know that she’d overreact if she knew.”

“What about Rarity?”

Spike blushed a bit, his gaze quickly lowering. “We talked. For, like, three hours a couple weeks ago. It hurt, but... I’m glad that it ended the way it did. We’re still friends, and I still think she’s beautiful, but... Age, maturity, and a lot of other factors are in play. It wouldn’t work.”

I smiled, resuming the pace towards the library. “That’s good, Spike. The fact that you can see that is all the proof I need of your maturity. I’m sure that you’ll be more than capable of making some girl, or some girls, very happy for a very long time.”

Just as I finished we reached the door, and Spike quickly opened it, ushering me inside before closing the door. “Twi, I’m back! And I’ve got Icarus with me!” Silence was the only response for a moment, and then Twilight’s voice called from upstairs, asking for the two of us to come up. Spike glanced at me, earning a shrug in response, and then the two of us started heading upstairs. We followed the sound of activity until the two of us stumbled into a room that I had never seen in before, or even knew existed. In terms of general appearance it looked much like my personal study, a desk, and walls of shelving. Twilight was perched atop a ladder, several books in one arm as her other browsed, and several more texts levitating just behind her as her horn softly glowed. “Twi, you really need to see some of these books Icarus has.”

“I’m sure that they’re very nice, Spike, but, as I said, he probably only has things that I’ve seen before.”

“Hate to burst your bubble, Twilight, but you couldn’t have seen these before.”

Twilight’s gaze fell upon me as I spoke, and she raised an eyebrow. “I find that doubtful. I’ve got access to--”

“The Royal Canterlot Library, I know. Spike told me. But, the Library doesn’t have these two books that I’ve got right here.” Twilight climbed down the ladder, the books in her arm joining their brothers and sisters in the air as they levitated as well. “These two books are one of a kind. Originals, too.”

Upon reaching the ground, Twilight approached me, a look of genuine curiosity on her face. “Oh, really? And what books might these be?” I held them out for her, and she grabbed them, her eyes widening as she looked at the leatherbound volumes. With more care than I’d ever shown them, she put them both down on her desk, both opening to their first pages. She turned to look back at me her mouth moving in a passable imitation of a fish, and yet she couldn’t utter a single word.

“Eloquently said, Twi. Those are my two rarest books. And, before you ask, yes, it’s the illegal version.”

“Where... How... Icarus, where did you get these? These books have been lost to the ages for millennia!”

I only shrugged before taking a seat in one of the other chairs in the room. “You go ahead and enjoy those, and I’ll browse through what you’ve picked out to show me. I hope that you have as good a selection for me as I do for you.”

A few hours passed as we each plowed through our chosen selection of books. Spike left after just half an hour of silence, claiming that he was going out to do stuff with some friends. I caught his eye before he left, and he gave me a small nod. Much of what Twilight had given me was older, and outdated, guides to working magic into new spells, and, while interesting, it did little to stimulate my mind. As I closed my chosen book, I leaned back in the seat, letting out a faint sigh. “So, Twilight, do you have anything more interesting to read, or just magical manuals from before Nightmare Moon?”

Twilight gingerly closed the book she was looking at before she turned around in her seat, a smile on her face. “I do, but I was actually hoping that the two of us could just talk for a bit. You spend a good amount of time hanging out with all of us, but I feel like I hardly know you.”

“For the record, I hang out with you, and the others, maybe once a week. It’s because I’m usually busy working while you’re all out saving the world, and bonding, and all that jazz.”

“Well, now you’re here, so we can talk. And not just about inventing, and science and stuff. We can talk about each other, and ourselves.”

“I’ve already learned a ton about you, Twilight. You, and all the girls, have been sharing with each other, and me, for the past year and a half, now.”

“Then maybe it’s your turn to talk to us.”

I narrowed my eyes as I leaned forward in my seat. “Oh? Just like that?”

“Well... You are a bit of a unique individual in town. You are the only flightless pegasus that I know of.”

“Funny, I’m the only flightless pegasus that I know of too.”

“Icarus, I’m only trying to help. I don’t want this to be something so hard for you to deal with. My mom told me some of what happened, but I still don’t really know the whole story.”

I let out an explosive sigh as I closed my eyes. “I really don’t want to talk about that, Twi. Eventually, maybe. Maybe. But not now. It’s not you, really. It’s me.”

“Icarus, we’re here to help you. You’re our friend.”

I stood up, walking slowly about the room. “Thanks, Twi. But... I need to figure things out first. I don’t think about it a lot, and I haven’t seen a need to change that.”

Twilight gave a small nod, and a smile appeared on her face. “Maybe we can figure out something to help with your flightless problem?” I looked over at her, and she just gave a small shrug. “Despite all the time I’ve spent reading the books in these rooms, I still learn more every time I go through them. Maybe there’s something I’ve missed. Some spell that’ll help you build something, or some spell that could let me regrow them.” She cast her gaze around the room once again, her arms going wide. “All of these books detail magic, in all its forms. I’m sure that somewhere there’s an answer for you, Icarus.”

Much of the rest of the day was spent avoiding the topic, since I simply shifted away from it at any opportunity. Twilight took great interest in discussing the two books I had brought over, and we simply talked for several long hours before I finally realized what time it was. I missed both of my appointments for the day, but two quick letters sent out using Twilight’s magic took care of that problem, and the two of us soon came to an agreement around a regular book swapping exercise.

Days turned to weeks, and weeks into months as time enjoyed it’s fourth dimensional dance. before long it was Spring again, and the Winter Wrap Up had once again progressed flawlessly thanks to Twilight’s organizational skills. I contributed as well, my eye for efficient design allowing for the tasks to be taken care of much faster. With the arrival of spring, new plants were being planted, and the town was soon awash with freshly blooming plants. I’d heard that Fluttershy was known for having the most amazing arrangements in town, so I decided that I’d drop by, see how she’s doing, and maybe look at her garden.

To say that I was surprised when I saw Fluttershy’s home would be an understatement. Her entire cottage was covered in blooming plants of all varieties and colors. The owner of the cottage in question was flitting about her house, tending to the plants, and signing with the birds that were abuzz around her. She took all the care in the world to ensure that her wings never hit any of the birds, and her every move was made with utmost care and precision. She noticed my approach, since she gave me a small wave before landing softly.

I continued towards her house, my mouth still open in surprise as the beauty of her home. “Fluttershy, this is amazing! Do you plant all the seeds for this, or... Or something, I don’t even know.”

She just blushed at my compliment, her wings gently resettling themselves on her back. “It’s all my animal friends. As a thank you for all the care I give them, they make my home beautiful for me each spring.” She cast a quick glance over her shoulder before she looked back at me. “They outdo themselves each year, too.”

“In all my years, even with a yearly botanical show in Middle Park, I’ve never seen a floral display to match this one.” Her blush returned in full force, and I started walking around the perimeter of her home, taking it all in. “Seriously, Fluttershy, this is great. How do you manage all of it, though? If plants can grow here, surely weeds can too.”

She nodded as she reached out and gently plucked a weed from the wall of her home. “Oh, they do. I have to do a thorough check at least once a week in order to make sure I get all the weeds. Today just happens to be the day I check.” She looked at me for a moment before she flashed a small smile. “Would you like to help some, Icarus?”

I nodded, and soon the two of us were working at her house. Despite her claims, there were a relatively small number of weeds strewn across all of her home. I told her that I suspected that it had to do with the very animals that planted all these seeds, and she was quick to agree with me. Conversation quickly fell by the wayside as we worked, though, and it was only after a couple of hours that we finally finished.

“Man, Fluttershy, I don’t know how you can do that once every week. That was tough.”

“It’s not so bad, Icarus. And besides, I love the weather, and the beauty. Spring is my favorite season, by far.” She looked at me, a smile on her face. “It’s like the whole world is starting over. The trees start budding, the plants start growing. Everything is fresh and new. Some things are the same as last year, but there’s always new things too.” She gestured out at the view of the Everfree off in the distance. “It may be wild and untamable, but it has a certain kind of beauty. During the spring it enjoys almost a full month of majesty as the trees bud their leaves.”

“Back in Manehattan, I often went for walks, and flights, through and around, and over Middle Park. To see all the tiny buds of green strewn across the trees. It has this spark of amazement to it. This kind of renewal.”

“That’s why I love it. It’s a chance for nature to start again. The long winter weeds out the plants that aren’t strong enough to last, and that gives the newer plants a chance to really start to flourish. It’s a chance for us to start again as well. People can change as much, if not more, than nature. And we don’t even need to wait for spring to do it.” She looked at me for a moment, before she looked back at her house. “I may be shy, Icarus, and sometimes I’ll admit that I’m scared too often, but I’ve learned something through it. I’ve learned that people are often blind to their own shortcomings. I know and accept who I am, but there are some people who can’t do that. They’ve built themselves their own little world, and the simple thought of changing it sends them running to protect their self-image.”

“Are you talking about me, Fluttershy?”

“You, and so many others. Accepting that something needs to be changed is the first step towards fixing yourself.” She let out a small sigh. “Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, even Pinkie. All of them have something that they need to change, but they won’t do it because they don’t have the right motivation.”

I looked at Fluttershy before I turned away from her, my gaze roaming the skies. “And what about me?”

“You just need to accept what happened. It wasn’t your fault, and no amount of self loathing can change that.”

“I know. It’s just...”

“It’s always hard to change yourself. You just need to find the right thing to strive for, and to act as motivation. Find that, and you’ll be amazed at yourself.”

Not another word passed between us before I left just ten minutes later. Her words struck deeper than I think she knew, but her uncanny observational skills are what I really didn’t like. I hadn’t told any of them about my father, and yet there was Fluttershy, commenting on him without really knowing a thing. My life settled into a routine after that day, and I was amazed when I learned that the Crystal Kingdom was returning after all this time. When they finally came back they were all tired from their endeavors.

As May neared it’s end I was approached by Spike with a letter. That was when I learned about Celestia’s plan to send the Elements on a month long vacation for some relaxation. Of course, I was genuinely happy for all of them -- plus it made sense that Celestia would, finally, give them a reward given how hard they work. Spike told me, though, that the girls didn’t know about it -- she wanted to keep it as a nice surprise, and he wanted to make sure I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. I swore myself to secrecy.

We told them two days before they were scheduled to depart for the vacation.

Spike and I gathered them all in Twilight’s library, otherwise known as Twilight’s house, to tell them the news. The reason Spike and I gave was that Celestia had sent a letter about something very important; she had mentioned something about “Element stuff.” It was true, technically -- it was “element stuff” -- but since the implication was that it was something that could decide the fate of Equestria, they all came quicker than you could blink.

To start off, Spike told them that there was no danger of any sort -- no monsters released, supernatural beings, or the creation of any very powerful city in the middle of nowhere. Everyone -- except Pinkie, who was hopping around the room in her normal hyper state-of-mind -- breathed a sigh of relief. That was one thing off the list of things to worry about.

Then I started to speak. “Celestia did send a letter, though. I want to read it to you.” Taking my hand from behind my back, I held out a letter. One with a very familiar official seal. I quickly opened it and started reading aloud.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony,” I paused for a moment, as is demanded by the letter’s formatting. “Let me start by thanking you for your actions in the Crystal Empire. With Sombra’s defeat the kingdom is now thriving. Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence have taken on the roles of the leaders of the Empire, and their rule is a benevolent one.

“Two years have already passed since the Elements of Harmony chose you as thier bearers. In this time you have protected Equestria on numerous occasions, and, as such, I feel that it is time for Equestria to repay you for all your hard work.

“Therefore, I have arranged for a month long vacation in two days time, to Firefly Island, which is the second largest island in the Kalarosian Ocean. You will be staying at my summer villa, which is located on the beach. It affords easy access to the water, as well as being able to witness the sunsets that my sister and I create. I urge you to enjoy yourselves, as the island has a wide array of stores covering every need you can imagine. You will find that no location will be barred to you either. The island is completely open to you all. Additionally, I have made some arrangements for all of you at various restaurants and venues at certain points along the duration of your stay. I have even taken the pains of making a special surprise for you on your final night on the island.

“You will find, enclosed, seven tickets for the boat trip to the island.

“This should be a perfect opportunity for all of you to relax and unwind. May you enjoy your time to the fullest. Sincerely, Princess Celestia”

With the reading out of the way, I carefully lifted the tickets out of the pocket inside the letter and showed them to all of the Elements and Spike. What I saw when I looked up from the letter left me stunned as I saw all seven of them sitting there calmly.

That didn’t last for long, though.

“WE’RE GOING ON A VACATION!!” Pinkie shouted, bouncing off the walls with renewed vigor and excitement. “WE’RE GOING ON A-”

Her shouts were halted as a finger was placed on her mouth, effectively silencing her. “Pinkie Pie,” Rainbow intoned calmly. “We know.” She turned her attention back to the rest of the group. “I think a vacation would be totally awesome. It would be a nice break from all of our ‘Element’ stuff.”

“I would love to go on a vacation,” Rarity said. “It would be a great way to finally catch up on my beauty sleep.”

Everyone gave her a look.

“What? Even I need to work on my beauty. Despite appearances, I don’t wake up looking this good.”

“I would love to go,” Applejack sighed, “but a month is a long time to stay away from the farm. What if they need help?”

“I’m sure they will be fine,” Spike comforted.

My face lit up as I recalled a bit of the letter that I had omitted. “Oh! I forgot something.” Unrolling the letter again, I read aloud, “P.S. Applejack, I know you’re worried about your farm, and that you want to make sure everything goes fine while you’re gone; therefore I called Braeburn, from Appleoosa, to come to the farm in your absence.”

Applejack blinked. “There’s no way it says that.”

“But it does.”

“It can’t. You made it up.”

“Wanna see it?”

She paused for a moment as she glared at me. “Gimme that.”

Snatching the parchment away from my hands, she furiously read over the paper. The expression on her face changed from anger to shock to confusion, and back to shock again.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” she muttered under her breath.

“Do you believe me now?” I asked, a smug smile on my face.

She gave me a bemused look. “Shut up, you.”

I only laughed in response.

“What about you, Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash said, playfully elbowing her friend.

“Um, well,” she mumbled, “it would be . . . nice, I guess. Angel can take care of the animals, so I guess I would be . . . um, free to go.”

“Well, I guess that settles it, then,” Twilight said cheerily. “Two days from now, we’ll meet here, and we can finally take a well deserved vacation!”

The girls, especially Rarity, dashed off to start packing, leaving Spike and I behind. I looked at him, and he motioned for me to follow. I did so, and moments later we were in the kitchen, and Spike was looking at me nervously. “Icarus, can I ask a favor from you?” I nodded, and Spike heaved a small sigh. “I kinda don’t want to go. It’s not that I don’t want a vacation, it’s just... Well, with all of them gone, I’ll finally be able to spend some time without them asking me to do stuff all the time.”

“You want to spend time with the crusaders, Spike. It’s okay to admit it.” He only glared at me for a moment before he finally smiled. “Yeah, a bit. Still, it’s a worthwhile cause. I get to spend some time with the ladies I’m interested in, and you get to spend some time with some hot ladies too.”

“Yeah, because I’m totally their collective cup of tea.”

“Dude, don’t be so damn pessimistic. It’ll be great. For you, and them.”

I offered a small shrug. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Instead, ask what’s the best that could happen.”

Author's Notes:

Long chapter is long. I do hope that this makes some things clear about the universe that we're dealing with, and gives Icarus a bit of depth. For those new to the story, welcome, and enjoy. For those reading this out of order, forgive me.

Whatever the case, I present to you my, as of yet, best released story:

Fireflies