Legends and Lessons
It was now the middle of the afternoon in Ponyville. School was letting out soon and everypony seemed to be getting ready to enjoy a nice spring day. Though it was still very obvious that Rainbow Dash had spoken the truth, that everypony who'd a piece of that enormous chocolate strawberry cake, that Pinkie Pie had made was still having major headaches. Too much sugar, and it was surprising all that sugar that Pinkie Pie ate almost everyday, didn't give her diabetes. So while all of the Mane Six along with Spike and Fledge were now at Sugar Cube Corner enjoying some non-caffeinated and sugar-free herbal tea to combat the migraines. Of course it was getting extremely hard to take pleasure while drinking their tea. For the reason that every single time a female pony walked by they all swooned with that ridiculous puppy-love gushy look. It was like every female was instantly in love with Fledge and just was acting like idiots around him, trying very hard to impress him and win him over. As a result it wasn't very unproblematic to enjoy some nice soothing herbal tea with all the mares and fillies acting like lovesick fools. It was hard to tell if Prince Fledge love the attention or not, though for at least for Twilight and her friends, especially Fluttershy, they at least felt that maybe he was getting a bit overwhelmed. It wasn't till a trio of unicorns purposely spilled their drinks on Twilight and her friends that the Prince decided he'd enough.
Getting up in a huff he threw an uncharacteristic glower at them. He narrowed his eyes and gave a bit of a snort and turned his nose up at them. "Come, Twilight, let's get you and our friends out of this place. I need some air and maybe a place of isolation," he said as he tried to get up and leave without too much trouble. It still wasn't easy. Each and every one the females were still getting in their way, and even despite the fact that it was clear he was getting very agitated, they didn't seem to care they're one making him overwhelmed, and two they're also getting on his nerves. He just wanted to get out of the confined space and be free.
The Mane Six tried to be of assistance to the handsome and charming prince, and get him and themselves out of Sugar Cube Corner, and it finally took both Rarity and Twilight along with Rainbow Dash, using both magic and speedy wings to get them safely outside. Everyone started galloping away from town, but they're still being pursued, so using the magic of his golden horn, Fledge teleported them to a gorgeous tranquil pasture far-off from Ponyville. After the lightheadedness wore off everyone took a deep breath of clean fresh air and sighed with relief. Gazing around them they saw only rolling emerald hills as far as the eye could see. Up above them were a few birds and fluttering nearby were butterflies. Otherwise they're totally alone.
"Wow! This place is awesome! I've never seen a bluer sky! Not even a single cloud! This place is perfect for an undisturbed flight! No worrying about crashing into anything or anyone! Fluttershy? I know you don't really care for it but let's have a race! From here to the end of the meadow and back! Please? Pretty, pretty, please?" begged Rainbow Dash to the distracted Fluttershy. She was too busy inhaling the aroma of the buttercups, daisies, and daffodils to at first take notice of Rainbow Dash's request.
"Yo! Fluttershy! Wake up, gal!" the fluster Pegasus yelled at her and threw an acorn at her head. "Ow! That really hurt! Rainbow Dash? Why did you do that?" inquired the yellow mare softly. She rubbed the sore little bump on her head. Then a pair of bright turquoise butterflies flew onto it and kissed it. Making all the pain from the acorn go away, then the acorn was taken by a handsome tawny squirrel that was now going to enjoy his lunch.
"I want to have a race. So can you just race me for the fun of it? Just once?" she begged to her sky buddy. Fluttershy looked a little intimated by her friend's request. She certainly wasn't the fastest flyer in Equestria but she hated to say no. Beside there weren't any other ponies around who'd laugh at her clumsy flying.
"Well, I guess a quick race would be alright. I've needed to stretch my wings a bit," she admitted quietly as she flexed her wings. She looked nervous though for she was blushing as pink as her mane. She was an animal caretaker not a racer, yet it would be for fun "Alright, Rainbow, I'll race you, but promise this is for fun."
"It's just a quick race from one cherry blossom tree to the other and back. And it's just for fun yes. I'm not gonna do anything to make you look bad. Heck I'll even go slow if it makes you feel better. So let's go, go, and go!"
So the two Pegasus got to the starting point and Fledge set off a firework so they'd take off. Rainbow Dash kept her promise was sorta gliding and Fluttershy was being cheered on by little critters below them. The squirrel who'd taken the acorn was cheering the loudest as the pair made it to the tree and doubled back to get home. They both crossed the finish line at the same time. Everypony gave a great shout approval and clapped their hooves together.
"Thanks for being my fly buddy today, Fluttershy. I owe you one."
"Thank you, for not making it into a big competition. It's nice just to take to the air for the fun of it. It's also so nice that this meadow is so undisturbed. All the little critters here are living in pure bliss. I saw some cute little bunnies that reminded me so much of my bunny. So this would be an ideal place to come for our next pet play date."
"Yeah, Fluttershy, this place is the best dog gone dandy of an idea! I know my little doggie would sure to love scamper and play here! As would all our little critters. A picnic for our pets here is something we're gonna have to do sometime soon! I only wishin' that I brought some of my red delicious apples here so we could've a snack." Applejack commented in a sorta disappointed tone as all their stomachs growled.
"We should've packed a lunch and I don't even have a slice of cherry pie on me. I was gonna bake some cherry pies later tonight after the Cakes went to sleep. I was gonna surprise you all with them. Sorry I didn't have a chance to make them yet, guys." Pinkie Pie apologized with her curly mane drooping a bit.
"Well, that's alright, Pinkie, though I'm rather thirsty and all the best cool mineral water is back at my boutique. It comes from only the freshest and cleanest water in the mountains far from Ponyville. Wish I had some now," Rarity admitted.
"Well, if you ladies are that hungry and thirsty I'm sure if we looked around a bit, we'd find both of those things rather easily. Just closes your eyes and listen to the wind." Prince Fledge suggested as he got up. He'd been resting in the shade of the tall blossoming cherry tree. He didn't look nearly as uncomfortable now that they'd gotten away from the mob. He was at least more at peace then he'd been back in town.
"Where are we gonna find a meal in the middle of nowhere?" inquired Rainbow Dash in a huff as she blew her messy mane out of her pink eyes. However before any of the other ponies could chimed in Twilight who'd been silent up to that point horn began to glow. A spark of magic burst forth from her horn and flew as fast as a dragonfly out through the meadow.
"I think our lunch is right that way," was all she said as they all took off after the speedy spark. They all lost their balance and tumbled down the hill, yet were all laughing with great joy. Even the prince was laughing as if he was a foal. So they all tumbled down the grassy hill and when they landed in a big pile they didn't' even get angry. They just giggled like little children and seem to be as energetic as children as well. Rarity didn't even make a fuss now that a big clump of worm infested dirt was stuck in her mane. Fluttershy once she got untangled simply picked up the dirt clump and took it to a small pond with a log hanging half in and half out. Placing the worms in the gooey mud she smiled and fluttered back to her friends.
"They'll be very happy in that moist soil. The log is perfect home for them, it's so nice that even the tiniest creatures can still be happy and delightful," she replied kindly.
"You feel affection for any animal regardless of how disgusting or hideous it is, Fluttershy! Furthermore that's why your thing is kindness which you share with so many others. Still those worms were a bit slimy, I'm gonna have to cleanse my mane very thoroughly to restore it to its silky softness. Yet that can wait for a bit, still thank you so much for removing those unsightly worms from my mane."
"Oh, Rarity, it's no big deal, yet you're welcome."
"Well, now that small crisis is over, how about we get back to finding our lunch? I sense my spark went from beginning to end of that field of towering sunflowers. We best hurry if we wish to catch it," Twilight suggested as she flapped her wings and lead the way through the maze of towering sunflowers. It was a lot of fun just trying to solve the giant labyrinth. Even Prince Fledge seemed to be taking great pleasure from their adventure; he was actually smiling widely to himself. Although he decided to not cheat and solve the maze by walking through which caused Twilight to return to the ground. Unfortunately a big gust of wind unexpectedly blew causing her to loose her control and come crashing down towards the ground. She probably would've broken her wings if Prince Fledge hadn't caught her. They looked deeply into the others eyes and blushed. "Thanks."
"Welcome. You know I love a good puzzle. It's so much more fun when you've to struggle and fight to achieve your goals. We don't have any mazes back home, yet I've read legends about them. And it really helps calm me down some when I can focus my mind on a puzzle instead of dealing with so much other stress."
"Really? Cause what calms me down is just having lots and lots of fun! We never had much fun when I was a filly, since living on a rock farm there is no fun at all! That's why I'm so determined to keep making others smile and have a lot of fun! So let's have fun, fun, fun! Skipping about in these beautiful sunflowers! Hey these are perfect for a garden party, like those fussy and silly parties for those upper-class ponies who are rude and mean have. Not much fun, yet they'd love all these!"
"I wouldn't insult other ponies, Pinkie Pie. Even if the aristocratic ponies do act like they're the best damn thing since slice bread. I mean both Rarity and I tired to fit in with them. Though it would appear that being a simple low class pony is a lot more fun, and more filling in the tummy, given those aristocrats eat only a simple piece of parsley! Now I'd rather find some food and do a little bucking if we got to. So let's get on little doggies!"
"My sediments exactly, Applejack, let's get through this maze now! We might have a bigger adventure on the other side of it! You just never know when you're gonna find an adventure or have some fun! So let's go, go, go!" Prince Fledge exclaimed happily as he took off down the dirt path. Every other pony was coughing a bit from the dust but all laughed and took down the path.
A race broke out between Rainbow Dash and Applejack, just like when they'd run the race for knocking off the autumn leaves. They're moving so swiftly they'd seem to be nothing but a big blur, yet this time there wasn't any dirty tricks, or bigheaded egos fiving to prove who was better or not. Fluttershy and Rarity were going slowly just humming the same song as the humming birds that were dancing around them. Pinkie Pie was just skipping as high as she could, laughing the whole way in an ebullient way, with the occasional backflip. Prince Fledge and Twilight were going slower then the others, trotting side-by-side taking in the scenery and just talking to each other. No-one though heard what they're talking about though. That was just as well seeing how what they're talking about was about themselves just trying to get to know other better.
"Wow! Now that was fun! It is sorta of enjoyable to just stop and smelled the roses, or in this case stop and smell the sunflowers. Now where is my magical spark to lead us onward on our quest?"
"Right over there, Twilight! Look it's a waterfall! And smell those sweet aromas of all these flowers! They'd make some nice perfumes! I also smell a whole array of other sweet scents. I should really gather some of these invigorating and delightful scents for some new perfumes. They'd go great with my newest fashion. And I'm sure Sweetie Belle would love to have some apple and cinnamon scented perfume. I think it would complement her well, why I might even have an idea for the perfect scent for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! Oh, thank you, Prince Fledge for bringing us here!"
"You're more then welcome, my generous friend. It's nice to take time just to enjoy the beauty of nature. I know Fluttershy here understands how precious nature is, seeing how she's a faithful guardian of it. I bet if she came to my land she could get all the birds and butterflies to sing a beautiful piece of music. I'm impressed with her abilities she's displayed just getting here."
The fair Pegasus blushed a vivid shade of pink from the kind complements of the handsome prince. She did take pleasure in the soothing and tranquil nature more then her friends, yet she was so happy he thought of her as a guardian. "Thank you, Prince Fledge… I mean…I…," she stuttered a bit while still blushing like crazy. "You're kindness is as sweet as the first bloom of spring. I feel affection for all of nature and it's important that everything and everypony along with all creatures of this beautiful world is given a fair chance. I believe that's why Princess Celestia tasked me to help Discord overcome his former ways. So yes, kindness and looking at the bright side does really help things."
"Guys! Hey! We found a treasure trove of fruit plus berries on the other side of the waterfall! Let's go get some grub! I mean come on! I'm so famished so move those hooves, guys! Applejack, get ready to buck a few trees. And I think I'm gonna go get some big strawberries and raspberries to eat! Yum!" Rainbow Dash urged with a look of intense hunger over her blue face as she speed all the way to the orchard. The other ponies and Spike quickly raced to the other side of the waterfall, yet all of them splashed underneath the soothing and cooling blue water.
It was an extremely entertaining afternoon for everypony involved, they spent it gathering all the fruit and playing in the cool refreshing waterfall. For the duration of this time it seemed the prince at long last let his 'royal' self go and just acted like a normal pony. The girls thought this must be the first time in a long time or if this was the first ever that he'd just had fun and got to be 'normal'. Nevertheless he was now splashing and shouting like he was just a child. He was really splashing Twilight and in next to no time the two Alicorns were busy flying around the tall powerful cascading water and cast a beautiful rainbow. Twilight was just laughing like crazy for she couldn't the last time she'd this much fun. She used her magic to make the nearby flowers weave themselves into headdresses for all of her friends, and made one for both Spike and Fledge.
"Oh, we look so pretty, Twilight, thanks! I adore my chrysanthemums, lilies and sunflowers headdress. I'm a pony princess of nature now!" Fluttershy thanked her friend with a gay little laugh. She was prancing around and admiring herself in crystal clear water. The rest of the gang was also pleased with how royal and beautiful they'd looked in their reflections. Spike thought he'd looked very impressive and yet again tried to get Rarity to notice him. She on the other hoof was busy using her magic to gather samples to take home to make into hair products as well as perfumes. Though she did permit the small dragon to sample a few of her preliminary works. She was just bursting at the seams with ideas while at the same time enjoying her flower tiara. As they sampled some different colored roses she just sighed in great rapture, "This will go great with this ball gown I've been designing for an important client in Canterlot. This is just the divine scent needed to make those magenta silk and accenting topazes faultless! Oh, I'm all a flutter with ideas!"
"Take a deep breath there, Rarity. I'm as excited as you are about how much fun we've had today. I'd gotten even more seeds to grow things back on the farm. And I cannot wait to see those golden apples bloom. Think of all the pies we'll be able to make with them!"
"Yeah, and think of all the parties that those pies can be served at! This was just such a great day! It was fun, fun, fun! I just love, love, love today all great things we got to do! Maybe at my next party I'll make a waterfall of confetti! Or use glittering flower petals! It's gonna be so wonderful!"
"I'd think we can all agree that Prince Fledge showed us a good time today. And we are all very thankful for all the fun and joy you brought to us today. And we hope we've brought the same to you as well. So deepest thanks to you, Prince Fledge," Twilight intoned gratefully as did all her friends.
He went red in the face and smiled at them. It seemed he was a tad self-concession; he was now about as shy as Fluttershy, yet still as poised and regal as ever. He seemed to embody different qualities from all the ponies. At the same time he still seemed unsure how to act or just be a 'normal' guy. Toying with the golden amulet that went with his new coat all he could do was smile again. "I thank you all for helping me unwind, and with the further hope that you'll help me find my Maiden, it's really truly wonderful…OW!" he cried out in intense pain as his legs buckled and he felt to the ground.
"PRINCE FELDGE!" the girls and Spike cried as they'll rushed to help him up. He was writhing in pain and sweating profusely. It seemed to be pure agony for a moment. Then something strange happened. For a moment he seemed to flicker like a flame. He fizzled out and came back into focus. This scared everyone a great deal but it really seemed to frighten Twilight. She looked the most fearful out of all of them.
"Are you okay?!" she asked as he got back onto his feet. He winced once and his golden horn flicked a few more times before he seemed to regain his ability to breath. The attack was over yet he still looked like hell. It was the first time since meeting the fabled prince that he seemed vulnerable. The Mane Six and their dragon friend looked extremely worried that this was something very bad. And it turned out it was worse then they'd realized at first. The Prince just looked like he just got out a fight within the bowels of hell. He looked just as scared as they did and with good reason.
"My apologies, ladies, I'm so sorry you'd to all see that. It's never pleasant in my realm or here in Equestria when this pain comes. It rips at my heart and soul and drains my life-force. I'm so sorry you'd to witness this, but perhaps this can help you understand my need and my quest better."
"What happened, Prince Fledge?" inquired Twilight kindly as she helped get him back on the soft green grass. The others were rushing this way and that way trying to get him some help. They gave him some water and made sure he'd something to eat. After a few moments he finally seemed to be alright or at least looking like he was a bit better.
"What happened, my darlings, is that there was somepony giving up on their dreams. A ruined dream and the powerful influence of disbelief are deadly to me. Another pony somewhere just stopped believing in both me and the power of dreams. Consequently a part of me is yet again lost. Every time somepony gives up or fails to achieve their dream a part of me and my world withers and dies. This is why the Plague of Disbelief is so deadly and why I must find the Maiden soon. I loose part of my magic every time this happens and the more ponies who give up on their dreams the more I cease to exist. I was born out of power and belief of dreams. When that belief goes away I feel it. I fear if enough ponies give up on their dreams that I will die and then all the beautiful dreams will die as well."
"So you're saying you're life-force is tied to all the ponies of Equestria dream energy?"
"Yes, Princess Twilight, that exactly what I'm saying. It's one of the many reasons the "Ponytales" are so important and why my legend is important. As they say 'legends are lessons that ring with truths" we need to keep remembering what those stories tell us and their vitally important lessons of wisdom must be kept intact. It's another reason I want that party to go on and I made myself known in your home of Ponyville. I wanted to spread the power of belief to combat the Plague that is killing my home. Yet I don't know if it will do any good now. So now you know why I must complete my quest, and why I'm so desperate for your help."
For a few moments none of the ponies said a word. They'd gone through a lot of their own adventures and quests. They'd done many things but now they're realizing that this was probably more important then anything they'd ever encountered. It was time to act and if they'd didn't want their new friend to die then they must act swiftly.
"We're taking you to see the other princesses. Perhaps they can help and maybe we can spread your power further through Equestria. C'mon, girls we need to get to Canterlot and fast! So let's get going!" Twilight commanded and everyone was ready to go and stop this evil for all their sakes and all the sakes of the dreamers.