Patterns & Hues

by crowmagnon

I clear my throat to break the silence as I look across the table at my daughter. She's still trying to burrow a hole through my skull with her eyes.

Just like her mother's, I find myself thinking, which doesn't help at all, even if it's true. She might have gotten my colors, but those eyes are all her mom's. Right now, they're fixed on me in a way I thought I'd gotten used to years ago, but to see that angry, piercing stare from my daughter of all ponies, it's like a knife to my gut.

A part of me, that little cowardly voice that resides in all stallions and comes out specifically when a mare is mad at them, tells me not to say anything. Tries to convince me not to push through the layers of awkwardness between us, just in case she actually has developed the power to shoot death beams out of her eyes, and that invisible wall turns out to be the only thing keeping me alive.

No, that's stupid. I'm being stupid. I came all the way here to see her, and now that I have, nothing else matters. For Celestia's sake, this is the first chance I've had in years to actually visit her, and Tartaros take me if I'm going to let it slip away because of one incident.

"So... Dashie..."

"Seriously, dad? Seriously?"

"Now... let's calm down and talk about this..."

"Oh, I am calm. But you'd better believe I'm gonna be writing mom."

Tartaros take me...

-----

Earlier that day...

Most pegasi, especially those born and raised in Cloudsdale, prefer to fly everywhere they can. Right now, though, I'm walking because a part of me is hoping to postpone this a bit longer. Mostly because, as I follow the path winding away from Ponyville, I look at the thick line of trees denoting the edge of the forest ahead.

Pretty much every pony in Equestria, even a life-long Cloudsdaler like me, knows about the Everfree Forest. With its unruly plant life, deadly monsters and untameable weather, it's the source of more scary stories and cautionary tales than I can count. I've even drawn parts of it based on what scattered accounts there are from ponies who went in there and successfully returned alive.

Actually seeing it with my own eyes, though, I can already tell that I'd have to work much harder to actually do the Everfree justice. It's more than just bent and gnarled trees with vicious, fanged predators lurking behind each one. In fact, just looking at it, it doesn't actually look any different from any other forest. Alright, maybe more dense than most, but still normal.

Just makes the feeling of wrongness coming from the place that much more pronounced. There's just something about the way the clouds move over the place that ruffles my feathers the wrong way. I've heard that the weather over the Everfree is completely unmanageable, but I can't say I feel any inclination to put that to the test. I don't even think I can really explain it, except that it feels like a giant animal is growling at me, saying, 'Go away, little pony. This place doesn't belong to you.'

And my daughter lives on the edge of it.

After living inside it for years.

With a witch doctor who still makes it her home to this day.

I feel my heart jump up into my throat at the thought, but do my best to swallow it back down. Turns out, I'm so jittery at this point that the next sound I hear, a twig snapping underhoof, causes me to let out a (very manly) shriek as I jump up into the air.

After hovering in place in total darkness for several seconds, I eventually realize that I have my hooves over my eyes. When I can see again, I look around and find the source of the noise that freaked me out so much.

Three fillies. I was scared out of my wits by three little fillies, who are now running to the spot where I had been standing just a moment ago. The one in the lead has an orange coat, and is wearing a hat and cape that are very familiar, considering how many times I've drawn them. After looking around for the source of the noise, one of their group, a yellow, red-maned earth pony with a bow, looks up and waves to me.

"Hey! Hey, mister," she calls out, drawing the attention of the other two as I set myself back down on the ground. I let out a sigh and brace myself for ridicule before she drawls, "Did ya hear anythin'? Sounded lahk a filly screamin' over this way!"

Oh, thank Celestia for small miracles. Though I can't say I'm happy about the description... Still, it gives me a chance to salvage what's left of my masculinity. "Scream? No, can't say I did. There was a Snipe, though." When I see the look on their faces that confirms a lack of recognition, I add, "You know, a Snipe. Large wild bird? It has a call that sounds a bit like a scream."

"Huh, I've never heard of a Snipe before," the third member of their group replies. A little white unicorn of weapons-grade adorableness, she brings a hoof up to her chin in thought.

"Me neither," the earth pony says before the two both get a gleam in their eyes and look to each other with wide grins. "So if we catch one, we'll be famous! We'll have to get our cutie marks fer that!"

Yes! Masculinity preserved! Pride... has taken a severe blow from lying to fillies, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made. And since they're locals, I can confirm whether or not I'm going the right way. "So, girls--" Before I can ask my question, though, the unicorn interrupts.

"Oh, wait, we can't go off on a Snipe hunt yet. We've still gotta get those ingredients for Ms. Cheerilee's surprise!"

"Right. But we'll definitely put that on the list."

They seem lost in their own little world, so I turn toward the third one, who hasn't spoken since I landed. Suddenly, I find myself getting a face-full of the little orange Mare-Do-Well, who's looking at me like Spitfire herself just showed up to make her a Wonderbolt. "You're... you're Rainbow Blitz, aren't you?"

I chuckle nervously and try to nudge her back as politely as I can. Still, I puff out my chest a little, happy to meet a fan. "Oh, you're a fan of my MDW work, are you?"

She gasps and rears back, her cape fluttering back just long enough for me to catch a glimpse of a pair of little wings. "Oh my gosh, how did you know?! I've got two copies of every issue you drew!"

This outburst from their raspy-voiced friend draws the attention of the other two. "Huh? Do you know him, Scootaloo?"

"This is Rainbow Blitz," the pegasus filly exclaims. "He drew The Mysteries of Mare-Do-Well issues #57-82, and the Daring Do crossover! The good one!" She then looks up at me with wide-eyed awe and asks, "Have you... have you met her?"

I can't help but chuckle and reach out to pat her on the head. Sweet Celestia, this kid is just like my Dashie was as a filly. "Sorry, squirt, I can't say that I have." I then glance around and lean in to whisper, "but you know... I can't say for sure that I haven't, either. I mean, Mare-Do-Well could be anypony, and the last time I was at a convention, I met a very convincing cosplayer who knew a lot about those issues I drew. Things I'm pretty sure nopony else could have known."

Scootaloo lets out a squee of pure bliss. I'm pretty sure I just made her day there. It's the least I can do for a fan.

Time to get back on track, though. "So, can you girls help me out? I'm trying to find my daughter, and I want to make sure I'm heading the right way. Her name's--"

"Rainbow Dash, right?!" Scootaloo is bouncing around like a ferret on a triple espresso, with a wide grin on her face. "I knew it! I knew you were related the moment I saw your mane! Yeah, she's just down this road, right down to the edge of the forest! Can't miss it! Oh, hey, why don't I show you the way?!"

The unicorn squeaks, "But Scootaloo, we can't get the rest of the ingredients without a pegasus, and if we don't hurry, it'll be too late to find Ms. Cheerilee a very special somepony for Hearts & Hooves Day!"

This returns the orange filly back down to the ground, and she pouts for a bit before reluctantly agreeing. Honestly, I have the same reaction, but internally and for a different reason. I'd completely forgotten about Hearts & Hooves Day. Or as it's known to ponies in my situation, 'Single Ponies Are Losers' Day. It'd be just my luck if I missed her because she was off on a date with some stallion... Ugh, and now I'm standing around hoping that my daughter is as much of a dateless wonder as I am.

"So, girls... since you know my daughter, do you happen to know if she's spending the day with a coltfriend or something?"

Scootaloo replies, "Uh... nah, that's not too likely. My mom says all the good stallions are taken, and that's why she had to go into hiding the last few years. Why do you think we're going to all this trouble trying to find a very special somepony for our teacher?"

Well, I don't know why. I didn't even know that's what they were up to before she just said it. Anyway, it's a bit odd the way she said it, but the gist I got from it was that Dashie's not seeing anypony, so there's a chance she'll be at her house. "Well, good luck with that, squirt," I say to my little fan. "I'm going to go see my daughter, so you three take care."

"Wait!" Scootaloo stops me, looking up at me with an expression that's a dead ringer for one that's been burned into my memory for years. "Before you leave town, can you autograph my comics? Please? Please!" There it is. That perfect mix of expectation and certainty that if things don't go her way, it'll be the end of Equestria. The last time I saw that look was the day everypony in Cloudsdale was sure that we would be hosting the Equestria Games.

At least this time, the results are in my control. "Well, how can I say 'no' to a fan who took the time to give me directions? Sure, I'd be happy to. After I see my daughter, okay?"

Scootaloo's grin widens, and she lets out another squee that just about melts my heart. "Sure thing, Mr. Blitz! Come on, girls, we've gotta save Hearts & Hooves Day for Ms. Cheerilee!" The others let out a cheer as they run off down the road past me.

I can't help but chuckle a bit and shake my head as I continue down the way I was heading. Their teacher must be one lucky mare to have students working so hard to make her happy on the so-called 'most romantic day of the year.'

Before they're completely out of earshot,though, I overhear the earth pony musing, "Ah thought yer mom had t' hide 'cause o' those 'Duskshine' books makin' everypony think she was a broodin' vampony who just needed th' right mare t' show her love." The mention of those tomes of evil causes me to shudder with a chill that completely obliterates any thoughts of two mares frolicking together that the rest of the sentence might have otherwise evoked. It brings back traumatic memories of my work illustrating the graphic novel version. Under a pseudonym, of course, and I tried to mask my drawing style.

Please don't judge me. I had rent to pay. Whatever you're thinking of doing to me right now, I promise you that the nightmares of being hunted by glittery thestrals were worse.

Apparently Scootaloo has some bad blood (Gah! Pun so very much not intended!) with the series of her own, because I hear her raspy voice shouting, "THESTRALS AND VAMPONIES AREN'T THE SAME THING!!!" I wince and rub my ears as they're left ringing, even at this distance. Suddenly, even the proximity of the Everfree Forest doesn't seem so intimidating as I pick up my pace and trot toward the place my daughter calls home.

-----

In just a few more minutes, I see the end of the road. Well, at least as far as I'm willing to follow it, as the the path continues on into the forest. Fortunately, the cottage situated a short distance away from there is in plan view, so I make my way over. It's a two-story structure covered in straw like a Zebrican hut. It's positioned right next to a small stream, and the little bridge and foot path that lead up to it from the road are lined with wooden masks.

Large, creepy, scowling wooden masks.

Now, I actually know what most of them mean. They aren't just there to scare off visitors. In fact, the one closest to the house is a copy of one that Dashie sent me and her mother as a gift after our last reunion. According to the letter she sent with it, it represented a Zebrican spirit of healing and hospitality.

Still, the way he's leering at me with his tongue out, I wouldn't want that guy to be my doctor when my prostate exam comes up. I give a wary glance toward another mask representing the spirit of... uh... 'staring at you no matter where you're standing' would be my best guess. Even knowing that they're supposed to be benevolent spirits, the designs don't exactly seem so friendly by city pony standards. That and being a stone's throw away from the Everfree is starting to creep me out again, so hopefully Dashie will let me in. I approach the door and bring up a hoof to knock three times.

Then I wait for a response.

I try knocking again just in case she's there and didn't hear me the first time. Then I listen carefully.

Nothing. I sigh, figuring that she isn't home. I turn around and spread my wings, figuring that I'll try my luck in Ponyville, when I hear the door start to creak open behind me.

"Oh, Dashie! I'm glad... you're... here?" I turn around to greet my daughter, only to look through the doorway into the darkened cottage.

Expecting to see my Dashie's sky blue coat and bright, multi-colored mane, that isn't what I get.

There isn't anypony in the doorway.

My feathers bristle as a shiver goes up my spine. "D... Dashie?" I hesitantly lean forward, looking into the cottage. My heart starts pounding away in my chest. Despite the bright, sunny day outside, the inside looks like the place has been ransacked. "Dashie? Dash?! It's me, your dad! I came to pay you a visit!" I call out into the house, but nopony responds. Despite how creepy it is, I find myself stepping inside. As bad as it looks... I don't know. What if something horrible happened to my daughter? What if she was attacked by one of the monsters from the Everfree?! What if whatever did it is still in the house?!

Before that thought can prompt me to backpedal out again, the door slams shut behind me! It nearly catches my tail, and the loud noise makes me jump!

Funny thing. Bumping your head against the ceiling of a cloud house is pretty much like falling upward into a pile of marshmallows. Ground-based houses are made of much sturdier stuff, so pegasi who live in multi-racial towns quickly learn to respect the consequences of flying into such solid matter.

I mentioned earlier that I've lived my whole life in Cloudsdale, right?

Pretty sure I did, but it's hard to remember while a thundercloud is exploding inside my head. Then gravity decides to smack me as I slam back onto the floor like a sack of hammers.

While I lay on the floor, I hear the sound of things skittering across the floor. Dark, blurry shapes start to melt out of the shadows and surround me.

"I... I'm sorry, angry Zebrican spirits," I whimper. Or at least, I think I do. I think my voice sounds rather distorted and slurring. "I didn't mean to insult you. The tongue guy can check my prostate if he wants!"

While I mutter out apologies to whatever malevolent forces have laid me low, I hear hoofsteps walking across the wooden floors. Drawing closer and closer. "Rainbow Dash? I thought you were going to be out longer today." The voice is unfamiliar. Definitely not Dashie's... Whoever it is, they go to a window and throw it open, blinding me as I'm caught in a shaft of sunlight. The other pony then turns to look at me, a blurry sillhouette against the light. Then they gasp. "Oh no! We need to treat that right away!"

And that's about right when I lose consciousness completely.