Chapter 1: My Secret Heart
Exhaustion seeped through her, sending her mind reeling. Still she pushed on, grim determination wavering in her expression. Her wings beat furiously, each movement sending shocks of icy pain through her shoulder blades. She gave a groan of agony as her wings forced her higher into the merciless air. Higher and higher she climbed but she could not hold out forever. Her wings buckled and she was sent spinning, crashing into the hardened, unforgiving earth.
Her weak hoof dug into the ground, struggling fruitlessly to pull her from the dirt. No, she told herself furiously. I can’t give up. I have to keep… On… Moving.
A cloud of dust billowed about her as she collapsed in the dirt. Her eyes fluttered shut and she knew no more…
She jolted awake, tossing the flimsy little sheet encasing her. It billowed and fluttered about the strange little bed, settling just as she discovered the rest of the tiny room.
Everything was pristine and white. An odd plastic smell seemed to cling to the air itself, inescapable even near the open window beside the bed. Inkyarn, the confused pony sitting atop the bed, glanced about her. A large machine to her left set off a constant whirring noise, while a small one to her right rang with a shrill beeb. That beeping sound played a constant beat that echoed painfully in her head. She looked about this strange small room with apprehension. The last thing she remembered was flying toward-
A noise from outside alerted her. Her quick blue eyes snapped to the partially open curtain a few yards away. Beyond it she could see nothing but another distant curtain, but through it she could hear a voice.
"Doctor, she’s stable but i’m afraid we can’t release her for a while yet. She was severely dehydrated when she was brought in. We’re giving her fluids now but I don’t think it’s safe to release her just yet."
Inkyarn shook her head. The couldn’t be talking about her, could they?
She gave a start, glancing wildly about. “No, I can’t be stuck here!" She whispered frantically. The curtain was the only exit, other than…
She forced her sore wings apart and leaped through the open window. The fresh air soothed her hot fur and flowed through her mane. In her excitement, she didn’t see the neat pot of flowed on the windowsill. Her hoof knocked into it, sending it shattering to the ground.
"Are you alright?" Said the nurse from before. She stuck her head through the curtain, smiling reassuringly, “Are you awake?" A gasp left her suddenly. Her patient was gone! “Oh no, oh dear, oh my!" She ran to the window, barely catching a glimpse of the pony’s black and blue tail. A spark of anger shot through her. “That little runt!" She snapped, turning briskly from the window, “If she makes my job ANY harder, so help me…"
Her confusion was as immense as her curiosity. As she walked down a wide little road she passed many quaint little shops. Each one was decorated almost as though explaining what the shop contained. One building in particular was exceptionally cute. It was built like a large cupcake, with bright frosting for a roof. She giggled at the sight of it but that was all the time she could spare. She had to find a way out of here; but where should she go?
“Look Out!" She glanced up just in time to see a panicked face before she was sent spinning. An excited mare bowled her over before springing to her hooves. “Oh man, did you see that?" She exclaimed, stamping a hoof. She spread her wings, taking to the sky. “Another perfect maneuver, masterfully executed!" She bowed to an imaginary crowd of screaming fans, “Thank you, thank you!" She landed, turning to the pony she had tripped. “Did you see that?" She pursed her lips, glancing down at the ground. Inkyarn laid in the middle of the road, head spinning. “Hey, what’re you doing down there?"
The mare helped Inkyarn to her hooves. “Oh nothing," She groaned, stretching painfully, “Just taking a nap. I hear granite is good for the back." She felt a pop in her spine and a sliver of relief slithered through her.
The mare laughed merrily, shaking Inkyarn’s hoof. “You’re funny, kid. I’m Sky Fire."
Inkyarn stepped aside, bowing her head in acknowledgement. “I’m-"
A voice cut through her, startling both of them. “Hey!" A cheerful pink pony piped up. She trotted into the group, coming to a halt at the sight of Inkyarn. Her smile dropped to an indignant look, “What?" She gasped, “There’s a new mare in town and no one invited me?!" She bounded forward, shoving her face into Inkyarn’s. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie. Who’re you?"
Inkyarn slid back a step, tossing her fallen bangs back nervously. “Umm, I’m-"
"Wait!" Pinkie Pie practically exploded with joy. “I bet I can guess!" She lifted Inkyarn’s wing, peering intently at her cutie mark. Set deep into the cheery purple fur was a ball of blue yarn. It twisted and spun, releasing one thin string. Attached to the end of that string was a little black quill. Pinkie Pie’s brow furrowed in concentration. “Oh, I know! You’re a yarn quill maker! A knot tier! A yarn decorator! A crocheter. A feather maker? No wait, a quill knitter! A yarn writer? Oh, I know, a yarn fluffer! A kitten tamer!"
Inkyarn and Sky Fire exchanged looks while Pinkie Pie continued to spout off possible occupations. Storm Fire rolled her eyes in amusement. “Don’t mind her. What did you say your name was?"
Again she opened her mouth to speak but again she was cut off. A deeper voice cut her off, turning Inkyarn’s and Sky Fire’s heads. A bored looking stallion marched toward them, turning to Inkyarn. “I know who you are. You’re Nurse Redheart’s patient. She’s looking for you by the way."
Inkyarn sighed, frowning deeply. “Sorry for the trouble," She murmured. She didn’t want to go back to that dreadful hospital. She had to keep moving.
The stallion placed a comforting hoof across her shoulders. “It doesn’t matter what you intended," He said monotonously, “The outcome is still the same." She turned her frown to him, startling him. He took his hoof away, biting his lip awkwardly, “Umm, let’s get you back to the hospital, huh?"
Sky Fire smiled. “Don’t worry kid. This is Cyan," She indicated the blue unicorn, “He’s cool."
Pinkie Pie cut off, mid sentence. She shot forward, clasping her hooves. “Oh, I can take her back!" She shouted, “Let me do it! Pleaseohpleaseohplease!"
Inkyarn smiled through the sweat pouring down her face. “Thanks for the offer," She said breathlessly, “But I can go by myself, really."
Cyan threw her a sideways glance. “Oh you can, can you?"
"Yes."
He stared deep into her blue eyes, an expression of disbelief blossoming across his face. She tried giving a reassuring smile but it faultered beneath his smoldering stare. She was forced to look away. A moment later, he shrugged, “Eh, alright."
She gave a sigh of relief, turning away from the odd party. She gave a start, turning to smile nervously at them, “Uh, i mean goodbye!" Without another word, she hurried away.
Pinkie Pie grinned. “I like her!"
Sky Fire could not keep a smile off her face either. “Yeah," She said, as though it was no big deal, “She’s a cool kid. What do you think Cyan?" She turned to find empty space. She cocked her head to the side. “Cyan? Where’d he go?"
Misery followed her every move. Each step sent a sizzle of icy agony through her, each breath rattled painfully in her lungs and seared her throat. The winding roads she traversed looped intricately and wove about the town, always beginning and ending in the main square. She paused many times for breath, wiping the sweat from her brow. Her stomach rumbled and her head pounded but she couldn’t afford to stop. She groaned again and slumped to the ground. “How am I supposed to get out of here?" She rolled over, stretching her wings across the soothing cool of the concrete beneath her. It scraped her skin but the relief from the heat was worth the twinge of pain.
She sighed at the sky, wishing more than anything she could be up there, resting on a puffy white cloud…
She sat up, glancing down at her wings. “Oh, right," She murmured. In the next instant she was swooping up at the big blue canopy. The winds flowed through her mane and whipped her tail back. She relished in the cool embrace of the air. “Goodbye strange little city, and hello—uuhh, he-hello…"
A gleam of glorious sunlight caught her eye. It glinted off one of the many marble spires in the distance. Each tower dropped elegantly down to connect with the most marvelous castle she had ever seen. Its walls were made of the sleekest stone, its towers soared into the heavens. The mountain beside the castle spewed a constant stream of beautiful water. The light caught the droplets perfectly, sending miniature rainbows streaming in all directions. Just below the castle, a cute little city was nestle in the mountain crook. Its buildings were tall and together they held a similar glory as the castle, though they were no match for its splendor.
Inkyarn couldn’t keep the wonder from her voice. “Wow," She said slowly, eyes widening, “What is that?"
A voice came from a roof behind her, “That is Canterlot." Cyan said.
Inkyarn could only stare. “You mean it’s real?" Her voice rose only to a faint murmur.
Cyan gave her a sideways glance. “Of course it’s real, why wouldn’t it be?" She could only stutter in response. Cyan shrugged, returning his stare to the magnificence of Canterlot. “I suppose it’s a matter of perspective; though whether or not you perceive it, it’s still there." A grin touched his face, “Or is it? Does anything really exist if you’re not there to see it?" Inkyarn turned to him, confusion drawing on her face. Cyan continued, “Does anything really happen if you’re not there to witness it? There’s no way you can be one hundred percent sure. For all you know, you could be the only pony that really exists. All this could be a facade, a trick your mind plays to fool you so you don’t go insane." He raised an eyebrow, “Or perhaps you’ve already gone."
Inkyarn stared openly at him. “What?" Her voice swam with confusion.
Cyan gave a disappointed sight, standing and stretching. “Oh, nothing. C’mon, let’s get you back to Nurse Redheart, before she has a conniption," He rolled his eyes, “Again."
"No!" Inkyarn dropped a few feet. She struggled to level herself with the unicorn. “I mean, I don’t need the nurse. I’m fine!" She gave an unconvincing smile.
Cyan didn’t buy it. “Really?" He raised a brow, “You’re sweating an unhealthy amount and I can see exhaustion on your face." He frowned. “Where do you need to go so badly that you’d risk your health?"
She snorted, “Anywhere no one would recognize me."
"What?"
She groaned, “Oh nothing! Sorry, sorry," She covered her face with her hooves. “Ugh, you’re right, I’m sorry. I know, I’m a complete wreck!"
"Exactly," Cyan’s horn began to glow with a faint blue light. His body shimmered with the same glow and slowly he was lifted off the rooftop. He floated over to hover beside Inkyarn, placing a comforting arm around her. “Which is why you should really go back." He caught Inkyarn’s eye, “Trust me, Nurse Redheart is the best. She’ll take care of you."
He turned and led her through the air back to the hospital.
The hospital doors loomed above her, darkening with the setting sun. They opened eerily, showering Inkyarn with the stale white light from within it. She took a deep breath and turned back to the ponies she had met that day, smiling gratefully at them. They watched her enter the forbidding doors and waved enthusiastically. Inkyarn turned away with a smile on her face. Dear my secret heart- She turned to the nurse, who stood in the middle of the aisle. She cringed and padded carefully forward. -I’ve come across a quaint little town- The nurse turned to see her, gasping in relief. -It’s name is Ponyville…. I think I’m going to like it here…
"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?"
She stretched with a luxurious yawn. Her muscles popped and she sighed peacefully. She had never slept so well in a long time and now she was refreshed and ready. She spread her wings, grinning to herself as Nurse Redheart poked her smiling face into the room. “How’s my favorite patient this morning?" She padded into the room, heading to the doctor’s chart at the end of the bed. Inkyarn shook her head, smoothing down her mane.
"Ready to leave," She responded, hopefully trying to peer over the edge of the clipboard.
Nurse Redheart nodded slowly, going from the sheets to the monitor beside the bed. “Well, it looks like everything checks out. You’re free to-"
BANG! A torrent of air sent the nurse spinning. She stumbled back, crashing into the curtain. By the time she got back up, Inkyarn was at the big red doors. She didn’t slow down a beat as she burst through the doors. “I’m so outta here!" She shouted, alighting on the soft earth and skipping happily. She looked around the quaint little town with a smile, but something weighed on her. Gradually she slowed to a stop as the weight found its way to her heart. She paused and gave a sigh, looking up to the brilliant blue sky. She knew what was wrong but she could not say it aloud. The others never stopped by to see her. A lump formed in her throat, making it hard to breathe. She shook her head and continued on, slowly, toward the quiet, serene park.
"C’mon Inkyarn," She muttered to herself, sliding onto a cool stone bench. She stared at her hooves and tossed her bangs back. “Get real. You’ve only known them a day." She leaned back and watched a fluffy white cloud swim through the sky. “What I do need to be worrying about is where I’m gonna go next."
"Oh dear," The voice rang out through the park, catching Inkyarn’s attention. She looked up to see a friendly young mare, turning her attention to a strange little creature perching on her back. “Vladir," The mare giggled, “You have some cupcake on your face. Here, let me get that." She dipped her muzzle into her saddle bag and pulled out a cloth, dabbing at the creature’s pudgy black and white face. It squirmed and shrieked with glee, pulling at the cloth and attempting to get its teeth on it.
Inkyarn couldn’t help herself. She zipped over, peering over the mare’s shoulder to see the cute little baby animal. “Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed, startling the mare, “Is that a panda?"
The mare blushed, her ears flattening shyly. “Oh, uhm, yes, it is. His name is Vladir." He squealed at the sound of his name.
Inkyarn cupped her face in her hooves, wings beating to keep her upright. She cooed and smiled at the baby. “That’s so cute!"
The mare smiled. “Thank you! I’m Kitty Bell." She bowed her head, orange curls bounding into her face. The two shook hooves, “Nice to meet you," they spoke simultaneously.
The mare turned her head, tugging on her bag and tightening the straps. She gave Vladir a quick smile and smoothed back her bright orange mane with a dark green hoof. “So, where are you from?" She asked. Her accent was unmistakable.
Inkyarn shrugged, biting her lip. “Oh, you know," She said nervously, “Around."
Kitty Bell laughed, nonplussed, “Well that sounds like a fun place." The two laughed and Kitty Bell turned back to the baby panda. “I have to get this little guy home and then I’m off to a special job." Inkyarn cocked her head to the side, “Why don’t you tag along? I could always use the company."
"Really?"
"Yeah, do you wanna come?"
Inkyarn’s wings shot up excitedly. “Do I!" The two started off down the road. Inkyarn padded along happily. “So where’s this special job of yours?" She asked as they rounded on a small little building. Kitty Bell unlocked the front door and the two stepped inside.
"My friend Sky Fire’s house." The inside of the building was old and worn. The wooden walls were thin and seemingly fragile, but the building seemed to hold. The place looked a little run down, but there was no mistaking the talent residing within the store.
Each wall was coated with vibrant splashed of color and delicate detail work. On the far wall facing the ponies was a glorious painting depicting a mare with a striking resemblance to Kitty Bell. The painted pony sat in front of a canvas with brush in her mouth. Through the paint, Inkyarn could see the indecision and frustration on the artist’s face, the degree of concentration she was pouring into the half completed canvas. Around her were splashed of color that spread from her crown and burst across the rest of the wall, signifying the endless creativity flowing through the mare’s mind. Inkyarn soon found herself perched before the painting, staring up in awe.
Kitty Bell stood beside her, smiling. “That’s my Mom," She said, gesturing to the painted mare. “She and Pa found this abandoned building and opening their art store. I was raised here."
Inkyarn squinted, tilting her head. “She has your cutie mark. Is that a bell?"
Kitty smiled. “Yep. A bell and a paint brush. That was her name, Bell. She was a wonderful pony," She sighed wistfully.
Inkyarn frowned and shook her head, flicking back her mane. “So, uhm, Sky Fire’s, right?"
Kitty shook her head as well, shifting from her sudden mood. “Yeah, yeah. We should get going, I have some paint supplies I have to drop off."
Inkyarn was taken aback. “Paint supplies, what for?"
Kitty giggled, collecting her saddle bag. “Painting, duh. She moved into a new house and she wants to paint it. We have to hurry, c’mon!" With that, she trotted back out the store.
The two paused before the looming building, Inkyarn’s heart skipping a beat. It was the most glorious thing she had ever witnessed: a home made of clouds! Her jaw dropped as she marveled at its brilliance, wondering how it would be possible for such a thing to exist. Shaping a cloud into a home; she had heard of such things but this was the first she had seen it.
Kitty Bell laughed at Inkyarn’s shocked look. “Sky Fire just moved in a month or so ago. She asked me to help her paint so she had to lower her cloud house to the ground. Earth ponies can’t walk on clouds so it had to practically touch the ground.” She walked forward, passing through the cloud. She turned back and grinned.
Inkyarn tentatively set a hoof on the cloud, easing her weight into it. It gave a little but it held her. She was surprised at how sturdy it really was, like walking on soft grass. The little bit it gave was all it did, and she felt no different than when she was standing on the ground. Her tail flicked excitedly and her heart fluttered. Her first step on a cloud! It was exhilarating! She gave a little excited squeak and bounded toward Sky Fire’s front door.
Kitty Bell was less enthusiastic about the cloud, given that she was still on the ground. Merely her head and shoulders poked out from the top of the cloud. “Mind getting the door?” Kitty asked. “I can’t exactly knock.”
Inkyarn tapped a hoof on the front door, starting at the knocking sound it produced. “So, how do you paint a cloud anyway?”
Kitty Bell almost seemed prepared for the question, “It’s rather simple, really. You take regular paint dye and mix it with shafts of sunlight to create different hues of paint that can be applied to clouds.” She shrugged, “It takes a bit of magic though, I had my friend Cyan whip up a batch for me.”
Something within Inkyarn fluttered. She glanced down at the pony with an odd expression. “You know Cyan?” The question was a little too enthusiastic.
Kitty gave a sly grin. “Yeah, I heard you had a bit of a run in with him too…” She winked.
Inkyarn spluttered nervously, “What? I-I-I dunno what you’re talking about. What? Who said anything about Cyan?” She laughed nervously, willing somepony to finally come to the door. “Are-are you sure Sky Fire is home?”
Kitty pursed her lips, turning her attention to the silent and still door. “Sky Fire!” She shouted, “Are you home?” There was no answer. “Well, she said if she’s not home I should just get started, I don’t think she’ll mind if you come in too, so long as you help paint.” Kitty shifted her saddlebags and nodded to the door. “It’s probably not locked.”
Inkyarn shrugged and reached for the knob, easing it open. She was unsure about going into someone’s home but it was too late now. She padded inside and shut the door after Kitty, though she was sure the mare would have been able to pass through the door anyway.
“SURPRISE!”
Inkyarn screamed, her wings snapping open and launching her into the air. Her head hit the ceiling and she crashed back down, landing atop something. Her side burst in pain but she managed to wrap her forelegs around whatever she had landed on. She clung to it in fright, wings out in case she needed to take off at any moment.
She snapped open an eye to find several confused faces. At the start was Sky Fire, and then Pinkie Pie. Behind those two was a rather amused Cyan. The unicorn and pink earth pony appeared extra short compared to the Pegasus.
Inkyarn smiled nervously through her embarrassment and leapt down from the lamp she had been clinging to. “Uh, hey everybody,” She said awkwardly.
Pinkie Pie shot forward, throwing confetti into the air. “Surprise!” She shouted again, nonplussed by Inkyarn’s embarrassment. “Happy day-you-get-out-of-the-hospital day!” She blew through a noise maker, successfully bursting Inkyarn’s eardrum. Pinkie began bouncing around the Pegasus, giggling all the while, “Were you surprised? I bet you were because we were all ‘surprise’ and you were all ‘aahh’ and up on that lamp! That’s exactly the reaction I wanted. I wanted to make sure you were super surprised so I didn’t let anyone go and blow it all because come on, who wouldn’t want to tell of an awesome secret like that? And you were so surprised!” She slammed a little paper party hat atop Inkyarn’s head. All on its own, it tweeted like a noise maker and spewed colorful bits of confetti. Pinkie laughed and leaned against the Pegasus. “Surprised, huh?”
Inkyarn glanced down at their hooves, head cocked in confusion. She reached out and tapped Pinkie’s hoof. “Pinkie Pie, aren’t you an earth pony?”
“Yeah, why?” Inkyarn attracted her eyes down to her hooves, which were braced against the floor. It took a moment for her to register the confusion. “Oh, right!” She took her hoof off Inkyarn and promptly sank through the floor, returning her hooves to the ground below the cloud. She smiled up at the utterly lost pony.
Sky Fire caught Inkyarn’s attention and shrugged. “I’m glad to see you’re looking better,” A familiar voice said behind her.
Inkyarn whipped around to a friendly blue face. “Cyan!” She exclaimed. He raised a brow and she instantly regretted opening her mouth. Her ears flattened and her cheeks reddened. “Oh, I mean… Hey Cyan,” She tried to play it cool, “What’s up?” She flicked her bangs back.
Sky Fire laughed, saving Inkyarn from more embarrassment, “I’m here too,” She teased.
Inkyarn thanked her silently and smiled wide. “Sky Fire!” She said with as much enthusiasm. “What’s going on?”
Sky Fire shrugged, “Well, not much really. I have to make a trip to Cloudsdale, family emergency.” This was news to only Inkyarn. “I would have gone earlier but someone dislocated my wing.” She looked teasingly at Inkyarn.
The orchid colored Pegasus laughed. “I distinctly remember it was you who crashed into me.” The two laughed.
“I should probably head out soon,” Sky Fire sighed. “You guys can stay if you promise not to make a mess.”
Pinkie Pie gasped loudly, leaping into the air, “I call the desert bar!” She shouted, racing away through the living room to what Inkyarn supposed was the kitchen.
Inkyarn pursed her lips, “Where’s Cloudsdale?”
Kitty Bell trotted past them. “It’s a mile or so out of Ponyville and about thirty thousand feet in the air.” Inkyarn looks taken aback. “Clouds-dale. Cloud. Get it?”
Inkyarn nodded, the comprehension dawning on her. She cocked her head to the side, excitement flaring in her once more. A whole city made of clouds? She had never even heard of such a place! The very thought of living on a cloud thrilled her. Questions burst through her mind and she had a sudden need for answers. “An entire city made out of clouds?” She sighed wistfully. “Can I come?”
Sky Fire shrugged. “I suppose. Perhaps you might even be able to help. From what I hear, the situation is rather complicated, I’m gonna need what help I can get.” She stretched her wings, preparing herself for the flight. Inkyarn extended hers as well, wondering how long it would take.
Cyan stepped forward. His head only came up to Inkyarn’s knee from where he stood. “I can teleport us there, I think.”
Sky Fire folded her wings, seeming to enjoy the idea of not needing to fly all the way there. “What about when we get there, how’ll you stay on the cloud?”
Cyan brushed off the worry as no hindrance, “A simple, temporary spell will allow me the ability to walk on clouds. I can’t guarantee the length of time I will be allowed to stay on said cloud or what would happen when the spell wears off, but I’ve always wanted to visit the City of Clouds.”
Sky Fire shrugged, “So long as you don’t die.”
Inkyarn frowned. She wasn’t sure she wanted to see Cyan plummet to the earth from thirty thousand feet in the air. “If you feel it wear off, stick close to me. If you fall, I’ll catch you.”
Cyan chuckled, “Can you carry me?” Inkyarn didn’t respond. “Well that’s reassuring. If I feel I’m going to fall, I’ll teleport to the ground.”
Inkyarn nodded and turned away, slightly disappointed. She liked the idea of Cyan sticking close to her. She shook her head and flicked her bangs out of her face. What was she thinking? Cyan didn’t want to spend all that time with her. What pony in his right mind would?
Sky Fire waved goodbye to her friends and headed out, followed by Cyan. Inkyarn turned to everyone and smiled. “Thank you for the surprise party.”
Kitty Bell and Pinkie Pie waved enthusiastically. “It was wonderful meeting you; we’re gonna be the best of friends!” Kitty exclaimed.
Inkyarn closed the door, feeling her heart leap into the Heavens. They hadn’t forgotten about her after all. She found herself smiling wide with glee. She had friends… For the first time in her life she had actual friends!
Her mood wavered slightly. She had had a friend before, but back then…
She forced the thought out of her head. No, everything was going to be fine. She had friends, she was far from her past, and she may even be looking into a house in Cloudsdale, a place to settle down. Things were looking up and she couldn’t waste time glancing down.
“Hey, what's the hold-up?” The call came from her friends ahead of her. She shouted a response and galloped toward them.
Her smile was as bright as Celestia’s sun. She met up with her friends and off they were, toward their next adventure. My secret heart- Cyan said something, eliciting a high laugh from Sky Fire. Inkyarn didn’t catch it, but she laughed as well. –Jumping to conclusions only brings heart ache- They paused and Cyan readied his spell. -These are your friends- His horn began to glow, as did all their silhouettes. A tingly feeling came over Inkyarn, spreading all throughout her body. –Be patient and everything will work out. You’re free, you’re safe. So long as you beat- The three were lifted into the air. The blue aura around Cyan’s horn grew more intense. –Nothing can harm you.
ZAP! Three ponies disappeared.
