Prologue: The First Funeral
Everypony is dressed in black. And it looks eerie; I don't like it. We're already at a funeral so why make it more depressing? Thunderlane is standing next to his sister and mother. His mom has a foal carrier slung on her back which is where Thunderlane's newborn brother, Rumble, is hanging around asleep, so he has no idea what's going on. Lucky...
Thunderlane and his sister, Lightning Dust, know exactly what's going on. It's sad really. Their father died trying to save two fillies in a fire. Since Thunderlane's dad is a Wonderbolt, the leader gives him the highest honor a Wonderbolt can get: a stone memorial encasing the body, protecting it from the ravages of time. Burst Fire, the current leader of the Wonderbolts, personally attends the funeral. It's rare to see him in public since he is always on an important mission for the Princess.
Thunderlane starts to cry. It hurts me to see him cry. I really like him, even if he doesn't feel the same way. Lightning told me the other day to leave her brother alone. She sees that I get on his nerves, but I can't get him out of my mind ever since we met at that Wonderbolt Derby my dad took me to.
Thunderlane was really nice to me. He shared his snacks; he allowed me to stand on his shoulders so I can see. I was four at the time and could barely fly. Only my dad showed that kind of kindness to me, but he was in the race so I couldn't stand on his shoulders. Thunderlane's dad was also in the race, but that was a long time ago. I don't even remember who won. I'm seven now and so is Thunderlane.
I walk to him. Lightning Dust shoots me a dirty look, but I ignore her. Thunderlane is too nice to tell me to go away, which is perfect. I can use that to get closer to him before his sister uses a more direct approach. I can't push my luck though.
What is it that he finds so annoying about me? I have to figure it out soon. I don't want to drive him away. I stand next to him, careful not to touch him. I usually get close so our wings touch, but I need to be careful this time. Like I said, I don't want to drive him away, or worse, test his older sister's patience.
Thunderlane looks at me. His eyes are filled to the brim with tears. Lightning Dust doesn't look as sad, but I can tell she's trying to hold in her tears, pretending to be the stronger sibling. She's doing a better job at than Thunderlane, that's for sure.
Thunderlane looks down at his hooves. Is he submitting to my presence? This is my chance. I scoot a bit closer. The tips of his feathers glide across mine. I know he feels it, but he doesn't step away like he usually tries to do when I get too close to him. I look at him and he looks at me. He steps closer. He actually steps closer to me! This might be pushing it, but I extend my wing over him. My heart jumps when he leans onto me.
Does he like me now? Did I finally get through to him? No, get it together Cloudchaser. How can I be so foolish? He is hurt. He needs somepony to make him feel better. I shouldn't take advantage of his vulnerability. I should actually try to make him feel better. He needs a friend, not a creepy fan girl. Maybe that's why he thinks I'm annoying. Okay, think friend, think--Flitter. She's my best friend and I'll do anything for her. Thunderlane is leaning on me. I have to fight the urge to lean on him. I must be strong for Thunderlane.
Maybe that's what Lightning is doing. If I remember correctly, she was the closest to her father, closer than Thunderlane; he is a mama's boy which I find adorable. Anyway, Lightning is being strong for Thunderlane. She always looks out for him. If she breaks down now, that might fill Thunderlane with so much despair. Who knows what he might do?
But if I can take Thunderlane off of her hooves, she might like me enough to be okay with Thunderlane being with me. Wait, you're getting off topic Cloudchaser. Focus on Thunderlane, make him feel better. But how? He just lost his father. I don't know what I would do if I lost my dad. Freak maybe, I don't know. I don't want to think about it.
"Hey, Cloudchaser?" says Thunderlane.
"Yeah?" My heart feels like it's going to pop. Is it weird that I don't mind?
"Um, you think you can come by later. I-I need to talk to you. It's important."
Aaaahhhh!!! "Sure." Did he really ask me to meet up with him? No, calm down, Cloudchaser. Just see what he wants. It's just a friendly meet-up, yeah, that's it. I don't think Thunderlane has any friends other than me, if he even considers me a friend. He probably doesn't want to be alone. But he has Lightning Dust, so why me. I guess the only way to find out is to be there. Where did he say to meet up again? I can only guess it's his house.
Thunder's family is called to the front for the lowering of the body. I go back to stand next to my mom. I can only imagine what it must feel to have to see somepony you love sent away forever. It must hurt a lot. If I am to make Thunderlane feel better, I'm going to need some help. Maybe Flitter can help me. Her cousin's mom recently died, so she'll have more insight on this than I have. I'll go talk to her before I go to Thunder's house.
