//------------------------------//
// Chapter 26 
// Story: Friendship isn't just Magic, it can heal hearts too 
// by Raumo 
//------------------------------//

	Winter continued along. At first Alex didn't even think of writing to the princess. After a particularly bad series of nightmares that resulted in a terrible flashback though, he hesitantly began writing her. He didn't want to share parts of himself or talk to the princess, but he knew he had to. If he hadn't bottled everything up and thrown himself into missions constantly, he knew that he would have had therapy sessions in his old world.

So they began writing each other. Alex told of his nightmares, flashbacks, and fears. Luna wrote back advice and of her own experiences and how she moved past them. Now that an outlet was available, Alex's nightmares were becoming less and more manageable. They were still terrible, but now he had someone to talk to.

So did Luna. As spring was just around the corner, the letters became more than just therapeutic correspondence.  Luna had accidentally sent one of her personal notes to Alex. The contents spoke of loneliness and isolation in the castle. She made have made friends in Ponyville, but she was finding it difficult to do so in Canterlot. Also of doubt in being able to be a wise and kind ruler to her subjects.

As Luna panicked, and hoped that he would ignore the letter, in Ponyville Alex was deciding whether to answer or just send it back. He may come off as cold, but that was because of his traumatic life. He was really a good-hearted person and cared deeply for those that made it past his barriers. Luna wasn't a friend, but she had willingly helped him without him even asking and he could tell she expected nothing in return except to keep being Twilight's friend and protector.

He wrote back. Not with some profound advice, but with empathy and an invitation to write him of her burdens. 

Her problems were different from his, so he wasn't concerned of something new added to his list. He wanted to return the favor she had so graciously given him.

So they became pen pals in a way. They made each other's burdens lighter to carry, as they now had someone they could tell it to, and know that it wouldn't be shared as gossip among ponies.

It never crossed Alex's mind, but he had made a powerful ally and a wonderful friend.



I groaned as I woke up. Oh dear, today is the day. Why did I allow Pinkie to throw me a party? I sluggishly rolled out of bed and and walked to my dresser. Ugh, I don't feel like working out today. I actually prefer to be hiding where no pony can find me, but... I quickly dressed into everyday clothes.

I exited the bathroom to and headed into the main library area to see Twilight sitting on some pillows trying to look like she is studying. "You aren't fooling me, you know."

She slammed the book shut. "Sorry. It's just that I'm really excited and I can't wait for the party. I'm so glad you didn't change your mind, and still let Pinkie throw you one."

"She is keeping it small, right?"

"Yep." She then danced nervously in place. "Oh, I hope you like my present."

"I'm sure I'll love it. Now, what is for breakfast?"

We ate breakfast, then I wandered about town. I was about to head into the cafe, when Pinkie appears out of nowhere. I jumped, but thankfully nothing else. "You really shouldn't do that." She just blinked at me. I sighed, "I'm guessing you are here because it is time for the party." She nodded.

We headed to Sugar Cube Corner, her bouncing along. Then she stopped in front of the door. "I kept it small like you asked. We still have a bunch of games and music. I know you don't like to participate, but I thought I keep them available."

"That's wonderful Pinkie. I'll try some of the games. I need to learn how to loosen up again." 

She giggled excitedly. We entered and all the girls and Spike was there. They all yelled, "Happy Birthday Alex!"

I smiled, "Thanks all. So, what should we start with?"

"How about we open presents?" Suggested Fluttershy. I nodded.

From Little Shy I got a new art set that I had been eyeing for awhile. Rarity gave me a bodysuit to keep me warm when I started flying again. Applejack gave me free lassoing lessons. Twilight got me a book on Equestrian architecture. Dash gave me a belt with pretty awesome design etched into it. Spike gave me a new blanket for when I sat out on the balcony. Pinkie gave me another photo. This one of Fluttershy and I in her backyard.

"Wow. This is all wonderful. Thanks a lot girls and Spike." They smiled happy, and slightly relieved that I like their gifts. "How about we start some games."

"Yes! Let's do Pin-The-Tail first. Alex do you want to do this one?"

"Sure." I got up tied on the blindfold. They spun me around a few times. I gave out a small laugh.

"Why are you laughing Alex?" Twilight asked.

"Watch." Turning a bit to the left and walking forward I stretched out and pinned the tail. I took the blindfold off to see the dropped jaws. For I had pinned the tail directly where it was supposed to go.

"What? How? Huh?" Twilight was unable to speak properly.

I just laughed for their expressions were priceless. Taking pity on them though I explained. "It seems my training kicks in even here." They tilted their heads in confusion. "I'm trained to memorize a room. Spinning me around was not enough to dislodge the picture I had in my head of this room." They nodded in understanding. "You girls play it though. I enjoy watching."

They did so. I laughed along with them, at the funny places the tail was pinned. Next up, pinatas. Pinkie loved these. Probably because off all the candy that fell out. I was relaxed enough that it took a few swings for me to connect. Twilight's jaw still dropped.

I knelt down and grabbed a few candies, unwrapping one as she spoke, "How in the world are you doing that? You can't say memorization, because Pinkie moved them."

"Oh I am just amazing." I grinned at her. She was about to speak again. As she opened her mouth I tossed in the unwrapped candy and shut her mouth. "I enjoy watching the laughs and smiles on your faces. It is funner for me than actually participating. Now, enjoy."

Twilight just rolled her eyes and huffed. I laughed.

The party continued. I watched the girls dance and enjoy a couple more games. We had a wonderful cake.

When the party ended and it was time to go home, I looked at Pinkie, "Thank you. That was exactly what I needed."

She just gave me one of her big smiles. As I walked home with Twilight, I stared at the stars a content smile on my face.

That night, my sleep was peaceful. I knew that was a gift though, from Luna. I was grateful, for I would have hated ending a good day with a horrible night.



Hearts and Hooves day was passing normally for me as I walked through town. I was about to go into Sugar Cube Corner, when Applebloom was pushing out a dopey looking Big Mac. Then the door slammed after he ran off for a diamond. Then Cherilee burst through the door yelling something about a dress.

As the CMC walked out, I cleared my throat. They froze. "Any reason why those two looked quite dopey?"

"Uh...well...you see..." started Sweetie Belle.

"We tried giving them a love potion, but it turns out it was a love poison. We have to keep them from looking in each other's eyes for an hour to break the spell." Blurted out Scootaloo.

I rolled my eyes. "I don't know what you were doing making a potion after the cutie pox incident, but Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo go find Miss Cherilee. I'll help stall Big Mac with Applebloom at the jewelry store."

"Thanks Rider!" The two ran off.

"Let's see how long we can stall your brother." I said to Applebloom as we ran to the jewelry store.

There Applebloom watched the time, as I made Big Mac reject almost every diamond. Spouting nonsense of not the right sheen, or cut, or shape, or color. I was running out of ideas. I slid up to Applebloom. "How much time left? I am running out of ideas."

"Twenty-five minutes left." She whispered.

"Dang it. Oh crap he just ran out the back door." We ran after Big Mac. "Can I knock him out?"

"You mean stun him with your weapon thing?" 

I shook my head as we ran. "I mean hitting him a certain point on the body."

"NO!"

"What is it with you ponies and your aversion to knocking out someone? The way I do it, it's harmless."

She just glared at me. She then tried to stop his bouncing by grabbing onto his tail. Whoa that is weird. Only Pinkie should bounce like that. I shot out my line from my gauntlet and it wrapper around his back legs. It caused him to fall, and I quickly tied him up. Applebloom just stared at me. 

"What? I couldn't knock him out, so I did the next best thing. Now go warn Sweetie Belle to keep Cherilee contained. I can keep him here. That line is stronger than he is, even under a spell." She nodded and ran off.

I just stared at Big Mac as he made his lovey dovey comments. I shuddered. Oh what did those girls do to him? My head snapped up as Scootaloo ran up.

"We couldn't keep Miss Cherilee contained. She is on her way." She panted out.

"Bouncing?" She nodded. "Oh good we got time." I then ripped part of my shirt and tied it around Big Mac's eyes." Again I was stared at. "Oh for crying out loud it's insurance that they won't accidentally meet eyes, as that crazy pony is speeding towards us." I pointed behind her. "Oh crap! Still a whole minute. Girls! Close your eyes now!" They did so. I threw a small flash grenade. It effectively stunned the pony, but didn't knock her out.

It was enough though to keep them apart for the minute. As they were back to normal they were highly confused.

"Am I wearing a wedding veil?" Miss Cherilee asked.

"Why am I tied up?' Asked Big Mac.

"You're lucky. I wanted to knock you out. Applebloom objected. So tying you up was the next best thing." I commented as I untied him.

"Will someone please explain why I am wearing a wedding veil and Rider tied up Big Mac?" Miss Cherilee wasn't happy.

Sweetie Belle then spoke up, "Well, we may have given you a tiny bit of a love potion that turned out to be a love poison and you both may have gone the tiniest bit nutty."

"That's putting it mildly." I mumbled under my breath. Louder I said, "What I want to know, is why?"

The girls then explained their reasons and what they learned.

"We appreciate girls that you care about us. You can think on that as your doing all of Big Mac's chores. I am just wondering though, how did Rider get involved?" Miss Cherilee then asked.

"Oh, I was coming into Sugar Cube Corner and you two sped out looking quite...dopey. Seeing the CMC walking out after you, I helped them out." I explained.

"Thanks Rider for your help." Applebloom told me and the other girls nodded. "Don't think we would have broken the spell without you."

"Oh you might have. Besides, you made my day quite interesting. Just please stop making these potions, and read further into the book next time." They nodded.

I waved and headed to my original destination. Entering into the bakery I flopped down onto one of the benches, after ordering a soda.

Twilight walked in. "Hey Alex, how has your day been so far?"

"Crazy." I replied. She raised an eyebrow. "Next time you give a kid a book, make sure there are no recipes for love potions."

"Oh. The girls actually made it?"

"Yep. Had to tie up and blindfold Big Mac, and flash stun Miss Cherilee."

"Alex!"

"Oh for crying out loud. Miss Cherilee is fine. She was so deep under the spell, it barely affected her."

She ran a tired hoof over her face. "You are never going to quit with the offers to knock a pony out, are you?"

"Not that I can see. I don't see the problem with it. I can do it safely and harmless. Anyways, you have a wonderful day, and I am going to go bother my little sis."

"Wait did you learn anything today?" I nodded. "And?" She asked excitedly.

"Never drink something made by the CMC, unless you know everything that is in it." 

With that, I left to her groan of frustration, chuckling. 



I was glaring at my wings. The panel had'n been repaired, but amazingly the pack hadn't been damaged by going through a wall. My helmet though, was also majorly upgraded. I am not being knocked unconscious ever again, if I can help it. 

I was glaring at them though, because I knew that I had to change the activation panel. It was too easily damaged. Though I am grateful I am working through my problems and I am closer to the girls now, that incident could've been avoided if that darn panel hadn't been damaged. I sighed as my thoughts continued. Or it just sped up the inevitable and it was a horrible blessing in disguise.

The problem though, I didn't know how to change it. I had put it on my side for easy activation. Hit it with my elbow, and it's on or off. Now though I had to think of something else. Bleh, I'll think more on this later. I walked out and noticed the odd weather over Sweet Apple Acres. I headed there. 

I walked past the orchards to see Applejack and Big Mac putting out baskets near some trees with odd looking leaves. I vaulted over the fence and walked up to them. "Hey AJ. What kind of trees are these that they only have leaves and you are setting out harvest baskets?"

She looked at me then continued setting out baskets. "Howdy Rider. These here are zap apple trees. The fruit will be ready ta pick in four days, after a couple more signs. The storm was the first and the leaves appeared. Next it'll be crows and flowers, after that it'll be a meteor shower and the fruit will appear. Finally, a rainbow and the fruit is ready for bucking. Granny Smith and Applebloom will be making jam."

"Wow, sounds like a special fruit. Will you need help?"

"You know, hat'll actually be great. The apples disappear after the fifth day. Come back on Monday bright and early. We'll put you ta work."

"I'll be there. See you later." I waved and left.



Monday morning found me staring at the trees with gray apples. Then clouds moved in with rain and thunder. As quickly as it appeared, it left and a rainbow appeared. The trees crackled with electricity and the fruit turned rainbow colored and began zapping each other creating a rainbow aurora.

Harvesting began. I still couldn't buck trees, but quickly transferred what Applejack bucked into baskets to the wagon. We worked all day. "Ya can head on home now Rider. We got the rest. Thanks for your help. I think we got more this year than in the past."

"Alright then. Glad to help. I'll be back to buy some of that jam. I think it's going to be quite good." I smiled.

"Got that right. Have a goodnight."

I returned to the library. I showered then sat on my bed, once more glaring at my flight pack. Twilight walked downstairs and noticed me. "Oh for crying out loud. You have been doing that for weeks. Go to sleep Alex, you worked all day at the farm." She then narrowed her eyes at me. "You aren't avoiding sleep again, are you?"

I transferred my glare to her. "No."

She just rolled her eyes. "Why don't you ask Princess Celestia? She most likely knows something to help you." She then returned upstairs.

There is no way I am asking that sun princess for help. I scowled, then grinned as another princess came to mind. The lunar one however, I will. I wrote the letter, included the schematics, and sent it off.

I lay on my bed hoping for a good sleep. 

I woke up gasping from a nightmare. I rubbed my face tiredly. Well, it's not as bad as it could've been. I decided to forgo writing Luna about this one. Speaking of... I looked down to see a scroll in my lap on top of the covers.

Opening it and letter fell out. The bigger scroll was the schematics, modified. I read the letter, then studied the plans. Put it near the collarbone. Huh, that could work. I am extremely protective of that area and my chest, so there is a lesser chance of damage. How would I put it there though? I read a different part. Turn part of one of my shoulder straps into the conduit from the activator and have the panel permanently joined. Hmm...

The starter panel would interlock with the other strap, holding it in a centered position. Basically I was taking one of my interlocking stabilizer straps and putting the panel there. That'll work. Twilight will need to redo some of the matrix, but that'll be easy now that she knows what to do. I was relieved that I now had an answer. The engine won't likely cut out anytime soon, and I won't have a situation where I am knocked unconscious.

When the sun had fully risen, Twilight trotted down humming. She looked at me and noticed I wasn't glaring at my pack anymore. "You took my advice?"

I smirked. "Sort of." She tilted her head. "I asked a princess, but the lunar one, not the solar."

"Luna? Is she the one you've been sending all the letters to? And since when?"

"Yes, yes, and she offered to correspond with me on Hearth's Warming Eve. Point is. I now have a direction for working on my wings. You'll need to redo part of the matrix and I need to modify some of the metal working."

"Alright then, let's get to it."

We worked on it till noon, when I remembered that I told Applejack I'd be back for the jam. "Hey Twilight, I'm headed to Sweet Apple Acres. I want to get some of that jam."

"Okay then. I'll see you later."

"Sure." I jogged to the farm and raised my eyebrows at the line. Applejack spotted me and waved at me to come to the barn. I did so.

"Howdy Rider. Just wanted to give ya a jar for all your hard work yesterday." She said holding out a jar of rainbow contents.

"Aw thanks. You really don't need to though. I just wanted to do something physical and help to get my mind off of some things." I  told her.

"Ah know. I still want you to have it though. We've got quite the supply to sell. Since I could focus more on bucking we were able to get more."

I took the jar and she handed me a slice of bread and knife. I spread some on the bread and took a bite. "Wow. Now this is awesome. Even better because I helped get the apples." I grinned at AJ. She chuckled. "I'll see you around. Twilight and I working on my wings today." She waved as I left.

I returned to the library to see Twilight just finishing with her part. "Incredible, you did that fast. Have some jam." As she did so, I installed the starter crystal and put the back of the pack together. Once done, I put on the bodysuit that Rarity had given me and slipped the pack on. I felt both trepidation and anticipation.

"It's alright Alex. You've changed your pack to be less damageable and you are doing better mentally and emotionally. Nothing bad will happen. That incident won't happen again. You'll be happy to be back in the air." Twilight reassured me.

"I hope so, Twilight. I really hope so." I connected the straps and finally connected the panel to the other strap. I could feel the magic thrumming around me. Huh, I actually missed that sensation. I put my helmet on.

We walked outside. I activated the engine then extended the wings. Taking a deep breath, I jumped and shot into the air. As I flew through the air, practicing aerial maneuvers, the trepidation melted away and joy filled me. Oh, I missed this. After a period of time I flew down to the library, landing and deactivating the power.

"So, does having the crystal there work, or is it cumbersome?" Twilight asked excitedly.

"It works perfectly. I have to say, it was great to be back in the air." I grinned at her.

"Told you." She then leaned against me. "Now, go inside and write Princess Luna a thank you letter."

"Right away, Miss Sparkle." I saluted her and marched inside to her laughter. I wrote a heartfelt thank you and sent it off with a small container of the zap apple jam.