Wings of Hope

Chapters

Up
ID #2404/Star Wonder
Quick Stepping.
Temporally Pushed Back

Up

The rain beat down on her without any signs of stopping. The storm had consumed her, and everything that was around the area. A deep feeling of panic urged her to get out of there as fast as possible. Still all she could do was just lay there. "Get up." She said to herself. Pushing against the cloud, she tried lifting her body up. Pain quickly punished her for this attempt, forcing her back down. "Please, get up." She told herself. "I have to get back or else..."

"2404!" A voiced called out. "2404, respond immediately!" A pegaus came into her line of vision several feet away. "2404, get up right now!" Her superior officer yelled through the loud wall of water. "You wings better be broken or else you're in for a world of hurt!"

She looked at her wings that had been pelted by the rain's fury. The left one was bent awkwardly, and it almost sickened her at the angle it was in. Her right wing was less bent, but it hung lifelessly from her body. This caused her to panic even more, and quickly she began to move again. She tried lifting them both up to take flight. Pain once again greeted her and made sure that she wouldn't try it again. Tears rushed from her eyes, and began mixing in with the water that was on her face. Still though she managed to stand up one more time.

"I think they are sir!" She shouted back trying to mask the pain in her voice. Before she could say anything else she collapse again. Even though it was no great distance between her and the cloud, it felt like falling off a building. Her wings felt the impact, and quickly made her let out a cry of agony.

The officer quickly came over to her. Using his wings, he shielded her for a second from the raging storm. He bent down to take a look at the state she was in.

"I am sorry if this hurts, but I need to know the servility of the situation. Okay solider?" He asked.

She gave him a nod to proceed while bitting her tongue to prepare for what was about to come. He grasped her left wing gently and gave it a little tug. Moving it shoot pain all over her body again. She didn't realized how pathetic her scream was until she saw his reaction.

"I am sorry, I am sorry!" He said letting it go gently.

She couldn't say anything back to him that didn't sound like dribble.

"Listen Star, I need you stand up one more time. Think you can do that?" He asked.

"Yes sir, I'll try." She said weakly.

She placed her hooves firmly on the cloud. While standing up, she tried to keep her wings still. It took all of her will power not to whimper at the pain this was causing. Once she was standing upright her superior officer took off, disappearing underneath her, and out of sight.

"Did he just leave me here all by herself?" She asked terrified.

She closed her eyes as soon as hail began falling from the sky, pelting her wings. Each on felt like a pony was bucking at them with full force. Suddenly, her officer came from beneath the cloud she stood on, dissolving it almost. She was now clinging onto to him for dear life.

"Hang on, this storm is getting worse by the minute." He yelled while trying to adjust her on his back.

He quickly took off, and headed for the direction of the academy. She tried keeping her wings close to her as they flew through the unpleasant weather.

"Was I the only one who go hurt?" She asked weakly, thinking that he probably didn't hear her.

"No, but you're the most critical right now. Just relax, and try to rest. We'll be back soon." He said.

She closed her eyes, and began to drift off.

"Dad when can I go off on my own?" She asked.

Her dad let out a laugh. "Easy there, you just now getting the feel of it. Hovering for a solid minute doesn't really qualify you for full on flights."

She let out a sigh. "Yes sir."

"Hey cheer up you'll get there on day. If me and your mother can do it then you can certainly do it too." He said adjusting a part of his armor.

"Your father is right dear, one day you'll be soaring over the skies like it's nothing." Her mother said coming into the room. "You forgot your helmet strap again honey." She said handing it to her husband.

"Thanks." He said taking it, and strapping it on.

"Now Star, you think you'll be good here while me and your father are away?" She asked.

"Oh, she'll be fine with your parents, won't you Star?" Her dad asked.

Her mom gave him a look. "Now Star remember to stay within the boundaries we set up okay?"

"Yes mother." Star said.

"Oh, we'll be fine don't you worry." Her grandpa said stumbling in. His words were direct to the empty side of the room.

"Dad we're over here." Her mother said shaking her head and smiling.

Her father stumbled, and looked in their direction. He felt something on his neck that turned out to be his glasses. Resting them on his face he noticed his mistake. "Oh, of course I knew that."

Star watched as her mother placed the armored plates that covered her into perfection. She and Her father looked like they were ready to charge into battle, just like in the stories.

"Now sweetie promise me you'll be on your best behavior." Her father said giving her a hug.

"Yes sir." She said.

"And listen to grandmother a little more than papa got it?" He whispered.

She nodded her head to signal yes. Her mother came over and picked her up to kiss her on the cheek.

"Oh, I am going to miss you so much." She said embracing her tightly to the point of suffocation.

"I'll be fine mom it's not like you're going to be gone long is it?" Star asked gasping for air.

"I just hate leaving you thats all." Her mother said finally putting her back down.

"Come dear, we're going to be late if we don't head out soon. Now you be awesome sport and I'll teach you some more flying lessons once I get back." Her father said heading to the door with her mother.

Star smiled. "See you when you get back."

"See ya sport." Her dad said with a salute.

The two pegasus looked at her before leaving, and then within minutes they were off.

"Someday, I am going to be just like them." She thought.

"Just like them." She mumbled.

A thunder clap jolted her awake as she was being lifted off the back of her officer.

"Careful now, both wings are damaged pretty badly. She seemed to be still conscious, but we need to get her inside now!" He said holding on to her as a stretcher was being brought out.

She was soon placed on a medical stretcher, and she was quickly whisked away into the warm interior of the medical hall. Voices kept coming in and out as she laid there staring at the ceiling rolling by. All around she could see lights flickering, each one seemed like a sun blinding her. Apart from her wings her head ached, and begged for relief. Everything was becoming fuzzy, almost like she was standing in a fog. Her conciseness also was begging to fade in and out again. She felt herself being picked up, and transferred to a bed. A cloth was soon placed upon her forehead, it was cold and soothing.

"What happen to her?" A voice called out.

"Patient has suffered injuries to the wings sir!" Another voice responded.

"I can see that, but the question was what happen to her?" The voice asked again.

"Don't know sir this is how she was when she got here. If you want to know then asked officer Heart."

"Oh, I am going to and should anything else happen, I'll make sure he'll never hear the end of it."

She felt a needle dig into her shoulder, as she started to close her eyes.

"Just like them." She mumble before nodding off.

A sharp pain caused her to sit up. Looking around she could she that it was now early in the morning. Her breathing was heavy, but she was able to slow it down. Everything was spinning around her but that was probably her head. Soon everything stopped and she was able look around.

"Oh, good you're up." A doctor said standing beside her. "You were out for a good while there."

She rubbed her head. "How long was I out for exactly?"

"Four days, but judging how you came in here I thought you would been longer." He said putting a clipboard down. "How are you feeling?"

"Besides the splitting headache that's driving me insane? Pretty good." She said.

"Funny, now you'll avoid getting out of bed for the next three days. Don't worry you're officers have been notified. Overall we will keep a close eye on you as you go through the healing process." He said walking away.

"Wait sir my wings, I can't feel them!" Star said worried.

"Oh yeah that's right, forgive me for worrying you. Right now you're on medicine that has prevented feeling to you're wings at the moment. If I didn't give you that you would be in agonizing pain right now." He said.

"Are the gone for good?" She asked hopelessly.

"Your wings weren't broken but they where forced out of place, if any more stress was put on them I am afraid I would have to say yes. You're lucky that they were in the shape they were in. Also you had some minor damages to the head but nothing that would cause brain damage. Overall you should heal in about nine weeks." He said.

"Nine weeks?" Star asked.

"Yes, and I except you to let yourself heal for that time period. Understand?"

"Yes sir. Thank you sir" She said.

"Good now I'll be back later too check up on you." He said.

"Wait." She said.

"Yes?" He asked.

"Is their a mirror I can use or at least for a moment?" Star asked.

The doctor pulled out a long wooden slab from one of the cabinets that stood on the side of the room. Turning around he revealed the mirror to her. Looking at it she could bearly tell that is was her in the reflection. Most of her blue coat was now encased with white bandages. The top of her head was now also consumed in all white, save the few patches of her yellow mane sticking out. She looked just plane tired.

"See?" The doctor said putting the mirror away. " At least you didn't injure your face."

Star smiled. "Thank you."

The doctor headed for the door. "Now I will be back later so just try and get some sleep."

A pegaus came storming into the room, almost knocking the doctor over. "Doctor status report on 2404." He said.

The doctor saluted and was at ease. "Patient suffer multiple stress fractures along core bone surrounding the base of her wings. Wings were forced out of place and bruised greatly, noting too major. Force them back into place, had to do that multiple times to get it right. Patient should be ready in nine weeks."

"Good, dismissed." He said.

The doctor scurried out of the room leaving the two alone.

The office sat down on the chair beside the bed. She kept her head down for she felt ashamed to be there at that moment. He sat for a moment before letting out a sigh.

"Sorry officer Iron Heart, it wont happen again sir." She said as fast as she could.

She tried her best not to look at her superior officer in the eye.

"You better be glad that there is a next time. I mean what where you thinking going out of formation? Especially during a sudden thunderstorm?" He asked.

"I wasn't sir." She said quietly.

"Star, look at me." Iron Heart said.

She slowly looked at him making sure she made eye contact with him. Her eyes began to become watery showing that she was full of fear.

"Please don't give me that look, you know I can't stand it when soldiers are terrified." He said. "You disobeyed my orders, and tried to do whatever it is you always do. Right afterwards you disappeared making me franticly searching all over to find you." He said looking at the window on the other side of the room. Star waited for him to hand down her punishment. "Look the fact of the matter is that you're alive and thats the most important thing to me. Just relax, and let yourself heal. Now If you excuse me I have some reports to fill out."

"Um sir?" She asked.

"Yes?" Iron Heart asked.

"Since I can't fly how am I going to move forward with my training?" She asked.

"We'll figure something out later, but for now rest." He said.

"Sorry once again sir." Star said.

Iron Heart open the door. "It's not me you're going to be apologizing to." He whispered to her then standing still and quickly saluting.

"Thank you officer Heart you are dismissed." A voice answered.

Her heart froze as general Laz entered the room closing the door behind him. She gulped down the last of her pride that she had left, preparing for what was about the scolding that was to come next.

"Star." he said slowly. "Are you severely hurt anywhere, like permeant damage?" He began slowly.

"No sir." She responded quickly.

He let out a sigh. "You know when you joined this program I was very against it, not on my terms mind you. Everyday I have to question weather or not I made the right choice. Seeing you in that hospital bed passed out almost fueled my nightmares for years to come. It would haunt me to the end of my days if something happen to you. You know that right?"

"I know sir." She said slowly.

He sat down on the chair next to her. "If your mother was here she wouldn't have been mad at you. I know thats what you're thinking right now."

Star let out a sigh. "I know sir."

"Now as for me, she would put a spear through me if she knew you got hurt." He said chuckling.

Star smiled at this. "Thank you sir."

He returned her smile. "Now Star, I took a risk by letting you in the academy in the first place. Again it was in the interest of your parents that you would not follow in their hoofsteps. But I felt that deep down this was your calling, and I could see that determination in your eyes on that first day. So in the future please try to not get hurt and overall please don't make me regret my decision."

"I won't sir, and thank you sir" Star said.

"No problem kiddo, now rest up you are to report to classes by the beginning of next week." He said getting up.

Star closed her eyes as soon as he left the room. Relief washed over her.

"Thank you." She said to herself.

She laid back down forgetting the pain that returned once she did. It was obvious that the medicine for her other injuries were begging to ware off a little. Grinding her teeth, she tried falling asleep but she already knew that she wouldn't receive any. She kept closing her eyes, and eventually she gave up on the idea completely.

"Next." The old mare said handing Star her tray. She stared down at the mush that was going to be her lunch. It was a grey pile that looked like mashed potatoes of some kind. The only distinct thing that was there was a red apple separated from the rest of the meal. Taking it she began making her way to the table area, which was filled with fellow ponies. She looked around for she began to notice that everypony was looking at her. It had to be the bandages that incased her wings, holding them tightly wrapped to her body. Overall, her appearance must have made her look like she just had survived a rockslide. It felt awkward as she went down the space between the tables. Each student and trainee whispered amongst each other as she past them by. Spotting an empty table she went to it, and set her tray down. Slowly she began to attempt to eat what was on her plate.

"Hello there!" A Voice said from behind.

The source of the voice soon came into view as the pony who owned it sat directly across from her. Star looked at the pony who had a grin as wide as it could be. She had a bright yellow coat and a dark orange mane.

"Hello." Star returned shyly.

"What's your name?" She asked kindly.

"Most ponies call me Star." Star said slowly.

"Star huh? Thats a nice name. My name is Quintina Firelance, but everypony calls me Quinn." She said extending her hoof out.

"Nice to meet you Quinn." Star said shaking the pegasus hoof, and returning to her meal.

Quinn began eating as well. "So you here at the academy too huh? What division did they put you in?" She said in between bites.

"I am under office Iron Heart." She said.

"Really me too!" Quinn said almost to excited.

Star looked at her confusedly. "Sorry it's just that I didn't see you out in the training fields yesterday."

"Oh, thats because I am training in military medicine. So thats why I don't usually fly with the others." Quinn said biting into her apple. "I study everpony from afar so that I could spot emergencies when needed."

Star nodded in understandment. "So why medicine? I mean isn't every pegasus's dream to be out on the front lines doing battle. With the heat of war right there in they're faces?"

Quinn looked up. "Oh heavens no, that sound absolutely dreadful. I just wanted to enter a field where I can take care of others while serving our kind. Doing battle with somepony else sounds like a complete nightmare." Quinn said.

This caused Star to smile. "Let's hope you never have to rush into a battlefield to help save somepony." She said to herself.

Quinn took a bite of her food. "So what happen to your wings? I couldn't see anypony go down yesterday due to that storm."

Star's wings ached just of the thought of them. "The doctor said that they were misplaced and they were some other spots that got bruised. He said I should be able to start up in about nine weeks."

"Thats seems like a short amount of time. I would have think it he would have you wait longer." Quinn said thinking out load.

"I can't wait that long, and besides the doctor said it would be fine." Star said rather annoyed with feeling of pain returning to her head. "So you're under the same devision as me? Tell me what classes are we suppost to go today? I am still a little out of it."

Quinn smiled. "Today we are going to listen to general Hills's lecture about 'the dangers in the sky', and 'how to deal with them'. From what I heard all he really does is tell you war stories and encounters he has had over the years. But hey, I am not complaining." She said finishing off her meal. "By the way I never caught your last name."

Star instantly became panic for she knew what would happen if her last name was revealed. Looking around she made sure that no other pony was around to hear her. "Can you keep a secret?" She asked.

"Yeah, but why is your last name a secret? It can't be anything that bad." Quinn said jokingly.

"I am being serious. If I tell you my name you can't tell anypony okay?" Star said.

"Okay, I won't tell anypony your last name. I swear." Quinn said holding her right forehoof up as if swearing to a pelage.

"My name is Star Wonder." Star said slowly.

Quinn's eyes grew wide upon hearing that. "Wonder? You don't happen to be related to......"

Star shook her head. "Yes."

"You're kidding? You're related to the famous Wonders? How?" Quinn said keeping her voice low, and under control.

"They were my parents." Star said sheepishly.

"You're telling me that you're parents were Flash 'The Wonderbolt' and Sky 'Wonderbolt'?" Quinn said flabbergasted.

"I told you that it was a secret." Star said. "Please don't tell anypony, I don't want ponies asking me a bunch of questions."

Quinn sat back in her chair. "I can't believe that you're the daughter of two of the most greatest flyers to take to the air. My goodness I mean, thats incredible. Oh, and don't worry you're secret safe with me friend. I mean wow"

"Friend?" Star said to herself. "I've only know this pony for about five minutes."

A sound from the bell alerted the trainees that the lunch period was now over, and courses were about to begin. Star waited for a majority of the others to leave before moving.

"So you ready to listen to an old colt ramble on about stuff?" Quinn asked.

"Yeah, it beats having to listen to another lecture." Star said with a smile.

She felt good that Quinn decided to sit down at her table. It felt like she had actually made a friend here.

ID #2404/Star Wonder

Star took a seat in one of the middle rows in the lecture hall. She looked around as the rest of her division came in, and found their own spots. Many of them had small bandages and medical patches on them.

"At least I wasn't the only one." She said to herself.

Quinn took the seat next to her, and they began waiting for the general Hills to enter the room. Most of the ponies carried on with chitchat but soon it became awfully quite. Star looked at the clock on the wall that read that class had began five minutes ago. Suddenly, and without warning, the colt bursted through the door with a thunderous sound.

"Afternoon! Heart's division right?" He said looking them in the eye.

Star was taking back at this pony's appearance. For a general he really didn't have the clean cut look of one. His mane was all frizzy and he had a wild look in his eye. The room full of ponies didn't responded.

"Typical that you youngsters don't answer my first question." Hills said walking back and forth. "So Hearts division is a bunch of quite and shy ones eh? Well thats what happens when you haven't been around as long as I have. He may be a smart young officer, but I got something that young gun doesn't have. Does anypony know what that is?" Hills asked looking for an answer.

There was no response.

"Experience! Experience is the key." Hills said sliding into the chair that sat behind a big wooden desk. "Now I know what you are all thinking. Experience? What does this have to do with anything? I tell you what it has to do with this class and its everything."

"This colt is out of it." Quinn whispered.

Star sat in confusion at the words that came from the colt's mouth. "I think all that 'experience' has gone to his head."

The colt rambled on about a few things before taking a deep breath. "Sorry about that. Where on earth are my manners. My name is 'General Author Hills'. This class is about the 'Dangers in the sky and How to deal with them'. So lets get started shall we?. We shall start with threat levels based of the academy." He said writing something down. "When flying we may come across several different kinds of species. Some are nice and others are not so nice. We here at the academy have a colored scale to represent natural threat levels. Blue being the smallest and red being the most dangerous. Can anypony tell me what creature would be involved with a red code alert?"

Several ponies raised their hooves to answer.

"Put you're hooves down this isn't kindergarden!" Hills snapped scaring all them. "You're in the military and are future soldiers. Shout when you're in my class got it? Now again, can anypony tell me what creatures are involved with a red code alert?"

"Dragons sir!" Several shouted.

Hills jumped from his seat and pointed to one of the ponies who answered."Thank you, yes the dragon. Now can anypony give me a brief description of said dragon."

Star noticed Quinn lifting her head up. "They are large reptiles that have scales. Also they have wings which baffles most cause many of them can fly even though their body type would suggest differently. They also breath fire when engaging in combat. Sir!" Quinn said.

"Good job number um." He went over to his sheet lying on the desk.

"2390, Sir." Quinn said.

"Yeah good job number 2..... whatever the rest was. You are certainly right. They are indeed a fearsome creature to behold. With the fire, and the teeth. Many of times when a dragon comes to Equestria, we here at the academy send the strongest of ponies to deal with it. That reminds of something that happen to me a good while ago." Hills said.

"Here we go." Quinn whispered.

"Students, I came across a dragon durning my final days of being a trainee here. Me and my squad were sent out to investigate disappearances in the northern mountains not far from here. Turns out that the cause of it was a terrifying dragon." He said making a show of his words. "It was the size of a mega cloud, maybe even bigger. It breathed fire that filled the sky with smoke, almost like a tidal wave hitting against the shore. Though I was acting brave believe me I was scared out of my mind. I will not tell you that I fought the thing for I am afraid that I was still young, and was still 'stupid' as they say. If it wasnt for my superiors I would have been a deadcolt."

The stern soldiers in the room quickly became ten years younger. They seem so fascinated with his story, and they began shouting questions.

"Who long did it take to bring it down?"

"Was it like the stories said they were?"

"Can you tell how big it actually was or how old?

"Who were you're superiors and how did they defeat it?" One pony shouted above the others.

"Ah, now thats something to really talk about. You see these days all the greats are now like me, old. There was a time where all you're teachers and officers were once just like you. In a division and had no clue what their futures would hold. Some had it and others faded away. I had the pleasure of serving under some of the greatest flyers in pegasus history." Hills stopped for a moment. " Including general Laz though he was officer at the time, and of course the 'Wonderbolts'." He said almost bragging.

The room erupted with excitement, which was followed by many others shouting questions.

"How did you're squad survive against dragon?" A pony asked.

Hills looked up slowly. "Sadly I have to say that not everypony did survive. Two in fact I still can clearly remembered saving us all before...."

"Before what?" a mare asked.

Hills looked at her. "The two saved us and sadly could not return."

Star froze up at these words. Her heart began beating furiously and soon her body began shaking.

"Hey Star? You feeling alright?" Quinn whispered.

"Dragon.........two." Star said with her mouth barely moving.

"Star?" Quinn asked out loud.

"Um is something wrong number...." Hills went back to his desk. "Number 2....?"

She was taken back to a moment that she tried for years to block out.

"The end." Her grandmother said closing the book. "So what did you think of the story?"

Star yawned. "It was good, but it was sad how the duck couldn't find his way home."

"But he did in the end." Her grandmother said.

"Yeah, but he had to go through a lot just to get back." Star said sleepily.

"Ha, told you. She's just like her mother, always having to look at all the hardships which spoils the ending." Her grandfather laughed.

"I can't deny that." He grandmother said. "Say its getting late isn't Star?" She asked.

"Nah, I am not tired yet." Star said almost falling asleep right then and there. "I can stay up for a little bit longer."

"That makes one of us." Her grandmother said smiling.

Just as she was about to say something a sudden knock came at their door jolting Star awake. Her grandfather open the door, and quickly became silent. Star could tell something was wrong.

"Honey take Star upstairs right now." He said.

"Carl is something wrong?" She asked.

"Just do it honey." He said calmly.

"Come on Star, lets go tuck you into bed." Her grandmother said as she caught a sight of who was at the door.

She quickly took the small pegasus to her room, and placed her into the bed. Tucking the blanket in she kissed her on the forehead.

"Be right back with you're water." She said leaving the room.

Star listen closely to the outside noise that came from the living room. It was silent at first but soon she heard voices murmuring then followed by the sound of somepony crying.

"Grandma?" Star said getting up.

She quickly went to her door and was now at the head of the stairs overlooking the living room. Something inside of her told her to stay there and just listen. Her grandmother was on the couch crying with her grandfather holding her. Despite his composure, Star could see that he was also in deep grief. The thing that caught her eyes were the two pegasus guards sitting in the chairs across from them.

"We are so sorry to have to tell you this." The one on the right said.

"Is that it? Is that you all you have to say?" He grandmother said angrily while continuing crying.

"We are sorry for you're loss ma'am, but I don't know what else to say. They were close friends to us and we feel sadden by this tragic event." The right one said.

"Why? How could you allow something like this to happen?" Her grandmother said shaking.

"We couldn't have stopped the situation ma'am, it was out of our hooves." The left one said.

"I can't believe my baby is gone." She said breaking down.

"Grandma is something wrong?" Star asked.

All for ponies turned to looked at the small pegasus who had stood at the head of the stairs. Her grandfather quickly came up and swooped her up in his hooves.

"Star you should be in bed sweetie." He said weakly.

"Is grandma okay?" She asked.

"No, but don't worry she'll be fine." He said.

"Are you okay grandpa?" Star asked.

Her grandfather placed her on the bed and tucked her in. "I'll be fine, now I need you to go asleep."

"But I am confused why were those two ponies here, and why was grandma crying?" Star asked.

She looked up at her grandfather who had tears coming from his eyes. "I'll explain it to later now good night."

"Good night grandpa, and I hope you figure out how to fix whatever it is thats wrong." Star said.

He stopped for a second and smiled. "I hope so too."

"Hello? Is something wrong ?" Hills asked.

Star stared wide eyed into the air not saying a word.

"Solider please responded!" Hills said walking over to her. "Dear heavens you're sweating like a work mule."

"Star come on, snap out of it." Quinn said shaking her friend.

"Dragon....." Star said trembling.

Hills stooped down beside her to examine her tag.

"2404 huh?" He said taking a sheet from his pocket. Gazing over it he stopped once his eyes saw her name. "Star Wonder." He read to himself.

The whole room turned to her at the mention of her name for Hills said it very quietly.

Star looked at him. "What?"

"You're Star...." Hills he stopped when he noticed the room's attention was on her.

Star looked as the rest of the class was now staring at her, ready for her to responded. "Sorry sir and yes my name is Star Wonder." She said as soft as she could say.

Hills mouth hung open for a second before pulling himself back together. "There isn't a chance that you are related too...."

"Yes sir they were my parents." Star said quickly hoping that nopony else could hear.

"Wow, I mean......I am sorry for telling that story." Hills said.

"No it's alright you didn't know." Star said trying to get the general to move on.

"Um...right back to the lesson. Now class other threats that are included in the skies go far beyond animals and ponies." Hills said walking away.

"Hey Star you all right?" Quinn asked.

"Yeah I'll be fine." Star said calming her nerves.

Hills went on with his lesson without anymore stories or interruptions. Star noticed that he kept glancing over in her direction from time to time. Every time he had a worried look on his face that showed that he wanted to say something to her. Finally the hour slowly passed, and Hills dismissed them. Before Star could move out of her seat she was approached by Him.

"Um Star? May I have a few words with you before you leave?" He asked.

Star looked at Quinn. "See you in the next class." Quinn said walking out of the room.

Soon it was just the two pegasus sitting in silence.

"Star, I would like to apologize for bringing that story up. It must have been very upsetting for you to hear it again." Hills said rubbing the back on his head. "I apologize a thousand times over."

Star sighed. "It's alright sir you couldn't possible have known that I was even here or who I was. But tell me one thing, did you actually serve with my parents?"

Hills smiled. "Indeed I did, though I was a rookie and wasn't close to them like the others. I was actually under the mentorship of you're father. He saved me from dropping out several times." Hills stopped for a second. "He always said that I was going to be a teacher of or something like that" Hills chuckled. "I am getting off subject again. I once again apologize for reminding you of that unpleasantness. In the future I'll be careful when talking about certain parts of my life. I hope you feel better after this. " He said. "Just remember, even when it rains theres a rainbow."

Star smiled for she knew that phrase well "Yes sir, there is." she said.

"Well I hope that I didn't ruin you day." He said getting his things together.

"No sir you didn't." She said almost bolting out of there.

Down the hall Quinn stood waiting for her. "So what did he say?"

"Not much he just apologize and that was it." Star shrugged.

"Oh, I would have thought that he would have broken down and start crying." Quinn said. "He seemed like he was going to pass out once he saw your name."

"Nah, but he seemed to be very sensere about it, anyway we should head to the next class." Star said.

The week went slowly by as Star went through her classes. Each on gave her some important details about the art of flying, while others seemed a tad bit waste of time. Hills's 'class' was a joke for all the stories about him came out to be true. He went on and on about things that had nothing to do with the subject. Besides that, all her other instructors seemed to be very bright and willing to teach. Another thing that she was glad that happen was her friendship with Quinn. When she first arrived at the academy she felt alone and socially isolated. Now that she had a somepony to call a friend, made it all seem easier to go throughout the day. Her wings still felt numb but she was glad for she rather feel nothing than feel anything like the pain she felt that night. As the day of rest came all the ponies relax and the whole academy became still. She was glad that each week they would switch off between flying and lessons. Then it accored to her that since she couldn't fly what was she going to do? Just sit with there while everpony else flies? Maybe not, but now she had to sit with her office while others went off to fly was now become her new nightmare. The only thing she was worried about was how awkward it was going to be just sitting there. Soon monday came, and it was time for the flying training to take over the campus. Star meet at the spot where her squad meet, awaiting they're commander.

"Attention!" Iron Heart shouted from behind.

All the ponies instantly stood at attention and saluted.

"At ease." Their officer said walking in front of them.

"Today, since the weather looks promising we are going to do basic flight patterns. As a warm up you will give me a lap around the academy grounds. All of it, no cutting corners. NOW GO!" He shouted.

All them at once took off causing a jumbled mess. Eventually they figured it out and took off to carry out the tiring task.

"2404! Condition of injury?" He asked.

"Doctor said left wing is healing faster than right Sir! Should get feeling into them by next week Sir!" She shouted.

"At ease, no need to talk to me like that when no other pony is around." Iron Heart said in his normal tone. "Feeling back in them by next week huh? You think you'll be ready for the first trail test?"

Star looked down. "I don't know if I will be."

Heart smiled. "I am sure you'll be back and flying in no time."

"I know sir it's just that I know how important that test is, and I know I can't afford to fail it." She said. "Anyway what will you have me do?"

"Excuse me? Have you do what?" Heart asked.

"What will you have me do since I can't fly with the others?" Star asked. "I am not going to just sit here am I?"

Heart looked around. "Well that was kind of the plan actually. Theres not much a wingless pegasus can do in flight training. Just focus on relaxing and all the lessons you'll already learned."

Star looked to her sides so that she could see the bandages that held her wings. "Yes sir."

"Good, now how are all you're classes and instructors doing?" He asked casually.

"There all good I supposes except for general Hills class." She said.

Heart let out a laugh. "I am glad I don't have to sit and listen to him anymore. As much of nice pony he may be, he needs to learn when to stop talking about himself."

"Yeah." Star said growing quite.

The two of them soon just sat there in an awkward silence untill Star thought of something to talk about.

"Hey Sir. I had a question. Not that I am judging but how come you are so much younger than all the other officers? I mean you're probably three years older than me but still."

Heart smiled. "I guess that I just had an act for flying since I was born. My father was also a military colt and he took me to the youngsters squads and I surpassed all they're expectations. Then I trained really hard, and they let me in the academy. Mind you I was seven years younger then. I tell you what though, them letting me in at the age was unheard of. Many ponies threw a fit about me being 'unable' to keep up the physical toll that was to come. But I showed them all wrong didn't I? Once I became a official solider I just worked up the latter and two years ago they made me an officer. Pretty spectacular if you ask me"

"And you said Hills talked about himself highly." Star smirked.

"Hey now you asked, he doesn't care if you do." He said.

Heart looked off into the distance as some of the pegasus came into view.

"He cheated, she cheated, those two did to." He said pointing at some in the crowd.

"How can you tell?" Star asked staring intently.

"My eyes have seen nearly a thousand flyers fly that course and I can tell how tired they would be. Just another little thing you come to learn. Once they get back I'll run a few more basic training exercises, then call it a day. Besisde you must be tired from all that work you did out there." He said with sarcasm lacing his words.

"Ha-ha, once I get these things off and heal I'll bet you I can out race you." Star said.

"Bold words, I might just hold you up on that." He said.

The first of the ponies landed in front of them.

"Now back to work." He said to himself.

Quick Stepping.

2 Weeks Later

"There we go." He said snipping the last few pieces off. "So how do they feel?" The doctor said putting the bandages into trash.

Opening her eyes she could see that her body was no longer mostly white. The first things she noticed was the new feeling of soreness protruding out of her back. Then the feeling of blood rushing into vains came, and soon she had feeling in her wings again. Star slowly brushed her hoof against her right wing making sure not to put to much pressure on it. It stung a little as she felt her feathers. She was just glad that she was able to feel anything in them.

"Sore." She said. "But I am sure thats going to stick around for a while huh?"

"Well you should be able to make a full recover, as long as you don't plan on crashing down into anything else." The doctor said with a chuckle.

"You don't have to worry about me ever doing that again." Star said hopping off the examining table. Without hesitation, she stretched both wings out at a snails pace. They ached greatly as she extended them to full length. A sense of triumph came over her as she stood there with her wings out finally. Then an urged suddenly came over her, making her feel antsy all over.

"Don't move to fast now, you don't want to hurt them again." The doctor said almost concerend by her sudden action.

Star floded the back in slowly. "Yes sir." she said smiling to herself. "I'll be sure to take it slow."

She walked down the stairs leading away from the medical hall and headed right to the training grounds. It was a little after four so she knew that nopony was going to be there hopefully.

"Got to get back in it." she said to herself. "Got to train every single day."

Soon she came to the empty field of clouds that rested calmly in the sky. Stretching her wings, she felt them catching the soft breeze that now joined her there.

"Here we go." She said to herself.

Instantly, she raced off into the sky and began soaring up. Her body ached, but it didn't matter to her. As long as she was flying that's all she needed. Every single thing she could think of was now with reaching distance. Rushing past the clouds, the wind in her mane,the feeling of being free were her's once again. She gazed at the ground as she glided along through the air. Living at the academy made it seem so distant but seeing it from there made it seem like a whole different world.

"It so far away." She said to herself. "Lets change that."

Without thinking she dove straight down, setting her sights for a cloud to land on. The wind currents pushed against her, slowing down her speed.

"Oh, no you don't." She said and pressed harder on.

She speed towards the cloud, and as soon as she came within a few yards of it she acted. Both of her wings came out, violently jerking her up. It hurt but she didn't mind as she came gently down into contact with the cloud. The feeling that came over her was overwhelming.

"I did it." She said out loud. "I was able to fly perfectly. Take that five weeks!" She shouted

A slow clapping sound erupted into the air following her joyful eruption. Turning around she saw Iron Heart standing in the distance by the academies walls.

"You know that you're not suppose to be flying right?" He shouted.

Star immedialty flew over to him almost at an alarming rate. "I feel fine sir." She said stumbling before him.

"That doesn't matter, you know full well that you were not to engage in any flight activity for at least another five weeks. I can't have you flying around and getting hurt again. Understand?" Heart asked.

"Yes sir." Star said with a salute.

"Good now don't let me catch you out here again until you are cleared." He said begging to walk away. "On a side note your form was good but you opened up way to late. Thats probably why your wings are killing you at the moment." He said turning back around.

Star brushed off the cloud residue that remained on her. "Nah, they feel fine actually. At least better than what I thought they would be." She said nervously

"Right." Heart said leaving Star by herself. As soon as she was sure that he was gone she gridded her teeth.

"Going to feel that in the morning." She said as both her wings ached.

1 Week Later

"Star wake up!" Quinn's voice echoed.

"Huh? What?" Star said rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"You're going to be late for air current maneuvers, now come on." Quinn said.

Star rolled out of her small bed and began preparing herself for the day.

"Come on you're taking forever." Quinn said looking at the clock.

"It takes awhile for me to achieve full perfection." Star said sarcastically while brushing her mane. "Beside its the first class in this subject, I am sure being a few minutes late won't kill us."

"Do you know who's teaching it do you?" Quinn asked on a serious note.

"No, should I?" Star asked.

"Yeah, the class is taught by 'Doc' Rolling." Quinn said hoping her friend would know.

"So what's the big deal?" Star asked.

"The big deal? The big deal is that he is one of the most strictest and most short tempered pegasus around. I heard that if you are even a minute late he makes you run laps around the academy. Frankly I don't feel like running today so lets go." Quinn said almost dragging Star with her.

The two made there way to the hall where the lecture was to be taught. The clock on the wall showed that they had a minute left before being considered late. Star and Quinn both entered the hall which to their surprise was dead silent. The rest of their devision were already sitting down and now looked at the two of them. Quinn looked over to the clock on the wall.

"We still have a minute before class starts right?" She asked Star.

"Wrong." A booming voice came from the front of the room.

Star eyes immedialty fell on the large pegasus standing in front of the class. This had to be 'Doc'. "You happen to be a solid minute and a half late."

Quinn looked in confusion. "But the clock says..."

"My clock says that one is wrong and I happen to know that the time you entered was over a minute and a half then the time I planned." Doc said very demeaning to them. "So would you care to explain why you are late?"

Star stepped forward. "Sir I would like to offer that it was...."

"I don't need to hear it actually cause it not going to change what is about to happen. Running late is strictly cheating yourselves out of valuable information. Information that will certainly come in hoofy. Now for those who are running late to my class will have to a different kind of running. You two are going to join the other member of your division who also came in late. You'll find them outside somewhere. Have fun and see you tommorow, on time." Doc said waving his hoof as if to shoo them out.

Quinn was about to protest but Star nudge her to let it go. The two walked out the door.

"I can't believe the nerve of him!" Quinn said with frustration.

"It's my fault Quinn." Star said.

"No, you're fine its just that he acted so snobby about it, he treated us like we were idiots." Quinn said. " I mean 'Those who run late will be doing a different kind of running'." She said mockingly. "Besides how is he suppose to make sure we running the whole time? I mean he's in there and we're going to be out here." Quinn said pushing the door open leading outside.

The sun hit both of them with it's bright glare.

"I guess he doesn't. So I think its safe if we just walk until the bell rings." Star said shrugging.

"I guess so." Quinn said.

They slowly started to walk around for awhile until something caught both their eyes off in the distance. From what Star could tell it was a pony running, and running pretty fast at that. This must have been the other member who Doc sent out. Within a few minutes the pegasus came into view. The pony had a light purple coat but its mane and tail is what caught both of their attentions. It was two different colors, one being yellow and the other being a light blue. It stopped just before them.

"Well hello there." Quinn said kindly. "You must be a part of Iron Hearts devision right?"

"Yeah." The pegasus said painting.

Star shook her head in disbelief, but she made sure that she didn't make it seem obvious. She didn't want to be rude but the voice didn't match the bright colors of the pony.

"You must have been sent out here too huh?" The pegasus said in between breaths.

"Yeah, we were late by a minute and a half apparently, you?" Quinn asked.

"Twenty seconds." The pony said. "By the way the name is Randall but everypony calls me by my last name 'Steps'. And you are?" He asked.

Quinn giggled.

"What?" He asked.

"It's just that 'Randall is short of a colts name." Quinn said. "Not that there anything wrong with it."

Star tried not to show that she was amused, but it was hard not to be. This confirmed what she was thinking anyway.

"Yeah its a colt's name because I am a colt." He said looking at the ground.

The look that came over Quinn face was one of horror. "Oh, I didn't mean to, I am so sorry."

"No its alright, I understand it happens more than I like to say. With my mane and my coat I get ponies confused all the time." Steps said. "You're certainly not the first and probably not the last."

"Sorry again, My name is Quinn Firelance." Quinn said blushing from her mistake.

"And you are, hey I know you. You're the pegasus who freaked out in Hills lecture awhile back right?" Steps asked Star. "You had everypony worried there for a second. Anyway I never caught your name. Started with an 'S' right?"

"Its Star." She said embarrassed that he brought that up.

"What no last name?" Steps asked.

"Prefer not to say." She said.

"Gotcha" He said stepping back. "No need to ask if you don't want to tell. Anyway I guess we should get started." He said strecthing out his hooves as if to begin running again.

"Why?" Quinn asked.

"What?" Steps asked.

"I mean we don't have to run, its not like he's out here wacthing us." Quinn said.

"Oh, I know that but I am doing it anyway." Steps said.

"You mean you actually want to run around the building pointlessly?" Star asked.

"Why not?" Steps asked. "Running is fun."

"Fun?" Quinn asked.

"Yeah I mean who dosent like it? With the wind rushing through my mane and everything zooming by." He said closing his eyes taking in his own imagery. "Running and flying are my favorite things to do." Steps said. "Thats why I made sure that I was late."

"Wait, you came in late on purpose just to get to the chance do some extra running?" Star asked.

"And flying." Steps said.

"Oh, of course can't forget flying." Star said while rolling her eyes.

"Got keep up my training you know?" He said flexing a little. "Besides I got a reputation to hold up."

"What reputation?" Star asked.

"Oh, you don't know?" Steps asked ready to explain. "Tell me what did you make on the entry exam?"

"A 3.2 on overall speed and a 2.8 on accuracy." Star said causally.

"3.5 and 3.3." Quinn said sheepishly.

"Would you like to hear what I got on mine?" Steps asked. "Overall speed 2.1, accuracy 2.2."

Star gasped a little. "Thats, thats incredible."

Quinn laughed. "Ha, there is absolutely no way you made a 2.1 in speed. You would have to train your whole life in order to get anywhere near that."

"Oh, really?" Steps asked. "See that post down there by the wall?" He asked pointing forward.

The two squinted there eyes to see a wooden post stuck in a cloud. Just by there vision it was still a far ways off.

"Yeah." Quinn said.

"You mind counting Star? It won't take long." He asked.

"Sure." She said.

"Okay then when I say go start counting." He said stretching out his wings. "You might want to back away a little."

Star and Quinn both took a couple of steps back as the pegasus was preparing to bolt.

Steps got into position. "Ready.......set......go!" He shouted.

Within a second he leaped forward, racing through the air at an incredible speed.

"1,2,3,4." Star began.

"He's fast, like really fast." Quinn said aloud.

Star counted as the Pegasus was now racing back towards them. "8,9,10"

As soon as she hit 10 he landed about three yards before them, sliding along the cloud to where there were. The two of them sat there in disbelief at his performance.

"Ta-da." He said proudly. "What was my time?"

"10 seconds." Star said slowly still not sure how he was able to do it.

"Ah, I could do better." He said, sounding genuinely disappointed. "Got to get it lower you know? I just got to."

"Why? I mean its pretty obvious that your the fastest pony in our whole division. Heck you're probably that fastest pony in the who academy." Quinn said.

"But I am not the fastest though." He said taking a deep breath. "I was this close, this close to beating the record for the entrance exam." He said measuring with his hooves. "I missed it by one point but I am going to break that other record, just you wait."

"What record?" Star asked.

Steps let out a sigh. "I want to break the academies speed record for the fastest time in the first trail test. Yes I know that sounds impossible but hey a colt can dream right?"

Quinn and Star both looked at each other and then back to Steps.

"What?" He asked. "I am not that crazy am I?"

"Its just that, thats a pretty high goal you're setting for yourself. I mean no offense you're fast but I don't think that you're that fast." Quinn said.

"But I believe I can and thats all I need." Steps said. "If I don't at least I can say I tried."

Star looked at the ground trying to hide what she was thinking.

"What?" Steps asked.

"Its nothing, its just that you know how many ponies have tried to beat that record?" She asked.

"Yeah, 37 I believe." He said with a laugh. "And 0 have come nowhere near it. I guess that old Sky 'Wonderbolt' must have trained pretty hard to raise the bar that high. Boy to be there when she timed that must have been a sight to see."

Quinn looked at Star for she knew why her friend was now acting funny. She tried to make a quick glance but Steps caught it.

"What, its not like one of your family members attempted it did they? I didn't mean any disrespect." Steps said.

"No, I am just thinking about other things." Star said.

Steps looked at her. "Hey Star, I know you said you didn't want to but why can't you tell me your last name?"

"Reasons." Star reposnded.

"Please, I mean you started to acted funny once I answered your question about the number of attempts. I mean your body language kind of already tells me your hiding something." He said.

"So." Star said bluntly.

"Come on what does somepony like me have to do to get your full name?" He said with a smile." Say, if you can beat me to that post down I promise not to ask again."

"And If you get there first I tell you?" She asked.

"You got it, so what do you say?" He asked.

"Star I don't think that you flying is such a good idea. I mean your wings are still probably sore and you need to rest them." Quinn said interrupting.

Star flapped her wings in response. "They will be fine." She said. "Ready whenever you are." She said to Steps.

The two lined up beside each other, waiting for the other to signal go.

"Ready, set, go!" Steps shouted.

The two took off, speeding down towards there goal. Star kept her mind focus so to avoid feeling any pain that was to come from her wings. At first it seemed that she was going to win but every eye turn she could see that Steps was right beside her. It was almost as if he was playing with her.

"Well lets see how he likes this." She said to herself.

She clenched her teeth and put all her might into moving forward. All of her focus was now on that post. It was almost over, and her goal was within grasp. Then, like a lighting bolt, Steps zoomed past her and landed beside the post. He poked it mockingly as if to show that he knew he was going to win. Star landed on the other side.

"How?" She said out of breath.

"Shouldn't have agreed to race me." He said blowing something off his hoof. "Now a deals a deal, whats your full name."

Star looked at him. "'Wonder, Star Wonder." She said.

He immedialty froze upon hearing it. Then a smile crept along his face. "Okay enough with the jokes, now come whats your real name?"

"Star Wonder." She repeated.

His smile disappeared. "Your being serious aren't you."

Star nodded her head.

He swallowed before asking. "Don't tell me that your directly related to....."

"Yes." She said gasping for air.

Then instantly he started trembling, not form fear but of excitement. "Wow, really thats amazing! I mean its a honor to be even talking to you right now. I hope you didn't take me being disrespectful by toying with you in our little race." He said laughing nervously.

"No its fine." Star said.

"Star are you all right, your wings aren't hurting are they?" Quinn asked coming up to her. She began examining each wing carefully.

"They're all right Quinn, no need to go all doctor on me." Star said with a laugh.

The bell in the courtyard alerted them that the class period was now over.

"Hey now that isn't lunch time is it?" Steps asked looking for a clock. "Cause for some reason I am starving like a dog right now."

"Yeah we should get back and report to general Doc that we had completed our extra duties. Besides you and Star look the part." Quinn said.

"Thats probably a good idea." Steps said stretching out his wings one last time. "Don't want to make our reputations with him even more lower do we?"

"Yeah lets get going." Star said nodding to Quinn.

"It was nice meeting you Steps." Quinn nodded to him.

"Hey wait, um you gals mind if I tag along with you? Its just that you know I don't know many of the ponies in our division and its nice always to talk to somepony." He asked shyly.

Star and Quinn looked at each other.

"Sure the more the merrier." Quinn said with a warm smile.

Soon the three headed off to report back and continue on with the rest of their day.

Temporally Pushed Back

"All right is everypony good? Now go!" Heart shouted. "Go! Go!"

The crowd of ponies took off into the sky to begin their daily training. Once again Star sat there only to observe the others. Her wings ached to join them.

"So your rehab has been going good. Doctor said you'll be clear for flying in about 3 weeks." Heart said encouragingly.

Star looked at the ground for a moment.

"Whats wrong?" Heart asked.

"Nothing sir its just that I have some concerns regarding my time rehabbing. Not that its taking to long, I am worried about the first trail flight. I mean I can't take part an any official flying excursus for the next 3 weeks. That being said the first trail test is in 2 weeks so, what am I suppose to do?" She asked.

"I was thinking about that actually." He said pondering. "I talked about it with some of the generals and they told me they would think about it pushing it back. Don't worry, I said that several of my trainees weren't ready and had other injuries. Didn't want them to think it was all because of one pony. They would have probably have known who it was, and I know you would just love that." He said with a smile.

Star let out a chuckle. "Thanks." She said.

"Now I don't know if they will push it back, but I should hear from them soon. In the mean time you should focus on your rehab and when it comes time you can fly again." He said.

"Yes sir." She said. "Um sir?"

"Yes?" He asked.

"I was just wondering, how is the first trail flight?" She asked nervously. "I heard that its extremely terrifying. I am a little intimidated actually. Can you sort of describe for me?"

Heart's face grew stern. "Not that I am trying to scare you but its absolutely terrifying. Especially since every pegasus from afar gathers and watches all the trainees go through it. I remember my fly through very well. Now I tell you what I was sweating like a pig that day."

Star looked back down on the ground. "Oh."

"Hey now, don't let me make it seem all that bad. Once you start all your fears will melt away, and it will be over before you know it." He said.

"But how do you let all your fears go during that? I don't think I can do it with a bunch of ponies watching me." She said. "I mean, how was it for you?"

Heart pondering for a moment, trying to recall the experience. "Star have you ever been swimming?" He asked.

"Like one or twice." She said.

"Did you go under the water then quickly went back?" He asked.

"Yeah." Star.

"Why?" He asked.

"Cause I didn't want to drown." She said sarcastically.

"Well that feeling you had whenever when you didn't want to drown was terrifying right? Thats the same feeling I got when I had to take part in the trail." He said. "Thats how it was for me at least, and I probably was one of the braver ones there. Some ponies looked like they were on the verge of passing out." He chuckled.

"Did any of them fail?" Star asked.

"None in my division did but there was one who did two years prior. I can't remember what division he was in but he just couldn't handle it, from what I heard." He said.

"What happens if you fail?" Star asked.

Heart laughed. "I wouldn't worry about that its actually hard to fail the trail. The judges are usually fair and don't judge to harshly."

"But what if I do, what if somehow it does happen." Star said growing concerned.

"Like I said I don't think you have to worry about it but if by some chance you do theres two options. One, you'll be asked to see if you want to be moved to a division know as 'zero'. Division zero is a where soilders take care of the academy's grounds and do odd jobs for officers." He said looking off in the distance.

"So their janitors?" Star asked.

"Thats a little demeaning but its not as bad as it sounds. If you do get sent there you can eventually be up for evaluation, and hopefully you can reassigned to a real division." Heart said.

"Has anypony every actually done that?" Star asked.

Heart looked around so that no other pony would over hear him. "There is one pony who is still around here that did it."

Star perked back up. "Really who?"

"Why don't you ask general 'Doc' sometimes, I am sure he will be glad to answer any questions." He said sarcastically.

"Wow, Doc failed the first trail? After all his talk about being on time, and his overall strictness seem kind of hypercritical though." Star said to herself.

"He's not that bad, but yeah I remember when he was in zero. The first day I saw him was something else, he had something the others who failed didn't. A fire was in his eyes that showed that he wasn't ready to give up. Going through the zero division changed him and made him the colt he is today. I kind of wished I could have failed, and went along with him for he is twice the colt I am." Heart said.

"Really?" Star asked. "I mean he's a good commander from what I heard but you're just as good."

"Not even close. He went through so much, a lot more than we did. Thats the thing about the zero division that can change a pony. In the eyes of regular divisions the zeros are scum, and are treated as such. They receive disgust from their fellow solider and get harassed. Its not suppose to be that way, but its just how it been viewed by the troops. I remember myself even taking a few shots at Docs expense, just so that I could get others to laugh. If I only knew that every time we made fun of him it was only making him stronger. Then one day he was gone, no chores, no cleaning, nothing at all. We couldn't find him anywhere or any place he was usually assigned. I thought he had given up but that wasn't the case." Heart said.

"He got moved to a real division?" Star asked.

Heart nodded. "Lucky him, general Laz picked him to be under his division. At the time do realize that being under general Laz was the highest honor. I can't even begin to describe the look on our faces when we saw him wearing those colors." He said with a laugh. "But the point is that even if you do fail its not the end of world, unless you make it."

Star nodded and looked up at the sky. "That makes me feel better about all this." She said.

"But like I said, barely anypony fails it so don't worry about it." He said nudging her. "You'll be fine."

"Thank you sir." She said. "Hopefully they will move it up so that I can preform."

"We'll just have to wait and see." Heart said.

"So as of today the fist trail test has been moved up 2 more weeks from the original date. This is to ensure that all particapents are able to preform to the best of their abilities. We also wish to all of those who are participating to keep working hard and be the best you can be." The mare said with a smile. "Now you may return to your free time and have a great rest of the day."

"Well she's just a bundle of joy huh?" Steps said taking a bite of an apple.

"Oh stop." Quinn said pushing playfully him. "She's just doing her job."

"I am just saying every time she makes an announcement she seems too......excited about it." He said finishing off the piece of fruit. "Anyway you guys looking forward to the trial? I can't wait for it."

"I am terrified." Quinn said softly.

"Hey now you'll do fine." He said with a smile. "And me and Star will be there to cheer you on, right Star?"

Star was looking in the opposite direction, obviously not hearing his words.

"Star, earth to Star." Steps said.

She still didn't hear him.

"Star!" He said a little louder.

"What!" She said jumping at his words.

"Did you hear anything I just said?" He asked.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something else. What were we talking about?" She asked.

"We were discussing the trail." He said.

"Oh, yeah right." She said.

"You nervous too Star?" Quinn asked.

Star nodded. "To tell the truth I am. I know I shouldn't be but for some reason I just am." She said sipping some water. "The last few nights I have been having nightmares of failing playing over and over again."

Quinn rested her head on the table. "I've had the same dream but its a little different probably."

"Come now, you two will pass with flying colors." Steps said trying to cheer them back up. "Now stop with all this gloomy talk and lets go find something to do. I swear if I wasn't around you two would sit around all day and mope about this."

Star smiled. "You're right we can't think negatively about this. We are going to do great, right Quinn?"

"I guess." She said trying to catch what her friends just caught.

"Anyway you guys here who's coming this year to the trail? Steps said almost bursting from excitement.

"And you said that mare was overly enthusiastic ." Quinn said chuckling.

"I don't get that excited about little things like that." He countered.

"Yeah you do." Quinn said.

"When?" He asked.

"Oh, you guys hear about the other day when I figured how to beat officer Vigs obstacle course in less than a minute." Quinn said mocking his mannerism. "Or, hey you guys think that my mane would look more colty if I dyed it."

"Hey, thats a serious question." Star said. "We have to figure out if green is truly the color of a real colt." She said laughing.

Steps sat there while both mare laughed between each other. "Well it would make look less of a mare." He said crossing his hooves.

"I am sorry Randy, please what where you saying." Quinn said.

Steps looked at her as if she committed a crime. "Please don't call me that. You know how I feel about that nickname." He said.

"Sorry Randy, it won't happen again." She said.

"You're really pushing it Quinn, I think Randy is getting mad." Star added.

"I am sorry Steps, really I am. Now what were you saying about somepony coming?" Quinn asked.

He sat there for a moment, none to pleased.

"Oh, come on don't be such a baby." Quinn said. "We were just joking. Can you ever forgive me?"

"You're lucky you're cute." He mumble to himself. "I was trying to say that princess Celestia herself was going to be in attendance. I mean the princess herself is going to be here, here. Isn't that amazing?"

Star and Quinn looked at each other and began laughing again.

"What?" Steps asked.

"It's just you're getting excited over a princess coming thats all." Star said.

"The big, bad, solider is all jumping when the princess is coming." Quinn laughed.

"I can't win anything with you two." Steps said lying his head on the table.

"2404, 2397, 2390 I hope you are ready for the assignment we are having today." Officer Heart asked walking by their table.

They all quickly responded with a salute. "Yes sir!" They said in unison.

"Good see you in two hours." He said walking off.

"Well that was random." Steps said while watching the leaving officer. "I didn't even see him coming."

"I guess thats a skill you pick once you become an officer." Quinn said. "Anyway I feel like going for a walk now, anypony care to join me?" She asked.

Steps and Star both stood up to signal that they were in.

"And Go! Go!" Heart shouted to his troops.

Once again it was just him and Star standing there.

"Well I guess you already heard about the trail being moved up. I bet you're excited huh?" He asked.

Star nodded. "I am actually, I feel better now I can actually participate."

"I am just glad that they didn't give me such a fuss over it. But then again they're suppose to keep the safety of the ponies above everything." He said. "I just hope nothing bad happens." He said hinting at something.

"Like what?" Star asked.

"You're friend, Randell is it? A little rumor has been flying around that he plans on breaking the speed record. Is it true?" He asked.

Star nodded. "He seems quite sure of himself."

"I would advise him not to attempt it. To many have tried and all have failed. Each one also fails the trail too, making the whole thing a waste of time." Heart said.

"Well maybe he's different, maybe he can do it." Star said.

Heart closed his eyes. "You and him both think so. I know that he came close to breaking the entry exams record but this is going to be different. Its good to practice but its different once you're in front of a thousand other ponies."

Star kept thinking positively. "He'll be fine and besides I know he can do it. I mean every time we practice or race....."

"What do you mean race?" He asked sternly. "You've better not have been flying before your cleared."

Star instantly grew still. "No sir." She said trying to retract her words.

"Good." He said. "Didn't want to think you were disobeying me." He looked around for a second. "So how do you match up against him?"

"Sir?" She asked.

"How do you fair against him, does he beat you fairly easy?" He asked.

Star looked around as if to see if he was joking. "I am not suppose to be flying, like you said that would be disobeying your orders." She said. "He doesn't beat all the time actually. I don't know how but sometimes I can beat him but its rare."

"Huh, well then I guess you have made a quicker recovery than I thought." He said to himself. "Though you really shouldn't have been doing any activity like that you know?"

"Yes sir." She said hanging her head a bit. "Its just that I couldn't stand not to. I felt that if I didn't I would go insane."

Heart nodded his head in understatement. "Well I guess you'll be fine as a fiddle when the trail comes around then. Just to make things clear though, next time when I give an order obey it. I may have let this slide but as a future solider you have to listen to your commanders orders. Being a great flyer sometimes requires being able to understand that others are there just to try and help you."

"Sorry sir it won't happen again." She said.

"Good, now come along we have to start setting up for todays assignment." He said.