I bucked again. Upon making contact, the tree shuddered, and the apples fell from above, one landing atop my head. I counted the numbers of the red fruit. Thirteen. ‘Hmm… it appears my powers have been waning. Either that, or I am horrible at bucking apples.’ I was certain it was the former.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. It’s tricky, ‘cause you’re a pegasus, but I doubt that will hold you back fer long!” The orange farm mare cheered me on, but to no avail. She was still bucking down at least twice as many apples as I ever could. At least, now. A few months ago, I could have pummeled a mountain to dust. Now, I couldn’t buck down this tree even if I wanted to. Something is wrong.

“Ok. I will keep trying.” And I did, until it was high noon. By then, Applejack and I had bucked half of the harvest, but there was still a lot to do. It felt good to be helping a friend. Perhaps I should visit Twilight, or Rarity, or Pinkie even. I haven’t seen much of Rainbow Dash, but if the weather has been clear, like it is, I would expect that she has simply been working far too hard to have time for me. Applejack trotted up to me with some lemonade and a coinpurse.

“Thanks for all of yer hard work Red Storm. You really didn’t have to help, but here. Mac and I will finish today.” I looked at her sideways, before waving off the money.

“Thank you, but no thank you. I just wanted to help as a friend. We hardly ever spend time together, so I thought I would help out. I should be thanking you for teaching me how to apple buck. It is a very useful skill to have… Even despite myself being a pegasus. I would, however, enjoy a glass of that lemonade.” She passed me the glass and I drank it down in one gulp. Satisfied, I handed it back to her.

“Well, alright then. If yer headin’ out, tell Fluttershy I said ‘hi’.” I nodded and gave a final wave before spreading my wings and taking off. Admittedly, I was rather sore from all the work I had done today. It has been far too long since I had a real workout. I flew back home, intent on taking a shower, as I would rather be cleansed of my filth before I meet anypony else.

I touched down gently in front of the cottage where Fluttershy and I still lived together; only now, in matrimony. I trotted inside and nuzzled my wife, who was helping a family of birds.

“Good afternoon, my love. How have you been doing?”

“Well. I am helping the birds today. Lunch is on the table, if you want to eat… Oh! And the Cutie Mark Crusaders will be staying the night tonight… if that’s ok.” I gave her a gentle smile.

“Of course it’s ok. I love the little ones. Though, I must remember not to tell such a scary tale next time. They were shivering for weeks afterward.” I paused, looking at the rose sandwich on the table. “Ah, yes. And thank you for lunch, love. I will eat it after I take my shower. I am about as ripe as one of Applejack’s apples.” Fluttershy giggled and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before I moved toward the bathroom.

About ten minutes later I emerged from the shower looking for a towel. I found one hanging on the door, and promptly dried myself off. I looked in the mirror of the bathroom, and examined my own face. Over the course of the last few months, it looked like I had aged years. My features were no longer as soft as before, and wrinkles had formed along my brow. I shook off the feeling of old age and exited the bathroom once more with a towel about my neck and a hunger that could devour a world. I quickly made my way into the kitchen, but Fluttershy was not there. My sandwich, however, was. I sat down and ate quietly. At least, out loud. In my mind, I thought as I munched on the delicious treat.

‘Mmm… This is a pretty good sandwich…’

‘Of course it is. Fluttershy made it.’

‘Still good. I was famished.’

‘You know what they say. Hunger is the best sauce.’

‘Shut up and let me eat.’ Silence. I finished up, and rose.

“Ok, now we go and visit… uhh… Who should I visit?” Suddenly, Pinkie Pie popped out of a nearby jar, defying all laws of space. She looked past me, seemingly into space.

“Hi everypony! Who should Red Storm visit today? He can visit A) Rarity, B) Twilight Sparkle, or C) Rainbow Dash!” She paused, as if waiting for a response. I looked at her sideways, wondering how she could have possibly fit into the jar she was emerging from. She looked as if she was missing everything below the chest, and was resting on top of the jar, like some sort of-

“Great idea! Red Storm should visit Rarity!” She then looked straight at me. “Red Storm, the bronies want you to visit Rarity. You have to listen to them.” I was even more confused.

“What the devil is a “brony”? Are you intoxicated?” She shook her head in response.

“Nope! Just really good at ripping holes in reality. Bye!” She then sucked herself back into the jar. At this point, I didn’t even check because I knew nothing would be there.

“Perhaps… Perhaps I should go see Ms. Rarity. I haven’t spoken to her in so long, after all.”

‘Yes… good idea… I wonder if her horn has re-grown…’

I paused. ‘Re-grown…? But… I didn’t actually smash her horn, did I?’ I shook away the thought. Of course I didn’t… right? Yes, most certainly; if I had, she would be dead, too. I think.

I made my way to the door, trying to figure out what was real and what wasn’t. Dementia is something I did not need right now. I decided that there was no way of being sure unless I checked, so I made that another reason to visit. Before I could leave, however, Fluttershy came prancing downstairs and called for me.

“Hmm? Ah, uh… is there something you need, love?” I said, still half-occupied trying to sort out my second set of memories.

“I wanted to ask you if…” She paused and looked at me with worry. “What’s wrong? You have that look again.” I realized I was making my “Buried in thought” face again.

“I was thinking… about my time in the Eternal Night again. I still have nightmares, you know. Is Rarity still alive? I really can’t remember…” Fluttershy’s look of worry became one of fear.

“Yes… she’s still alive, Red Storm. She and I went on our weekly spa treatment yesterday… remember?” I racked my brain. ‘Yes… now I remember. She is well.’

“Ah yes, thank you Fluttershy. Can’t fathom how I had forgotten something so important in such little time.” I turned to leave, intent on checking myself (you can never be too sure… ponies lie, after all) when Fluttershy stopped me again.

“Red Storm… are you ok? You’re not acting like yourself anymore. You’ve been rather ‘out of it’ for the last several weeks now. Do you need to talk?” I swallowed a feral growl rising in my throat before answering:

“Yes, of course my love. I am well… just tired. After all, I can’t get much sleep from my nightmares. On that note, did you ever realize how deep of a sleeper you are? I woke up screaming one night and you were still fast asleep.” Fluttershy now wore a very concerned look. Should not have said that.

“Woke up screaming? That’s not healthy, Red Storm. If your nightmares are as bad as you say they are, then you should talk about it. Perhaps write a letter to Princess Luna for help.” ‘Write a letter to the Princess? Perhaps… No. There is nothing wrong. Besides, I am sure she has much more important things to attend to.’

“Ok, I will keep that in mind. Perhaps I will have Spike send it for me.” Fluttershy appeared to accept this answer, but continued to eye me as I left the house. I closed the door behind me, waving before spinning around. I heard something move in the underbrush, followed with movement. I tasted the air. Nothing on the wind, but I could I have sworn I saw something. ‘Must have been my imagination…’

I trotted down the dirt road towards Ponyville. Every minute or so, I would see something out of the corner of my eye, or hear something. But when I looked around, nothing was near. I was beginning to become a bit paranoid, if not maddened by this constant pestering. I hurried my pace as I entered the town. By now, I was pretty damn sure somepony or something was following me. I just was never fast enough to catch a glimpse of it. I will catch it. Whatever it was. Where was I headed? Ms. Rarity’s home. Of course. I began to gallop towards the Boutique as the noises and glimpses began to become more repetitive. I was almost expecting something to stab me in the back. I flew by the townsponies, including Miss Doo and The Doctor who tried to wave, but I failed to notice them. I arrived shortly, and only when I arrived and entered the Boutique did the thought cross my mind that I could have flown here. Oh well. I entered the building as fast I could without seeming unbecoming, seeking solace from my tormentor. Rarity was currently working on a long, flowing blue dress. I paid that little attention however, as my stress was beginning to swell, and I could feel my grip on my sanity slowly slipping. ‘This is not normal, even for me. Why, after all this time, am I finally losing my mind? After everything…’

‘Because you are beginning to realize that you are twisting fate.’

These words in my mind clicked something in the back of my head, like a door unlocking. I expected more to follow, but none came, so I did not linger on them for long. At this point, Rarity had noticed my arrival and was walking towards me.

“Hello Red Storm! It’s been almost three weeks since I last saw you! I was beginning to think something dreadful had happened to you!” I scanned the white unicorn. Horn? Check. Intact skull? Check. Alive and well? Double check. ‘Good. I can rest easy now… for now…’

“Oh, things have been quite pleasant being wedded with Fluttershy. I am sorry that I have not made time to visit. My husbandly duties keep me very busy.” I felt a twinge of regret as the words passed my lips. I’m not one to kiss and tell, but hey, it’s true. I haven’t slept a full night since she and I had married, and it’s only gotten worse because of my nightmares… despite her shyness, she can be very… assertive.

“Oh, that’s fine dear. I have been quite busy myself,” responded Rarity, seemingly oblivious to my quip. “I have been getting a rather unusual number of orders lately, and I can’t help but admit that I am actually falling behind. I still have to make several more dresses by tomorrow.” Her cheeks turned red, admitting that she was not meeting her own standards. Another brain-click.

“Say, Rarity, would you like some help with your dresses? I have more than a little bit of knowledge involving fashion. I was considered the “most fabulous” of the nobles in the west. Now that I think about it, I kinda wish I had my clothes with me. Especially my suits…” Rarity’s attention was officially caught.

“You know fashion? I would never have guessed! I suppose I could use a few more hooves around here, seeing as Sweetie Belle isn’t here to help…” A wave of relief washed over me, as now I had something to help keep my sanity for a while longer. The mines were closed down due to a cave-in, and aren’t expected to be re-opened for quite some time. I needed something to do, and this was perfect.

“Can you sew, dear? I have a machine-”

“I am quite capable of using a machine or needle. But, let us not dwell on the details, let us make some dresses!”

...Three hours later…

Together, over the course of three hours, Rarity and I had completely polished off her order of dresses. We had created a total of forty-three artisan dresses and suits. They were all sizes, shapes, colours, fits, and styles. I loved making clothing. ‘Perhaps I should take up the career… no I shouldn’t. I would hate to be competition for Miss Rarity… Why do I still call her “Miss” Rarity? Not like she’s older than me.’ I shook away the thought. Then another popped into my head: ‘Why do I always shake my head to rid myself of a thought? It’s pointless…’ I just stop thinking about it this time, avoiding the head-shaking. Where was I? Ah, yes. Saying goodbye to Mi- just Rarity.

“Well… I suppose that’s everything, huh? I think we did a good job. I personally like the dress we made with the sapphires. Very pretty, and an excellent idea of yours.” Rarity waved me off.

“Oh, don’t be so modest dear. You were able to turn that muddy brown mess of an outfit over there into something simply fabulous. I think a good portion of the credit should go to you as much as me. Thank you for all of your help with these orders; I don’t know what I would have done without you!” I blushed.

“I’m certain you would have figured something out. After all, I am not nearly as fashionable as you.” Now it was the unicorn’s turn to blush.

“Well, either way, it was fun having you here today, and I thank you for all of the work you have done for me… are you sure you do not need compensation? After all, you did so much for me…”

“Ah-ah-ah! I will not hear of it! I help friends in need, no questions asked! And certainly no reward is needed!” Rarity looked a bit upset at my turning down of her reward, but she said nothing. I started for the door.

“Anyway, it has been fun. Perhaps we can do this again sometime.” Rarity nodded excitedly.

“Oh, yes! Most certainly! I would love to have you help around again! There is only so much Spike can do, after all.”

“Very well! I may stop by again sometime later this week. Again, it has been quite fun, but I must leave now. Take care!” I waved as I exited, and Rarity waved back as she closed the door behind me. I started my walk home, but kept my wit about me. That stalker may still be lurking about… ‘These evasive tactics remind me of San-… Don’t think about him.’

I made my way home as the sun began creeping towards the horizon. I had spent far longer at the Boutique than I had anticipated. Oh well. I hope Fluttershy has been ok all alone.

A few minutes of trotting along, I arrived at the bridge leading to the cottage, but something was… off, to say the least. There was a racket from inside the cottage. I flew up to the door, and prepared to fight. When I opened the door, however, I was assaulted by three young fillies. They tackled me backward, and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was adorable, and I really envied them for their youth. Meanwhile I am serious, and stern about life. *Sigh* I am a sad mess of a stallion.

“My, my! I forgot you were spending the night tonight! Hello little ones! I have missed your company.” The fillies just cheered in delight as we headed back inside. Fluttershy was again in the kitchen, preparing dinner. I assumed she hadn’t heard my entrance, so I tried to calm the fillies, to no avail. Throwing that idea away, I decided to greet my wife. I snuck up behind her and covered her eyes with my hooves. I heard a faint gasp, but she quickly relaxed as I gave her a peck on the cheek.

“Good evening, love. All has been well, I hope?” She turned around and embraced me in a full kiss.

“Why wouldn’t it be? I have had a nice day today. How was your visit to Rarity?” I thought.

“Peachy. What’s for dinner?”

“Something.”

“I hope something is a type of food.”

“You’ll be getting two types of something tonight,” Fluttershy said with a wink.

“…… Not in front of the fillies, dear.”

She gave me another wink before turning her attention back to the food. I moved back into the living room where the fillies were wrestling about something trivial. I clopped my hooves together twice and they stood at attention.

“It has come to my attention that you are looking for your Cutie Marks, yes?” The triplet shook their heads in unison, with eyes of wonder.

“Well then, I suppose you would like to know where I got my Cutie Mark, eh?” Again, the shaking of heads.

“Well, seeing as dinner will not be ready for some time, I suppose I will have to tell you. Sit down, and let me tell you. Of the day that I received my Cutie Mark…”

Author's Notes:

Another done... meh. How's the story? Please, do comment and review. It helps more than you think. Mainly my self-esteem. But the story gets something out of it too.