Blaze of Glory:Broken Shadowsby The Real SteelChaptersChapter 1: The PartyChapter 2: DreamsChapter 3: The Things We DoChapter 4: The Turning PointChapter 5: RaindropsChapter 1: The PartyChapter 1. After Rainbow Dash was finished with her work, she decided to take a nap on one of her favorite clouds. As she slept, Rainbow started to fantasize about the Wonderbolts. She could see them, their blue jumpsuits reflecting the light of the sun as they soared through the sky performing feats that most of ponykind would assume were not even physically possible. She saw Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, with her wings tucked at her side, perform a barrel roll mid dive through clouds with her wings still not flapping while the other Wonderbolts flew circles around her creating a tornado. Spitfire then broke her roll right as the tornado reached maximum height and flew straight up, soon reaching her desired height and flew back towards the ground right towards the tornado spinning in a circle. As she flew through the tornado Rainbow Dash was on the edge of her seat. Right before Spitfire completed the stunt however, the dream ended. Rainbow was awakened by a sudden commotion coming from Sugarcube Corner where her friend Pinkie Pie lived. Half awake, Rainbow wondered why her friend was throwing a party this late in the day. Her curiosity soon got the better of her as Rainbow got out of her cloud bed and began to stretch. Fully awake now, and eager to see why Pinkie was throwing a party this time, Rainbow Dash decided to head to Sugarcube Corner as she lazily stretched her wings and took off, unaware of exactly how much this night would soon mean to her. ******** When Rainbow Dash arrived at Pinkie's party she was amazed at how many ponies were here. Inside Sugarcube Corner the party was in full swing, the music was deafeningly loud, and the usually peaceful bakery was filled to the brim with ponies that were either drunk, partying, or minding their own business. I wonder how many ponies are here? Rainbow commented in her head. I think it might be all of Ponyville. Completely wrapped up in her thoughts, the cyan pegasus didn't notice her mischievous friend until Pinkie Pie appeared behind her causing Rainbow Dash to jump in surprise. "Heya Dash, glad you could make it!" Pinkie exclaimed as she popped up behind the pegasus with a drink in hoof and traces of spilt drink and left over cake on her coat and face. Rainbow Dash nearly took off out of shock, completely not expecting the pink earth pony to just pop up right behind her. "Woah! Pinkie did you have to surprise me like that?" Asked Dash once she recovered from her initial shock. "Oh did I surprise you? I'm sorry, Dashie." Said the party obsessed pony, suddenly losing a little bit of her pizzazz and obvious mirth. "Its alright." Dash said quick to cheer her friend up, because few things in Equestria were scarier than an upset Pinkie Pie. "So whats this party for anyway?" Dash asked eager to turn the subject away from her surprise, the pegasus was nothing if not prideful and she disliked speaking about things that made her look weak. "You don't know? We have a new resident in town!" Pinkie said now back to her old self almost literally bouncing off the walls. "Really?" asked Dash, now very interested in what Pinkie had to say. Newcomers meant new experiences and Dash was almost constantly bored these days. "Yeah that's him in the corner with the drink." exclaimed Pinkie, pointing a hoof to an uncrowded corner where a lone pegasus colt sat drinking by himself. Interesting. Rainbow thought to herself, time to see if I cant get to know this newcomer. Rainbow Dash approached the colt, eager to meet a new face. "Hey how are you?" Rainbow asked once she was close enough to be heard over the music, trying to start a conversation. The colt stared at her for all of two seconds before returning to his drink. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" Rainbow said. "I know." Said the colt. "Not much of a talker are you?" She asked. "Nope." He said. "So, I'm Rainbow Dash Winner of the Best Young Fliers Competition and future Wonderbolt, and you are?" She asked with her usual flair and lack of grace, overflowing with confidence. Newcomers meant potential for a new fan. Rainbow thought to herself. "You can call me Blaze if you must call me something. I'd prefer to be left alone, but seeing as that's not gonna happen Blaze will suffice." he said. "Sooo Blaze, what brings you to Ponyville?" Rainbow asked looking him over taking note of his silver coat, blue eyes, silver wings, and his red mane with bolts of white and yellow running throughout his hair. "See anything you like?" He asked, obviously noticing her checking him out. "S-shut up, I like to get to know everypony by coat and mane color, so that I know who I'm looking for if I need to find them while flying by!" Rainbow hurriedly explained, obviously embarrassed. "Its okay, I'm just messing with you." He said with a chuckle. "Oh." Was all she had to say, surprised that she acted like such a filly in front of this stranger. "But to answer your question I'm here on business, and no I'm not going to talk about it so don't ask." He said a knowing smirk on his face. "I wasn't going to ask about that!" Rainbow huffed, who does this guy think he is? Acting like he knows what I was going to ask. She said in her head. "Uh huh sure, now just leave me alone." He said as he returned to his drink, paying the mare no more mind. "Whatever!" She said storming away embarrassed and in sudden need of a drink. Its better this way Blaze thought to himself, if I make friends here they'll only end up getting hurt. Better if nopony gets close to me. ******* After the party, Blaze was stumbling home having drunk way too much cider, when out of nowhere he found himself face to face with the pegasus mare from earlier. What was her name? Blaze wondered to himself as she stared him down. "So jerk, have fun?" She asked ire and sarcasm obvious in her tone. "Just leave me alone." He said too tired and drunk to argue with this thick headed mare at the moment, and continued moving towards his house on the outskirts of Ponyville. "Yeah, that's not gonna happen 'till I get an apology!" She said, flying above him. "What for?" He asked coming to a stop. "For being so rude for no reason." "Really? Well still I'm not apologizing, because I got nothing to apologize for. Now if you'll excuse me miss I need to get home, I had a little too much to drink and I'm feeling more than a little unbalanced." He said, having trouble staying mobile in his drunken state. "Oh no you aren't getting away that easily." She said, still following him. "Leave me alone!!!" He exploded partly because of anger, and partly because he was afraid that in his drunken state he would let her know too much and risk endangering an innocent mare with his personal problems. "This isn't over, but I'll let it be for today." She said preparing to fly away, while shooting him a look that could kill. After she left, it wasn't long before Blaze approached his house where only the bed was set up because he was here all of 30 minutes before that insane pink pony had dragged him around town to meet all the different residents and then forced him to join a party that she decided to throw for him and somehow made in an hour. What is with that mare? Blaze wondered thoughts once again on Rainbow Dash, as he approached his front door and unlocked it. Something tells me that's not the last I'll see of her. He said to himself as he entered the house. End Chapter 1. Chapter 2: DreamsChapter 2 As Dash flew home with the wind whipping her spectrum-like mane all around her face, thoughts of Blaze and his unique mannerisms flew from the pegasus's mind as she fully embraced the euphoria of flying. After doing a few intricate spins and twirls with relative ease she found her rhythm, dispelling all of the days frustrations through flight but as her cloud home came closer into view Rainbow started to slow down. As she decelerated Dash began to think about Blaze again. Why was he such a jerk? Dash wondered as she entered her cloud home. The living room was a mess because Dash spent most of her time in the upstairs bedroom. Not to mention the fact that she couldn't be bothered to clean a room that was hardly ever used. When she proceeded upstairs to her room and opened the door she couldn't help but take a moment to admire her sweet pad, which had a LOT of posters of the Wonderbolts on the walls and quite a few rock and techno cds stacked here and there, with about 2 dozen or so trophies on bookshelves of differing size. Newspapers with articles about the Wonderbolts were scattered all over the floor but then she saw the coup De grace, Dash's bed was made of the softest clouds she could find and as such was extremely comfortable with a rainbow colored blanket and a white and red pillow. As she flew into her bed and settled in Rainbow found herself wishing for the briefest of moments that she had somepony to share it with, but soon sleep overtook her and she knew no more. ****** Blaze stumbled into his house barely conscious and shut the door behind him. “Why must she *hic* be so annoyingly persistent, I don't see why she *hic* cares so damn much.” Blaze said out loud with great difficulty as he stumbled into the bathroom, his body rejecting all the cider he drank and began emptying his guts into the toilet. As Blaze sat there retching, his mind wandered back to a past he would rather forget but knew he couldn't escape. ****** It was a cold day in the slums of Manehattan, and foal Blaze was wrapped up as best he could along with his mother Silver Spark and his father Nova Blitz. It was 20 below freezing in their simple brick apartment, and with no heater and nothing more than a few blankets to keep them warm, twas a sad sight indeed. Though none of them knew it, their lives were about to change forever. “I'm finally getting a good check this week!” Proclaimed Nova nearly ecstatic with joy. “Really?! Honey that's wonderful news!” Said Silver as a gleam of hope appeared in her eyes for the first time in a long while. “Yeah, my boss at the weather factory said that I did good this month, and that he would give me a bonus on top of my already extraordinary check if I worked the late shift for a little while on top of my usual work hours!” said Nova overjoyed that things were finally starting to work out for him and his loving family. “So does this mean that we'll finally be able to send Blaze back to school?” Asked Silver. “Eventually, but it will be a long while before we can.” Said Nova, deep in thought. “Mom? Dad? I don't understand whats happening, I feel weird.” Said Blaze, before he suddenly collapsed. “BLAZE!” Yelled Silver and Nova, noticing him faint. They checked his temperature and their hearts sank. Blaze was taken to the hospital where the doctor said he had hypothermia, and that it would cost them most of Nova's check to save his life. Nova agreed in a heartbeat completely forgetting that rent would be due soon, his only concern being his sons health. Blaze slowly awoke to a room he had never been in before, with white walls and strange ponies that he didn't know all gathered around him talking and writing on clipboards while going in and out of the room. As he became more and more aware of his surroundings, Blaze began to be overcome with fear and thoughts started to race in his mind, thoughts like Where am I? And How did I get here? But only one of these thoughts got voiced. “Wh-Where's my mom and dad?!” Blaze asked beginning to freak out surrounded by all these unfamiliar faces, and wanting more than ever to be with his mother and father. “Oh Blaze thank Celestia you're okay!” He heard as he saw Silver come up to him with tears in her eyes and Nova not too far behind with tears in his eyes as well, apparently speechless with a wide smile on his face at seeing his son okay. “Mom! Dad! What happened, where are we?” Blaze asked as his mother gave him a hug and dispelled his paranoia for the moment. “Blaze dear, you came down with hypothermia and we had to get you to the hospital immediately where we are currently”. Silver explained, a new bout of tears welling up at the memory. “Oh well I'm fine now right?” Blaze asked, fear creeping back into his mind once more. “You're okay now but-.” Nova said finally contributing to the conversation. He was about to continue when one of the strange ponies came up to Nova and they began to talk out of ear shot of Silver and Blaze. “Oh I'm so glad you're okay honey”. Said Silver, sitting there with Blaze. “Me too” Said Blaze, never taking his eyes off his father but slowly turning to look at his grief stricken mother, and what he saw would stay with him for years. His mother seemed like she had been to Hell and back, her hair was frazzled, she had bags under her eyes, her make-up was running from the constant crying, and her face was sullen. Young Blaze had never seen his mother like this and the sight scared him. “Mom? Are you okay?” He asked worry and fear evident in his voice. “Yes dear I am fine.” Silver said assuring her son, while inwardly cursing herself for letting her impressionable son see her in such a state. “Well.” Nova said back from his conversation with the doctor. “Blaze is going to have to stay here for a few more days while he recovers and as much as I want to stay, someones got to keep us alive and fed so I'm going back to work tomorrow.” “But for today I am here with the two people who mean the most to me, and that is all that matters.” Said Nova smiling once again as he prepared to have some fun with his family. As they all sat there talking and laughing, Blaze noticed his father seemed distant but dismissed it and enjoyed the time he was spending with his parents. After they all spent a little while enjoying the company of one another, Blaze drifted off to sleep and his mind wandered to what would happen to him and his parents in the future. ****** The feeling of the wind whipping through her hair as Dash flew with her friends and teammates in the Wonderbolts was unmatched and as she flew she remembered earlier in the day when Spitfire came up to her and asked if they could talk as friends later, Dash agreed and they had eventually decided to talk after practice. After practice the entire team took off their flightsuits and stepped in the showers. After everyone was done taking a shower, Spitfire approached Dash. “Hey yo, Dash!” The Wonderbolt captain said as she caught up to her cyan coated friend. “Sup Spits?” Dash asked turning around to face her friend. “Remember the conversation from earlier?” “Yeah I do, so where are we going anyway?” “Lets go to my place since its close to here. Not to mention we'll have privacy there. So anything said there remains between us, sound good? “Hay yeah lets do it!” “Good, then follow me.” Spitfire said as she took off into the afternoon sky. “Awesome!” Rainbow said, taking off after her captain. As they flew through the sky Rainbow noticed how cool Spitfire looked without her flightsuit on. Spitfire's yellow coat was accentuated perfectly with her orange flame like mane that was her namesake flowing in the wind looking as if it truly were on fire and her finely toned muscles showing no exertion as they flew at speeds that most ponies could only dream of reaching. The city bustled below them as the two Wonderbolts tore through the sky. Soon they approached their destination, and both of them decelerated approaching the home of one of Equestria's most important ponies. When she arrived at Spitfires house, Rainbow was amazed at what she saw. The house was painted yellow with jagged black spikes painted over the yellow and as she approached the door Rainbow was completely enamored with the house. Spitfire looked back, noticed Rainbow and chuckled. “You like it?” She asked, already knowing the answer. “Its awesome!” Rainbow said. “Well wait till you see the inside.” Spitfire said with another chuckle at how much like a kid Rainbow truly was. As soon as they entered the house Rainbow would have sworn that her jaw hit the floor because in the middle of the living room was a 50 inch plasma TV, a PonyStation 3, and a massive collection of games. The couch looked ridiculously comfortable and the coffee table in between the couch and the TV had about 20 cans of either energy drinks or soda on it. Spitfire closed the door and flew over to the kitchen while telling Rainbow she could hop on the couch if she wanted to, which she promptly did. “Can I get you anything to drink?” Spitfire asked while Dash settled in. “Got any Dr Pepper?” Asked Dash from the living room. “Hay yeah, DP is the bomb!” Said Spitfire enthusiastically from the kitchen. Spitfire came back with two liters of Dr Pepper and two cups with ice. “So Rainbow.” She said while pouring herself a drink. “'Sup?” Dash asked as she did the same. “Has something happened in your life recently?” The sun yellow pegasus asked, now letting her concern for her friend and teammate show. Its a good thing Dash hadn't started drinking yet or she would have been choking. “What the hay Spitfire? That's kinda random, what brought this on?” She asked completely caught off guard by the question. “Well Dash, the thing is me and some of the other Bolts have been noticing you acting pretty weird over the past few days, and I decided to see what was up in case you needed help.” Spitfire explained looking right at Dash as she did so. “So whats up with you?” She asked. “Nothing, I've just been preoccupied with practice recently.” Rainbow lied. “Really Dash? You think I cant see through that? I know you better than that so stop trying to BS me and tell me whats really going on.” Spitfire said still staring straight at her. "Come on Dash, I've heard that excuse from myself far too many times for it to fool me." “Ugh fine Spits you win. Its apparent I cant get anything past you, plus I'm a terrible liar.” Rainbow said in resignation. “So here goes, a few days ago while I was on my trip to Ponyville, you remember the one I make every 2-3 months?” She asked. “Yeah I remember.” “Well while I was there I met this new colt who moved into town Blaze and he got under my skin to a good degree.” “Go on.” So Rainbow Dash told her about what happened the night of the party and what happened after the party when he got mad at her and she flew away. “And ever since then I cant stop thinking about finding that jerk and making him apologize for being so rude when all I wanted to do was be his friend!” Rainbow said now huffing in anger as she recalled in vivid detail the events of that night. “Hmm, well why don't you go find him and do that?” “I don't know where he lives.” Dash said sheepishly, more than a little embarrassed. “Why not find out?” “Good idea, I'll find out tomorrow.” Dash said pouring herself another drink of Dr Pepper. “I'll hold you to that Dash.” Spitfire said, satisfied for the moment with Dash's answer. “Now enough with the mushy stuff lets kill some zombies, Left 4 Dead or Resident Evil? Its your call Dash.” She said booting up her PonyStation 3. “Resident Evil sounds like fun!” Rainbow Dash said as she was handed her controller. “Well alright then Resident Evil it is.” Spitfire said, glad to see her friend back to her old self. “Yo Spits?” Rainbow asked. “'Sup Dash?” “Thanks.” “No problem.” After about five and a half hours of gaming, Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash. “I don't know about you but I'm tired, so I'm gonna go to bed.“ Said Spitfire as she got up and headed towards the stairs. “Yeah same here, good night Spits.” Dash said as she lay her head on the couch “Night Dash.” Spitfire said before disappearing from sight. Today was awesome Dash thought and tomorrow I'll get my apology from that bastard. End Chapter 2 Chapter 3: The Things We DoChapter 3 Blaze awoke on the floor of his bathroom with the sun shining in making the bathroom much brighter than he would have liked in his current state. Ugh what happened last night? Blaze wondered, feeling like his head had been ripped in half. Blaze stumbled out of his bathroom down the hallway towards the kitchen. He went into his kitchen looking for something to help him wake up, he walked to his refrigerator and noticed a box of Coca Cola. Perfect. Blaze thought as he grabbed a can and opened it. And as he knocked back the can of cola Blaze began to stretch, his entire body sore and stiff. He then exercised his wings making sure to loosen the muscles to lessen the chances of getting a wing-cramp. After he finished his morning exercises and his can of Coke, Blaze went back to the bathroom having an urgent need for it after the build up while he was asleep and the newly added Coca Cola. As he relieved himself Blaze remembered what happened last night and was instantly overcome with guilt. Oh Celestia I was such an ass, granted I had good reason but did I have to be such a jerk about it? He asked himself. He was then hit with a realization. Guilt?! What the hay? I haven't felt guilt in years. Blaze wondered, unsure of what this meant. Finishing up his business he washed his hooves and dried them off. As he thought of exactly why he felt this way he heard a knock at the door and walked to the front door to answer it. When Blaze opened the door he came face to face with someone with whom he shared a complicated past. The new unicorn colt had a coat of the darkest shade of violet which was a borderline black, his mane was a stark contrast to his coat as it was a vibrant white almost looking as if it were glowing, his horn and his eyes were a blazing red. “'Sup Blaze?” The colt asked, looking him over. “*Sigh* Hi Nocturne.” Blaze exclaimed,obviously not enthusiastic about meeting Nocturne. Nocturne let out a laugh. “Aw Blaze if I didn't know better I'd say you weren't happy to see me!” He said, while his crimson eyes which were still locked on Blaze showed that the mirth was only coat deep. “Lets just get this over with shall we?” Blaze said, not in the mood for Nocturne's usual teasing. “Yeah yeah, you're no fun anymore Blaze.” Nocturne said, looking at him with an expression of mock disappointment and began to walk out of the front door. “Whatever.” Blaze said, as they both left his house and started to walk down the dirt road toward the town which felt hot under their hooves as a result of it being a particularly hot day in Ponyville. As they walked the world came to life all around them. Birds were chirping, woodland creatures were scurrying about looking for food and shade from the heat, to anypony else but these two it would have been an amazing sight but Blaze and Nocturne were focused only on the task at hand. “So who's the unfortunate sucker who angered the boss?” Blaze asked, eager to get this over with. “Well I'm glad you asked, the mark is an earth pony named Feather Hoof, he ran a furniture store back in Manehattan and he thought he could cheat the boss out of what was owed and fled here to Ponyville so the boss sent us to “convince” him to pay.” Nocturne said, smirking when he said convince. “Of course because Celestia forbid we get anything exciting or out of the ordinary.” Blaze said, sighing in resignation. “You can take it up with the boss when we get back but for now we have a job to do. So stop complaining and start asking ponies if they know where we can find this guy.” Nocturne said, obviously no happier than Blaze was at doing this but for very different reasons. “On it.” Blaze said, as he flew off towards the town square deeply regretting what he would soon have to do. “Good.” Nocturne said with a wide smile on his face as he watched him fly away, he knew Blaze hated these jobs and he enjoyed seeing his associate suffer. ***** When Rainbow awoke from her dream she was sad to see that she was back in her own cloud home having remembered her dream in vivid detail wishing she was with Spitfire and the rest of her idols in the Wonderbolts right now, but something else entered her mind and squeezed past her sorrow refusing to be left unattended to. Why was I dreaming about Blaze and talking about him with Spitfire of all ponies? Rainbow wondered, suddenly very unsure of her feelings toward the rude colt. These thoughts stayed with her as she flew into her kitchen which had a sink that was full of dirty dishes. The counters at least were clean but the table was covered in all manner of stains that would probably never come out. Dash ignored all of this as she flew to her refrigerator and took out a jug of milk and drank right from the jug feeling too lazy too find a clean glass. It was just as she was headed back to her room to take a shower that she remembered her pet Tank and went to go feed him. When she arrived in Tank's room he sat there looking at her slowly his expression unreadable but Rainbow was sure he was not pleased with her for being late with his food. How could I ever join the Wonderbolts if I can't even properly care for a pet? Rainbow wondered as she grabbed Tanks food bag and began to pour some of the pellets that she received from her friend Fluttershy into his food bowl. After she was done feeding Tank she proceeded upstairs to her room feeling even more like taking a shower, needing to clear her mind just as much as she needed to get clean. After she turned on the water set it to maximum heat and stepped into the shower, Dash began to assess all the different thoughts and emotions running through her mind like the water running through her coat. I've had to deal with ponies who were less than receptive before, so why do I care so much about this one? Rainbow wondered, thoughts now back on Blaze. This one question hounded her the entire time she took a shower. I'll find out today why he has had such an effect on me. Rainbow decided, grabbing her bottle of shampoo by the handle and beginning to rub it through her mane and coat feeling the strange liquid combined with the hot water soaking past her coat and down to her well toned muscles. She let out a moan letting herself relax for the first time in a while, as she felt herself get lost in the sensation of the shower massaging her muscles. She let herself soak for about ten minutes before she realized that she had been in the shower for too long. Breaking her reverie, she rinsed herself one last time and turned the shower off. When she finished Rainbow found her favorite towel which was yellow, dark blue and red with a light blue lightning bolt in the middle, smiling a bittersweet smile because this towel was a gift from her parents who passed away a year ago next Monday. After she was done drying herself off Rainbow thought of her parents. I wonder if they are proud of me? She thought as she set her towel down and began to pray for her parents and hoped that they approved of her and her choices. “I love you mom and dad, I promise I'll live my life to the fullest for me and for you!” She said aloud as she proceeded to leave the bathroom. Well no sense moping forever, time to go see what the day has to offer. She thought before she flew downstairs and out the door. ***** Rainbow was flying through the air over Ponyville trying to figure out what she was going to do today until she decided to confront Blaze when suddenly she saw him leaving her good friend Twilight Sparkle's library. What could he want with Twi'? She wondered, then decided to go check it out flying towards the library leaving her signature prismatic trail in the air behind her. When she arrived at Twilight's front door her curiosity was almost overpowering her and seeing as Dash was not known for her patience this would not be a surprise to anyone. And after she knocked on her friends door she began to pace back and forth. As the door opened Dash could barely contain her excitement. “Oh! Hey Rainbow Dash, whats up?” Asked Twilight Sparkle her violet mane in a mess and slightly singed at the tips. Probably another one of her crazy experiments. Rainbow Dash thought recalling in wry amusement all the times her violet coated unicorn friend had messed stuff up experimenting with magic. “Yo Twilight. I just wanted to ask if you know what that colt with the silver coat and red mane who was just here wanted.” Rainbow stated like it was no big deal. “He wanted to know about that one pony, Feather Hoof and asked if I knew where he lived. He said it was urgent. Why? Do you know him?” Twilight asked, noticing Rainbows apparent interest in this colt almost staring Rainbow down trying to figure her cyan coated friend out. “Thanks for the info Twi', and to answer your question I met him yesterday and I just have this really uneasy feeling about that guy so I'm gonna follow him and make sure he doesn't hurt anypony.” Rainbow stated to her close friend and prepared to take off. As Rainbow Dash lifted off the ground she heard her friend call out. “Be careful Rainbow!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed from the ground. “Will do Twilight, I'll catch you later!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew off. I really hope she doesn't do something stupid again. Twilight mused before going back into her library. ***** Blaze left Twilight's library knowing exactly where to go and soon he found Nocturne in the Ponyville market at a fruit vendors stall trying to get some information out of a pony with a light yellow body, orange mane and green eyes and as he approached closer he heard Nocturne speaking with the new mare. “Listen Ms. Golden Harvest, just tell me what you know and I'll leave you in peace.” Nocturne said with a voice devoid of warmth and a smile that made Blaze's skin crawl even though he had seen it quite a few times before. “Look I-I already told you, I don't know anything so please just leave me alone.” The mare identified as Golden Harvest said, looking as if she was ready to bolt and probably would have if she wasn't frozen in fear. “Ahem.” Blaze said clearing his throat once he was close enough to be heard. “Nocturne I found what we're looking for, so you can stop terrorizing this poor mare now.” Blaze said looking at his dark accomplice with an icy glare showing his disapproval as clear as day. Then turning to Golden Harvest he said “I'm sorry for the trouble my associate has caused you miss. I hope this makes up for the inconvenience.” he said with a bow as he produced a bag of bits and set it down on the stall counter. “Well we shall be on our way now, have a wonderful day Miss Golden Harvest.” After this he and Nocturne trotted out of the market heading towards the town proper were Blaze had learned Feather Hoof lived. ***** Rainbow Dash was soaring through the air over Ponyville looking for Blaze, the sinking feeling that now resided in her stomach growing larger and larger. It didn't take her long before Rainbow found Blaze, he was talking to a pony she had never seen before and she instantly felt her blood chill when her eyes fell on his dark violet coat feeling an aura of malice and hatred from this pony that she hadn't felt since Nightmare Moon. Whoa creepy! Now I know I need to keep an eye on him. She said inwardly now following the duo at a steady pace, from the sky. ***** As they approached Feather Hoof's home Blaze and Nocturne discussed how they were going to handle him. “So Blaze do we go old school here and find ways to “convince” him without hurting him, or just beat him till he gets the message and we get our money? 'Cause personally I prefer option two.” Nocturne asked with his emotionless smile back again. “I know you do Nocturne and that's one of the reasons I hate you, lets try to do this peacefully first but if he doesn't cooperate then we do things your way got it?” “Bah fine we'll try it peacefully.” “Good.” As they knocked on the front door of Feather Hoof's house Blaze couldn't shake the feeling something was going to go wrong. The door opened to reveal a colt with a teal coat, green eyes and a white mane. “Hello Feather Hoof may we come in? We have something we would like to discuss with you.” “Uh yeah I guess so. I'll go fix us some tea.” Feather Hoof said with more than a hint of trepidation. “No need we wont be here long.” Nocturne said flashing his trademark cruel smile. “Oh! All right then.” Said Feather Hoof now very concerned about what these strange ponies could want. Blaze, Nocturne and Feather Hoof then proceeded inside the house. ***** After all three of them disappeared into the house Rainbow Dash dropped out of the clouds and snuck over to a window and peered inside the living room. Nothing at the moment. Guess I wait. She said to herself. But what Rainbow didn't know is that she was about to see something that she never would have even dreamed of seeing. ***** “So what did you gentlecolts need? I get the feeling you're not here to talk about buying any furniture.” Feather Hoof said as he guided them through the hallway of his house towards the living room. “Oh, I think you know why we're here Mr. Hoof.” Blaze said as he followed him. “I'm certain I don't know what you mean.” Feather hoof said as he led them to his living room and told them to take a seat. “Thank you.” Blaze said courteously as he sat down on the chair which was made of phenomenally strong bamboo with some very soft fabric on it. “No problem but it just struck me that I don't know your names.” Feather Hoof said as he sat down on his own chair. “You don't need to know my name.” Nocturne said as he too took a seat although he looked severely out of place in the comfortable chair with his blood red eyes and his obvious displeasure. “My names Blaze my good man and my grumpy friend here? He's Nocturne.” Blaze said, trying to be civil. “Ah, a fine set of names, now what is it you needed of me?” “Well you see, we're from Manehattan and I think you know what that means.” “Oh no! Buck me I thought I'd be safe here in Ponyville.” Feather Hoof said realization now dawning on his face being replaced quickly with fear. “Now look Mr. Hoof our boss wants us to make an example of you, but I don't. So just pay us what is owed and I will personally tell the boss that we brutalized you and you can go on with your life. Deal?” Blaze said while staring Feather Hoof straight in his eyes, blue and green meeting. “But I can't pay you what I don't have.” Feather Hoof said while his eyes darted all around the room trying to find a way to escape. “Please Mr. Hoof just pay us and we'll go.” Blaze said with a sigh already knowing where this would go. “I don't have it.” Feather Hoof said looking on the verge of crying. “Arghh! Buck this I let you try it your way Blaze, now we do it my way!” Said Nocturne as he rose from his chair and began to levitate Feather Hoof with magic. “Now where the buck is the bosses money?! If you don't tell me then Blaze here will break each of your hooves one by one.” Nocturne said smiling his cruel smile once more and nodding towards Blaze who reluctantly nodded back. “I-I really don't have it.” Feather Hoof said, now allowing his fear to show. “Oh well. Blaze, do it.” Nocturne said as he dropped the earth pony to the floor. “I warned you.” Blaze said with a sigh as he approached Feather Hoof. When he was close enough Blaze grabbed one of Feather Hoof's front hooves and began to twist until bones started to break. “AGHH!!!” Feather Hoof screamed now openly crying. “So do you have our money now?” Nocturne asked obviously satisfied with the way things were going. “No! I told you I don't have it!” Feather Hoof said emphatically. “What a shame. Blaze? Once more.” Nocturne commanded with malice obvious in his voice. “Yeah yeah.” Blaze said as he grabbed another hoof in his own and began twisting once more. "Owww! Please stop!" Feather Hoof said with tears in his eyes. “We will cripple you if you make us.” Nocturne stated calmly. “Look I don't have the money right now but I can have it for you by next month deal?” Feather said begging them for mercy. “All right you have one month but before we leave, Blaze finish up on that hoof so he has a taste of what will happen if he betrays our generosity.” Nocturne said coldly. “Fine.” Blaze said as he finished snapping Feather Hoof's other front hoof. As they walked out of Feather Hoof's house Blaze came face to face with Rainbow Dash. “What the buck was that for you jerk? He didn't do anything to you. I mean sure I thought you were rude but I didn't think you were a criminal Blaze.” Rainbow Dash said looking at him with a burning intensity. “Hahahahaha. Oh look Blaze you have an admirer. Ha, have fun I'll meet you back at your place tomorrow." Nocturne said, his amusement apparent as he walked away. “Yeah Nocturne, later.” Blaze called out to his associate and then turned back to the cyan colored mare now staring him down. “Look girl I told you to stay out of my way and leave me alone and now you know why. So go away unless you wanna end up like him as seems to be the fate of all who get to know me.” Blaze said his eyes misting over momentarily. “Oh hay no! Now you have to answer to me and you will apologize to me and to Feather Hoof.” Rainbow said as she kept boring a hole through him with her eyes. “Not gonna happen.” Blaze said nonchalantly. “What?! Why the buck not?!” Rainbow asked in total surprise. “As far as you go I have nothing to apologize for, and as for Feather Hoof he put himself in that position and got what he deserved.” Blaze explained as if this happened everyday. “Now I'm going home. Follow if you want, I don't care.” Blaze said as he walked away. Shaking herself out of her stunned state Rainbow took off after him. ***** As they approached Blaze's house, Blaze turned towards the cyan mare still following him. “Are you gonna continue following me?” Blaze asked approaching his house. “Yep.” Dash said as she continued following him. “Well unless you're coming in my house this is as far as you go.” Blaze said with a smile as he approached his front door thinking that fact would stop her. “Ha I'll just sleep in a cloud outside your house and I will follow you for the next month and make sure that you don' hurt anypony again and that's a promise.” Rainbow Dash said and she meant it too. “Eh, do what you want.” Blaze said as he entered his house and shut the door leaving Rainbow outside. True to her word Dash fpund a cloud in the sky above Blaze's home and fell asleep. Insane mare. Blaze said inwardly as he looked out his window and saw Rainbow Dash in the clouds. Whatever. He said inwardly again before he slid into his bed and fell asleep as well. Thus began the month that would change both of their lives forever. End chapter 3. Chapter 4: The Turning PointChapter 4 The next day Blaze woke to the dreariest day in recent memory. The sun was obscured by the clouds, there were no birds chirping, and it smelled as if it would rain soon. Groaning as he got out of bed slowly, Blaze felt the day sapping his very energy to partake in it. Lazily he made his way to the bathroom to begin his daily ritual. Once he finished in the bathroom, he was on the way to the kitchen to get a drink when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Wondering who could possibly have need of him so early in the morning on a day such as this one, he trotted over to the door and opened it immediately regretting answering the door. He was once again face to face with his dark coated and dark souled “companion” on this trip to Ponyville. “What in Celestia's name could you possibly need at this hour Nocturne?” Blaze asked with an audible sigh. “I just wanted to talk with you about a few things Blaze, but not here. Lets go for a walk.” Nocturne stated with his trademark emotionless smile. “Go away Nocturne, unless its about business we have nothing to discuss.” Blaze said as he turned around to head back inside his house. “Come with me Blaze, or I'll tell the boss you second guessed his orders.” Nocturne said with his smile now growing wider as Blaze turned around with fire in his blue eyes. “You wouldn't dare!” “Remember who you're talking to Blaze, I'd sell my own mother if it profited me.” Blaze thought on this for a minute. Then with a sigh he said. “Fine, lets go.” The two proceeded to leave Blaze's front porch and head in the direction of the Everfree Forest. ***** Rainbow Dash woke from her dreamless sleep felling refreshed and ready for what the day had in store. Looking around her though, she noticed as Blaze had moments before, that today was soul crushingly dreary. Noting the gray sky and lack of life around her with a sigh, Rainbow decided it was time to get ready for whatever happened today and began her morning exercises. “Today is going to be totally uncool, I know it.” She said aloud. As she began to stretch Rainbow peeked over her cloud at the ground and saw Blaze speaking with Nocturne for a bit before they both walked away from the house. “I got a bad feeling about this.” She said as she continued to stretch preparing to follow the two from the air. Now done with stretching, she took off into the sky leaving her prismatic trail behind her. ***** After they had left Blaze's home it began to rain hard. All the woodland creatures that were not already inside took cover in their homes to get out of the rain. The two colts from Manehattan however, didn't care about the rain as they continued towards their destination. After walking for a good 25 minutes Blaze turned to Nocturne, curious as to what he could possibly want. Looking Nocturne in the eye, he asked. “What do you need from me?” Blaze asked. “The boss knows you better than you think Blaze and he wanted me to remind you of what will happen if you disobey his orders.” Nocturne stated with a sadistic smirk. “Don't remind me, cause I haven't forgotten.” Blaze stated through gritted teeth. “Really? That's good to hear.” "Anything else you need or can I go home?" "Yes actually, we need to deal with some other business." “What other business?” “Haven't you noticed our “friend” in the clouds Blaze?” “Yeah I have. What about her?” “We're going to deal with her, we're approaching a clearing. It'll happen there.” “What?! Why?” “I remember her from yesterday. I left her for you to deal with but you didn't. She's a witness Blaze, we can't have those.” “But she hasn't done anything wrong!” “Look Blaze its either do as I say or I make up a story for the boss and you suffer greatly.” With a look of pure hatred Blaze agreed, spitting on the ground at Nocturne's hooves. Noting Blaze's discomfort with a smile, Nocturne headed towards the clearing which would soon be covered in blood. As Nocturne walked away Blaze muttered to himself, “I will kill that bastard one of these days.” And proceeded to follow Nocturne towards the clearing. ***** As she flew through the rain, Rainbow Dash put on her goggles that she kept with her at all times. As Rainbow Dash followed these two strange colts around she noticed that they were steadily approaching the Everfree forest. What could they possibly need from there? She wondered as she continued to follow them, the wind whipping her spectrum like mane back and the rain drenching her coat. As the two approached a clearing in the distance, she noticed Blaze and the other colt have an exchange that looked a lot less than friendly. Huh, I wonder what was that about? She asked herself as she flew until they arrived at the clearing. She watched as they had another short conversation before she felt herself being pulled towards the ground. “Hey, what is this?!” Rainbow Dash screamed struggling futilely against the magic force now pulling her towards the ground. Once she was on the ground the dark coated colt approached her, laughing maniacally. Rainbow gulped, beginning to realize that she may have gotten herself into a situation she couldn't handle this time. ***** While Nocturne sat there playing with the defenseless mare as he held her down with his magic, Blaze fought an internal battle. If I don't help her I will have doomed an innocent mare who didn't deserve it. Blaze said to himself. But if I help her Nocturne will tell the boss and that bastard will hurt my family. Blaze argued with himself as he began to grit his teeth to the point that he was sure they could hear it. It was at this point in his internal battle that the mare decided to call out to him. “You! Your names Blaze right?!” She screamed. Looking at her, his face expresionless he responded. “Yeah it is, so what?” “Please, help me!” Blaze just stared at her as she struggled against the magical force keeping her from fighting back. Back once again to his internal struggle, Blaze only just barely managed to hear Nocturne say that he was going to end this. As she looked at him pleadingly and Nocturne set up his horn for the killing blow at her neck, Blaze made his decision, years of resentment and powerlessness boiling over as he stared at the colt laughing cruelly at the thought of killing an innocent mare. Right before Nocturne's horn made contact with Rainbow Dash's neck, he was barreled over by Blaze who rammed him flying at full speed. After Blaze disengaged from Nocturne he turned to Rainbow Dash and screamed at her to run. “Hay no! This bastard is mine!” She screamed as she copied Blaze and barreled right into Nocturne at full speed as he shakily recovered from the first attack. The two rolled a good twenty feet before they came to a stop, both of them disoriented and struggling to stand on the muddy ground. “Celestia damn it, this girl is going to be the death of me.” Blaze said now flying over to the two prone ponies knowing that if Nocturne got up first they were in deep trouble. Nocturne had a great deal of trouble regaining his senses after he just got plowed by two pegasi. He managed to wobble to his hooves only to find Blaze's hooves pushing him back down. Blaze snapped Nocturne's back hooves much the same as he had done to Feather Hoof the day before, so he couldn't fight back. After he snapped his front hooves as well, Blaze forced Nocturne over on his back. Nocturne managed to keep his senses about him though the pain he felt was indescribable. Laying on his back he then spoke to the colt now holding him down by his throat on the ground. “What the hay Blaze?! I knew you didn't like me, but I never thought you would betray us like this!” “Oh believe me Nocturne, I have always despised working for the boss and with you. It always went against my morals, and this attempted murder of an innocent mare was the final straw. I refuse to do it anymore!” Blaze said as he began to beat Nocturne senseless, blood flying everywhere. After a few minutes of this he decided to end Nocturnes life, pressing his hoof down on Nocturne's throat to prevent him from breathing. "Stop! Don't kill him!” Blaze heard Rainbow Dash say. “What?! Why not?! Do you have any idea what this bastard has done to me and will do if I let him go?!” “No I don't, but please don't kill him.” “Sorry, no can do.” Blaze said as he began to press down on Nocturnes throat with all his strength. Despite Rainbow Dash's attempts to pull him off of Nocturne, Blaze's superior strength amplified with his rage made it impossible for her to do anything but watch as he continued to choke out Nocturne. Nocturne's horn began to glow a few times but he couldn't concentrate on a spell with his breath rapidly fleeing his body. As Nocturne struggled with the hoof on his throat, he heard Blaze say something very faintly, as if from a great distance away. “This is goodbye old friend.” Blaze said as he heard Nocturne's neck snap under his hoof. As Blaze stood up from Nocturne's dead body and looked right at Rainbow Dash who stood there motionless, thunder echoed in the background. As the Element of Loyalty stared Blaze down for killing his friend, he looked at his friends corpse one last time. As he said his farewells, Rainbow Dash recovered from her shock enough to speak. “I-I don't know what to say. You-You killed him. YOU BUCKING KILLED HIM!!” Rainbow said still in shock. “He deserved to die.” Blaze said as he bowed to his oldest friends body and proceeded to walk away. “What the hay do you mean, he deserved to die?! I mean, he was your friend wasn't he?!” Rainbow asked once she recovered from her shock and caught up with him, the thought of someone killing their friend causing her loyalty and temper to flare up. “I meant exactly what I said, he deserved to die. It was either I kill him, or let him kill you. And I could not let him kill somepony who did nothing wrong, not again.” “What do you mean?” “I'm not answering that question. Besides its better for you if you don't try to get to know me. You'll only end up getting hurt again.” Blaze said with sorrow in his voice, showing that he was speaking from experience. With this Blaze took off into the air. ***** I can't let her get close to me. Not now, not with Nocturne dead. Blaze said to himself as he flew home. He was caught completely by surprise when he heard a voice a few feet away from him. “Did you really think you could get away from me?!” He heard Rainbow Dash ask. “Go home.” “Like hay I will, you murdered somepony and I'm not leaving until you tell me why!” "So you would rather I let him kill you?” “NO! That's not what I meant, I just-.” “Look, I know why you're confused, but trust me, you should just go home and forget you ever met me.” “I can't, not after you just saved my life!” “GO HOME!!” Rainbow was surprised by this outburst just long enough for him to get a good distance ahead of her. Blaze sped as fast he could towards his home, but it wasn't enough and she caught up to him. “Where are you going in such a hurry?” She asked now right next to him. “Home, it's been a tiring day and I need to go rest.” “Why are you trying so hard to get away from me?” “Because if you continue following me, you're life is in danger especially now that Nocturne is dead.” Deciding to let her think on that Blaze descended to the ground feeling like walking the rest of the way to his house. Blaze looked over his shoulder, and noticed that the energetic mare was gone. After about a half hour of walking, he thought again about Rainbow Dash as he followed the dirt road that he knew lead to his house. Its better this way. He said to himself as his house came into view. Trotting up to the front door, he looked at the cloud that Rainbow Dash was in just that morning. He noticed the cloud was empty, after sighing he opened the door and proceeded inside. Blaze then walked down the hallway towards his bedroom. Once inside the bedroom he plopped down on his mattress, thinking about the events of today and the ramifications of them. Great, I just bucked myself and hard. What was I thinking? Nocturne's dead, and the boss will find out that I did it and then he will probably send the Crimson ShadowStriders after me. Blaze berated himself as he slowly fell into a fitful sleep. ***** As Rainbow Dash flew home she considered Blaze's words carefully. Maybe I really should leave him alone? But then again he saved my life and now his life is in danger, what kind of pony would I be if I left him alone to face that? She continued to argue with herself as she approached her front door and entered her cloud home. She walked up to her room, feeling suddenly drained as the adrenaline of her near death experience had now worn off. “ARGH! I am so confused!” Rainbow Dash screamed when she was in her room. After she flew over to her bed and lay down, Rainbow looked at the ceiling of her cloud home. “Mom, Dad I wish you were here to help me because I have no clue what to do.” She said aloud as she settled in her bed preparing to go to sleep. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about Blaze again and wondered what she could do to help him. But soon she thought of nothing as sleep overtook her and she let herself go. End Chapter 4 Chapter 5: RaindropsChapter 5 After a long night of rather vivid nightmares, Blaze woke up in a cold sweat and got out of bed. It was another depressing day, he noticed immediately. The sky was darkened again by the black clouds that had taken up residence above Ponyville. As he trotted down the hallway reflecting on the events of yesterday Blaze came to a decision. “Its best if I leave Ponyville.” He said voicing his thoughts aloud. He came to this conclusion as he reached the kitchen. He rifled through the refrigerator, grabbed himself a drink and went back towards his room. Once inside his room he began to pack up his things into his worn out duffel bag that he had used for years, deciding to take only what was necessary. He packed up his hoodie that he wore on occasion if he needed to disappear. On top of the hoodie and a few other select pieces of clothing, he placed a bottle of Buck Daniels, his bit bag, his toothbrush,toothpaste and prepared to put in his most prized possession. Blaze stared at the silver coin that his father had given him on the day of his graduation from middle school and felt his eyes water. He quickly placed the coin in the bag knowing that he couldn't let himself take a trip down memory lane right now. He finished up preparations for his departure, making sure he didn't forget anything and walked out of his bedroom, down the worn old hallway towards the kitchen. He stopped in the kitchen to grab a can of Coke before he trotted to the front door, took one last look around and bid farewell to his house in Ponyville. Before I leave I have to go apologize to Feather Hoof. Blaze thought to himself as he walked down the road, the gray sky above reflecting his current mood. On the way down the road Blaze began to think about Rainbow Dash and the fact that she had not only accepted who he was but wanted to get to know him better. Too bad I didn't get to know her better but this is for the best. He said to himself as he started to beat himself up for the choices he had made. He continued to walk down the road as he sulked about how badly he messed his life up in one day. As he walked into Ponyville proper, he started to think about what hes done. Before he could get too deep into his past however, he arrived at Feather Hoof's home. Sighing Blaze trotted up to the front door as the sky began to drizzle and knocked. After a few minutes of steady knocking the door slowly opened to reveal a baggy eyed, disheveled, brokenhearted Feather Hoof. Noting the pony now on his doorstep, Feather Hoof's eyes widened uncontrollably and he began to stammer as he spoke. “Wh-Why are you here?! I-I told you I would have your money by the end of the month!” He said as he backed away in fear leaving the door wide open which Blaze took prompt advantage of and stepped inside. Feather Hoof continued to stumble backwards down the hallway as the silver coated colt slowly walked towards him. “Don't worry Feather Hoof, I just want to talk to you.” Blaze said as he and his host entered the living room. Once inside the room Blaze gestured towards a chair with a hoof. “Please have a seat, I won't take too much of your time.” Blaze said. “O-okay, but I still don't see what you w-want from me.” Feather Hoff reluctantly agreed, knowing what this colt was capable of first hoof. Once they had both taken their respective seats Blaze decided to get right down to business. “I came here to apologize for what I did and to inform you that you have nothing more to fear from me for I am leaving as of today. Also I wanted to give you some money for the physical and monetary trouble I put you through. I know this doesn't make up for what I did and I honestly don't care if you forgive me, I needed to do this. So here, take it.” He said as he emptied half of his bag of bits on the table in the middle of the living room and got up to leave. Feather Hoof just sat there staring at the massive amount of money lying on his table as Blaze left without another word. Blaze trotted down the street. The rain was pouring, soaking right through his silver coat to his skin, drenching his red mane mane as the rough wind blew it backwards. As he walked from Feather Hoof's house towards the road that would lead him out of Ponyville he caught quite a few suspicious or downright nasty looks from ponies and he was more than happy to respond in kind with a death glare of his own, which if he wasn't frozen to his skin from the rain would have looked pretty intimidating but came across as nothing more than a weary, displeased stare. As the silver coated pegasus in question turned a corner heading for the road that leads out of Ponyville he stopped for a second to try to get warm, the chill of the rain making him feel as if his skin and coat were frozen. As he froze and shivered Blaze thought on what he had done. Why did I save that girl? Sure she was an innocent but I have let innocents die before, not happily but it happened. Why is this one different to me? Could I possibly have feelings for her? Realizing the direction his thoughts were taking him he started walking towards the road again, laughing and speaking aloud to himself. “Hahahaha, ME have feelings for HER?! Ridiculous! She's brash, she's arrogant, she's hot headed, she is obnoxious.....” His voice trailed off as he began to think deeper “She's beautiful, she's loyal, she's strong, she's independent, she's brave and she is the one of the few mares that has never been afraid of or made fun of me. He looked up to the sky, his blue eyes filled with confusion as the rain poured down on his face, the drops sliding off his eyelashes and rolling down his face, tears soon joining them. “Have I really fallen for her? Did I destroy my life for love?” The silver pegasus zoned out, staring up at the sky, heedless of the rain, heedless of everything but his thoughts which soon drifted back to his past, how he met Nocturne and most prevalently his parents as the rain softly pattered on his eyes and rolled down his face being joined by tears as he cried in the middle of the road, lost in memory. Years Ago....... It had been about 4 months since young Blaze was released from the hospital and his father was currently out of the house, leaving him and his mother to work inside. Blaze and his mother casually chatted, about Blaze's school, the young colt having come along nicely, developing semi broad shoulders, possessed of a decent intellect and a pure heart despite the things that happened to him earlier in the year. “And then Mommy, this one bully was trying to mess with one of my friends and I interfered. I beat him up and my friend was safe though I got in trouble for it.” Blaze said to his mother, a look of disappointment on his face and a slight worry there as well, fully expecting to be yelled at for getting in trouble. His mother Silver Spark looked upon the apple of her eye and smiled warmly, the warmth from Silver being a trademark of hers, it was a smile that seemed to follow her everywhere she went and made her a beloved member of their little community in the slums. :Blaze, you did the right thing standing up for your friend my young colt. I am very proud of you and I am sure your father feels the same, when he gets back from work he will most likely congratulate you as I have.” She said as she finished up washing the few dirty dishes there were. As soon as she was done saying this and had lain down on the couch, propping herself up, her bones weary from working the door flew open and Blaze's father Nova Blitz entered the house, panic on his face. Silver turned to her beloved husband, sensing and seeing his distress. “Honey? Whats wrong?” He turned around slowly, swiveling his head in panic before he saw her and Blaze. “Silver! Blaze! Hide! They're coming!” Both mother and son looked at the colt they both loved dearly. “Who's coming dear? Who's coming daddy?” They both asked at the same time, their question was short lived as the locked door was slammed open and 4 burly stallions walked in, a unicorn dressed in a white tux with his head held high to accentuate his blue mane trotted in after them and stood at the forefront. The white unicorn spoke first before they could react, his accent was very high class, his posture one of poise but his green eyes and speech pattern were like a snakes, giving him a very eerie presence. He took a deep breath. “Mr.Blitz, it is far past the time that you agreed on with the boss, now you pay up. Both Blaze and Silver were confused by this and spoke in unison again. “What does he mean?” Nova Blitz looked at his family and back to the unicorn addressing him by name. “I don't have the money Salazar, the boss will have to wait, its been a slow month.” Salazar tapped a white hoof under his chin and thought. “I am going to take something of equal value then and since your young colt here is the most likely candidate” The white unicorn surrounded Blaze with a green aura and carried him to him “I will be taking him until you can pay us back and if you don't then this” Nods at the stallions and points at Nova “Will be the fate that awaits your son, though probably far worse” The 4 burly stallions descended upon the weary Nova and began beating him senseless as Salazar carried Blaze out the door and towards the streets. Blaze reached a hoof out for his mother and father as his father was brutally beaten and his mother was held back as she tried to dash to save her son, tears streaming down her face as she watched her pride and joy being taken away. Blaze's last memory was of him watching a white hoof descend on his nose and then blackness enveloped him, the tears, the sorrow and the pain all washed away in a sea of nothingness.
Chapter 1: The PartyChapter 1. After Rainbow Dash was finished with her work, she decided to take a nap on one of her favorite clouds. As she slept, Rainbow started to fantasize about the Wonderbolts. She could see them, their blue jumpsuits reflecting the light of the sun as they soared through the sky performing feats that most of ponykind would assume were not even physically possible. She saw Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, with her wings tucked at her side, perform a barrel roll mid dive through clouds with her wings still not flapping while the other Wonderbolts flew circles around her creating a tornado. Spitfire then broke her roll right as the tornado reached maximum height and flew straight up, soon reaching her desired height and flew back towards the ground right towards the tornado spinning in a circle. As she flew through the tornado Rainbow Dash was on the edge of her seat. Right before Spitfire completed the stunt however, the dream ended. Rainbow was awakened by a sudden commotion coming from Sugarcube Corner where her friend Pinkie Pie lived. Half awake, Rainbow wondered why her friend was throwing a party this late in the day. Her curiosity soon got the better of her as Rainbow got out of her cloud bed and began to stretch. Fully awake now, and eager to see why Pinkie was throwing a party this time, Rainbow Dash decided to head to Sugarcube Corner as she lazily stretched her wings and took off, unaware of exactly how much this night would soon mean to her. ******** When Rainbow Dash arrived at Pinkie's party she was amazed at how many ponies were here. Inside Sugarcube Corner the party was in full swing, the music was deafeningly loud, and the usually peaceful bakery was filled to the brim with ponies that were either drunk, partying, or minding their own business. I wonder how many ponies are here? Rainbow commented in her head. I think it might be all of Ponyville. Completely wrapped up in her thoughts, the cyan pegasus didn't notice her mischievous friend until Pinkie Pie appeared behind her causing Rainbow Dash to jump in surprise. "Heya Dash, glad you could make it!" Pinkie exclaimed as she popped up behind the pegasus with a drink in hoof and traces of spilt drink and left over cake on her coat and face. Rainbow Dash nearly took off out of shock, completely not expecting the pink earth pony to just pop up right behind her. "Woah! Pinkie did you have to surprise me like that?" Asked Dash once she recovered from her initial shock. "Oh did I surprise you? I'm sorry, Dashie." Said the party obsessed pony, suddenly losing a little bit of her pizzazz and obvious mirth. "Its alright." Dash said quick to cheer her friend up, because few things in Equestria were scarier than an upset Pinkie Pie. "So whats this party for anyway?" Dash asked eager to turn the subject away from her surprise, the pegasus was nothing if not prideful and she disliked speaking about things that made her look weak. "You don't know? We have a new resident in town!" Pinkie said now back to her old self almost literally bouncing off the walls. "Really?" asked Dash, now very interested in what Pinkie had to say. Newcomers meant new experiences and Dash was almost constantly bored these days. "Yeah that's him in the corner with the drink." exclaimed Pinkie, pointing a hoof to an uncrowded corner where a lone pegasus colt sat drinking by himself. Interesting. Rainbow thought to herself, time to see if I cant get to know this newcomer. Rainbow Dash approached the colt, eager to meet a new face. "Hey how are you?" Rainbow asked once she was close enough to be heard over the music, trying to start a conversation. The colt stared at her for all of two seconds before returning to his drink. "Hey, I'm talking to you!" Rainbow said. "I know." Said the colt. "Not much of a talker are you?" She asked. "Nope." He said. "So, I'm Rainbow Dash Winner of the Best Young Fliers Competition and future Wonderbolt, and you are?" She asked with her usual flair and lack of grace, overflowing with confidence. Newcomers meant potential for a new fan. Rainbow thought to herself. "You can call me Blaze if you must call me something. I'd prefer to be left alone, but seeing as that's not gonna happen Blaze will suffice." he said. "Sooo Blaze, what brings you to Ponyville?" Rainbow asked looking him over taking note of his silver coat, blue eyes, silver wings, and his red mane with bolts of white and yellow running throughout his hair. "See anything you like?" He asked, obviously noticing her checking him out. "S-shut up, I like to get to know everypony by coat and mane color, so that I know who I'm looking for if I need to find them while flying by!" Rainbow hurriedly explained, obviously embarrassed. "Its okay, I'm just messing with you." He said with a chuckle. "Oh." Was all she had to say, surprised that she acted like such a filly in front of this stranger. "But to answer your question I'm here on business, and no I'm not going to talk about it so don't ask." He said a knowing smirk on his face. "I wasn't going to ask about that!" Rainbow huffed, who does this guy think he is? Acting like he knows what I was going to ask. She said in her head. "Uh huh sure, now just leave me alone." He said as he returned to his drink, paying the mare no more mind. "Whatever!" She said storming away embarrassed and in sudden need of a drink. Its better this way Blaze thought to himself, if I make friends here they'll only end up getting hurt. Better if nopony gets close to me. ******* After the party, Blaze was stumbling home having drunk way too much cider, when out of nowhere he found himself face to face with the pegasus mare from earlier. What was her name? Blaze wondered to himself as she stared him down. "So jerk, have fun?" She asked ire and sarcasm obvious in her tone. "Just leave me alone." He said too tired and drunk to argue with this thick headed mare at the moment, and continued moving towards his house on the outskirts of Ponyville. "Yeah, that's not gonna happen 'till I get an apology!" She said, flying above him. "What for?" He asked coming to a stop. "For being so rude for no reason." "Really? Well still I'm not apologizing, because I got nothing to apologize for. Now if you'll excuse me miss I need to get home, I had a little too much to drink and I'm feeling more than a little unbalanced." He said, having trouble staying mobile in his drunken state. "Oh no you aren't getting away that easily." She said, still following him. "Leave me alone!!!" He exploded partly because of anger, and partly because he was afraid that in his drunken state he would let her know too much and risk endangering an innocent mare with his personal problems. "This isn't over, but I'll let it be for today." She said preparing to fly away, while shooting him a look that could kill. After she left, it wasn't long before Blaze approached his house where only the bed was set up because he was here all of 30 minutes before that insane pink pony had dragged him around town to meet all the different residents and then forced him to join a party that she decided to throw for him and somehow made in an hour. What is with that mare? Blaze wondered thoughts once again on Rainbow Dash, as he approached his front door and unlocked it. Something tells me that's not the last I'll see of her. He said to himself as he entered the house. End Chapter 1.
Chapter 2: DreamsChapter 2 As Dash flew home with the wind whipping her spectrum-like mane all around her face, thoughts of Blaze and his unique mannerisms flew from the pegasus's mind as she fully embraced the euphoria of flying. After doing a few intricate spins and twirls with relative ease she found her rhythm, dispelling all of the days frustrations through flight but as her cloud home came closer into view Rainbow started to slow down. As she decelerated Dash began to think about Blaze again. Why was he such a jerk? Dash wondered as she entered her cloud home. The living room was a mess because Dash spent most of her time in the upstairs bedroom. Not to mention the fact that she couldn't be bothered to clean a room that was hardly ever used. When she proceeded upstairs to her room and opened the door she couldn't help but take a moment to admire her sweet pad, which had a LOT of posters of the Wonderbolts on the walls and quite a few rock and techno cds stacked here and there, with about 2 dozen or so trophies on bookshelves of differing size. Newspapers with articles about the Wonderbolts were scattered all over the floor but then she saw the coup De grace, Dash's bed was made of the softest clouds she could find and as such was extremely comfortable with a rainbow colored blanket and a white and red pillow. As she flew into her bed and settled in Rainbow found herself wishing for the briefest of moments that she had somepony to share it with, but soon sleep overtook her and she knew no more. ****** Blaze stumbled into his house barely conscious and shut the door behind him. “Why must she *hic* be so annoyingly persistent, I don't see why she *hic* cares so damn much.” Blaze said out loud with great difficulty as he stumbled into the bathroom, his body rejecting all the cider he drank and began emptying his guts into the toilet. As Blaze sat there retching, his mind wandered back to a past he would rather forget but knew he couldn't escape. ****** It was a cold day in the slums of Manehattan, and foal Blaze was wrapped up as best he could along with his mother Silver Spark and his father Nova Blitz. It was 20 below freezing in their simple brick apartment, and with no heater and nothing more than a few blankets to keep them warm, twas a sad sight indeed. Though none of them knew it, their lives were about to change forever. “I'm finally getting a good check this week!” Proclaimed Nova nearly ecstatic with joy. “Really?! Honey that's wonderful news!” Said Silver as a gleam of hope appeared in her eyes for the first time in a long while. “Yeah, my boss at the weather factory said that I did good this month, and that he would give me a bonus on top of my already extraordinary check if I worked the late shift for a little while on top of my usual work hours!” said Nova overjoyed that things were finally starting to work out for him and his loving family. “So does this mean that we'll finally be able to send Blaze back to school?” Asked Silver. “Eventually, but it will be a long while before we can.” Said Nova, deep in thought. “Mom? Dad? I don't understand whats happening, I feel weird.” Said Blaze, before he suddenly collapsed. “BLAZE!” Yelled Silver and Nova, noticing him faint. They checked his temperature and their hearts sank. Blaze was taken to the hospital where the doctor said he had hypothermia, and that it would cost them most of Nova's check to save his life. Nova agreed in a heartbeat completely forgetting that rent would be due soon, his only concern being his sons health. Blaze slowly awoke to a room he had never been in before, with white walls and strange ponies that he didn't know all gathered around him talking and writing on clipboards while going in and out of the room. As he became more and more aware of his surroundings, Blaze began to be overcome with fear and thoughts started to race in his mind, thoughts like Where am I? And How did I get here? But only one of these thoughts got voiced. “Wh-Where's my mom and dad?!” Blaze asked beginning to freak out surrounded by all these unfamiliar faces, and wanting more than ever to be with his mother and father. “Oh Blaze thank Celestia you're okay!” He heard as he saw Silver come up to him with tears in her eyes and Nova not too far behind with tears in his eyes as well, apparently speechless with a wide smile on his face at seeing his son okay. “Mom! Dad! What happened, where are we?” Blaze asked as his mother gave him a hug and dispelled his paranoia for the moment. “Blaze dear, you came down with hypothermia and we had to get you to the hospital immediately where we are currently”. Silver explained, a new bout of tears welling up at the memory. “Oh well I'm fine now right?” Blaze asked, fear creeping back into his mind once more. “You're okay now but-.” Nova said finally contributing to the conversation. He was about to continue when one of the strange ponies came up to Nova and they began to talk out of ear shot of Silver and Blaze. “Oh I'm so glad you're okay honey”. Said Silver, sitting there with Blaze. “Me too” Said Blaze, never taking his eyes off his father but slowly turning to look at his grief stricken mother, and what he saw would stay with him for years. His mother seemed like she had been to Hell and back, her hair was frazzled, she had bags under her eyes, her make-up was running from the constant crying, and her face was sullen. Young Blaze had never seen his mother like this and the sight scared him. “Mom? Are you okay?” He asked worry and fear evident in his voice. “Yes dear I am fine.” Silver said assuring her son, while inwardly cursing herself for letting her impressionable son see her in such a state. “Well.” Nova said back from his conversation with the doctor. “Blaze is going to have to stay here for a few more days while he recovers and as much as I want to stay, someones got to keep us alive and fed so I'm going back to work tomorrow.” “But for today I am here with the two people who mean the most to me, and that is all that matters.” Said Nova smiling once again as he prepared to have some fun with his family. As they all sat there talking and laughing, Blaze noticed his father seemed distant but dismissed it and enjoyed the time he was spending with his parents. After they all spent a little while enjoying the company of one another, Blaze drifted off to sleep and his mind wandered to what would happen to him and his parents in the future. ****** The feeling of the wind whipping through her hair as Dash flew with her friends and teammates in the Wonderbolts was unmatched and as she flew she remembered earlier in the day when Spitfire came up to her and asked if they could talk as friends later, Dash agreed and they had eventually decided to talk after practice. After practice the entire team took off their flightsuits and stepped in the showers. After everyone was done taking a shower, Spitfire approached Dash. “Hey yo, Dash!” The Wonderbolt captain said as she caught up to her cyan coated friend. “Sup Spits?” Dash asked turning around to face her friend. “Remember the conversation from earlier?” “Yeah I do, so where are we going anyway?” “Lets go to my place since its close to here. Not to mention we'll have privacy there. So anything said there remains between us, sound good? “Hay yeah lets do it!” “Good, then follow me.” Spitfire said as she took off into the afternoon sky. “Awesome!” Rainbow said, taking off after her captain. As they flew through the sky Rainbow noticed how cool Spitfire looked without her flightsuit on. Spitfire's yellow coat was accentuated perfectly with her orange flame like mane that was her namesake flowing in the wind looking as if it truly were on fire and her finely toned muscles showing no exertion as they flew at speeds that most ponies could only dream of reaching. The city bustled below them as the two Wonderbolts tore through the sky. Soon they approached their destination, and both of them decelerated approaching the home of one of Equestria's most important ponies. When she arrived at Spitfires house, Rainbow was amazed at what she saw. The house was painted yellow with jagged black spikes painted over the yellow and as she approached the door Rainbow was completely enamored with the house. Spitfire looked back, noticed Rainbow and chuckled. “You like it?” She asked, already knowing the answer. “Its awesome!” Rainbow said. “Well wait till you see the inside.” Spitfire said with another chuckle at how much like a kid Rainbow truly was. As soon as they entered the house Rainbow would have sworn that her jaw hit the floor because in the middle of the living room was a 50 inch plasma TV, a PonyStation 3, and a massive collection of games. The couch looked ridiculously comfortable and the coffee table in between the couch and the TV had about 20 cans of either energy drinks or soda on it. Spitfire closed the door and flew over to the kitchen while telling Rainbow she could hop on the couch if she wanted to, which she promptly did. “Can I get you anything to drink?” Spitfire asked while Dash settled in. “Got any Dr Pepper?” Asked Dash from the living room. “Hay yeah, DP is the bomb!” Said Spitfire enthusiastically from the kitchen. Spitfire came back with two liters of Dr Pepper and two cups with ice. “So Rainbow.” She said while pouring herself a drink. “'Sup?” Dash asked as she did the same. “Has something happened in your life recently?” The sun yellow pegasus asked, now letting her concern for her friend and teammate show. Its a good thing Dash hadn't started drinking yet or she would have been choking. “What the hay Spitfire? That's kinda random, what brought this on?” She asked completely caught off guard by the question. “Well Dash, the thing is me and some of the other Bolts have been noticing you acting pretty weird over the past few days, and I decided to see what was up in case you needed help.” Spitfire explained looking right at Dash as she did so. “So whats up with you?” She asked. “Nothing, I've just been preoccupied with practice recently.” Rainbow lied. “Really Dash? You think I cant see through that? I know you better than that so stop trying to BS me and tell me whats really going on.” Spitfire said still staring straight at her. "Come on Dash, I've heard that excuse from myself far too many times for it to fool me." “Ugh fine Spits you win. Its apparent I cant get anything past you, plus I'm a terrible liar.” Rainbow said in resignation. “So here goes, a few days ago while I was on my trip to Ponyville, you remember the one I make every 2-3 months?” She asked. “Yeah I remember.” “Well while I was there I met this new colt who moved into town Blaze and he got under my skin to a good degree.” “Go on.” So Rainbow Dash told her about what happened the night of the party and what happened after the party when he got mad at her and she flew away. “And ever since then I cant stop thinking about finding that jerk and making him apologize for being so rude when all I wanted to do was be his friend!” Rainbow said now huffing in anger as she recalled in vivid detail the events of that night. “Hmm, well why don't you go find him and do that?” “I don't know where he lives.” Dash said sheepishly, more than a little embarrassed. “Why not find out?” “Good idea, I'll find out tomorrow.” Dash said pouring herself another drink of Dr Pepper. “I'll hold you to that Dash.” Spitfire said, satisfied for the moment with Dash's answer. “Now enough with the mushy stuff lets kill some zombies, Left 4 Dead or Resident Evil? Its your call Dash.” She said booting up her PonyStation 3. “Resident Evil sounds like fun!” Rainbow Dash said as she was handed her controller. “Well alright then Resident Evil it is.” Spitfire said, glad to see her friend back to her old self. “Yo Spits?” Rainbow asked. “'Sup Dash?” “Thanks.” “No problem.” After about five and a half hours of gaming, Spitfire turned to Rainbow Dash. “I don't know about you but I'm tired, so I'm gonna go to bed.“ Said Spitfire as she got up and headed towards the stairs. “Yeah same here, good night Spits.” Dash said as she lay her head on the couch “Night Dash.” Spitfire said before disappearing from sight. Today was awesome Dash thought and tomorrow I'll get my apology from that bastard. End Chapter 2
Chapter 3: The Things We DoChapter 3 Blaze awoke on the floor of his bathroom with the sun shining in making the bathroom much brighter than he would have liked in his current state. Ugh what happened last night? Blaze wondered, feeling like his head had been ripped in half. Blaze stumbled out of his bathroom down the hallway towards the kitchen. He went into his kitchen looking for something to help him wake up, he walked to his refrigerator and noticed a box of Coca Cola. Perfect. Blaze thought as he grabbed a can and opened it. And as he knocked back the can of cola Blaze began to stretch, his entire body sore and stiff. He then exercised his wings making sure to loosen the muscles to lessen the chances of getting a wing-cramp. After he finished his morning exercises and his can of Coke, Blaze went back to the bathroom having an urgent need for it after the build up while he was asleep and the newly added Coca Cola. As he relieved himself Blaze remembered what happened last night and was instantly overcome with guilt. Oh Celestia I was such an ass, granted I had good reason but did I have to be such a jerk about it? He asked himself. He was then hit with a realization. Guilt?! What the hay? I haven't felt guilt in years. Blaze wondered, unsure of what this meant. Finishing up his business he washed his hooves and dried them off. As he thought of exactly why he felt this way he heard a knock at the door and walked to the front door to answer it. When Blaze opened the door he came face to face with someone with whom he shared a complicated past. The new unicorn colt had a coat of the darkest shade of violet which was a borderline black, his mane was a stark contrast to his coat as it was a vibrant white almost looking as if it were glowing, his horn and his eyes were a blazing red. “'Sup Blaze?” The colt asked, looking him over. “*Sigh* Hi Nocturne.” Blaze exclaimed,obviously not enthusiastic about meeting Nocturne. Nocturne let out a laugh. “Aw Blaze if I didn't know better I'd say you weren't happy to see me!” He said, while his crimson eyes which were still locked on Blaze showed that the mirth was only coat deep. “Lets just get this over with shall we?” Blaze said, not in the mood for Nocturne's usual teasing. “Yeah yeah, you're no fun anymore Blaze.” Nocturne said, looking at him with an expression of mock disappointment and began to walk out of the front door. “Whatever.” Blaze said, as they both left his house and started to walk down the dirt road toward the town which felt hot under their hooves as a result of it being a particularly hot day in Ponyville. As they walked the world came to life all around them. Birds were chirping, woodland creatures were scurrying about looking for food and shade from the heat, to anypony else but these two it would have been an amazing sight but Blaze and Nocturne were focused only on the task at hand. “So who's the unfortunate sucker who angered the boss?” Blaze asked, eager to get this over with. “Well I'm glad you asked, the mark is an earth pony named Feather Hoof, he ran a furniture store back in Manehattan and he thought he could cheat the boss out of what was owed and fled here to Ponyville so the boss sent us to “convince” him to pay.” Nocturne said, smirking when he said convince. “Of course because Celestia forbid we get anything exciting or out of the ordinary.” Blaze said, sighing in resignation. “You can take it up with the boss when we get back but for now we have a job to do. So stop complaining and start asking ponies if they know where we can find this guy.” Nocturne said, obviously no happier than Blaze was at doing this but for very different reasons. “On it.” Blaze said, as he flew off towards the town square deeply regretting what he would soon have to do. “Good.” Nocturne said with a wide smile on his face as he watched him fly away, he knew Blaze hated these jobs and he enjoyed seeing his associate suffer. ***** When Rainbow awoke from her dream she was sad to see that she was back in her own cloud home having remembered her dream in vivid detail wishing she was with Spitfire and the rest of her idols in the Wonderbolts right now, but something else entered her mind and squeezed past her sorrow refusing to be left unattended to. Why was I dreaming about Blaze and talking about him with Spitfire of all ponies? Rainbow wondered, suddenly very unsure of her feelings toward the rude colt. These thoughts stayed with her as she flew into her kitchen which had a sink that was full of dirty dishes. The counters at least were clean but the table was covered in all manner of stains that would probably never come out. Dash ignored all of this as she flew to her refrigerator and took out a jug of milk and drank right from the jug feeling too lazy too find a clean glass. It was just as she was headed back to her room to take a shower that she remembered her pet Tank and went to go feed him. When she arrived in Tank's room he sat there looking at her slowly his expression unreadable but Rainbow was sure he was not pleased with her for being late with his food. How could I ever join the Wonderbolts if I can't even properly care for a pet? Rainbow wondered as she grabbed Tanks food bag and began to pour some of the pellets that she received from her friend Fluttershy into his food bowl. After she was done feeding Tank she proceeded upstairs to her room feeling even more like taking a shower, needing to clear her mind just as much as she needed to get clean. After she turned on the water set it to maximum heat and stepped into the shower, Dash began to assess all the different thoughts and emotions running through her mind like the water running through her coat. I've had to deal with ponies who were less than receptive before, so why do I care so much about this one? Rainbow wondered, thoughts now back on Blaze. This one question hounded her the entire time she took a shower. I'll find out today why he has had such an effect on me. Rainbow decided, grabbing her bottle of shampoo by the handle and beginning to rub it through her mane and coat feeling the strange liquid combined with the hot water soaking past her coat and down to her well toned muscles. She let out a moan letting herself relax for the first time in a while, as she felt herself get lost in the sensation of the shower massaging her muscles. She let herself soak for about ten minutes before she realized that she had been in the shower for too long. Breaking her reverie, she rinsed herself one last time and turned the shower off. When she finished Rainbow found her favorite towel which was yellow, dark blue and red with a light blue lightning bolt in the middle, smiling a bittersweet smile because this towel was a gift from her parents who passed away a year ago next Monday. After she was done drying herself off Rainbow thought of her parents. I wonder if they are proud of me? She thought as she set her towel down and began to pray for her parents and hoped that they approved of her and her choices. “I love you mom and dad, I promise I'll live my life to the fullest for me and for you!” She said aloud as she proceeded to leave the bathroom. Well no sense moping forever, time to go see what the day has to offer. She thought before she flew downstairs and out the door. ***** Rainbow was flying through the air over Ponyville trying to figure out what she was going to do today until she decided to confront Blaze when suddenly she saw him leaving her good friend Twilight Sparkle's library. What could he want with Twi'? She wondered, then decided to go check it out flying towards the library leaving her signature prismatic trail in the air behind her. When she arrived at Twilight's front door her curiosity was almost overpowering her and seeing as Dash was not known for her patience this would not be a surprise to anyone. And after she knocked on her friends door she began to pace back and forth. As the door opened Dash could barely contain her excitement. “Oh! Hey Rainbow Dash, whats up?” Asked Twilight Sparkle her violet mane in a mess and slightly singed at the tips. Probably another one of her crazy experiments. Rainbow Dash thought recalling in wry amusement all the times her violet coated unicorn friend had messed stuff up experimenting with magic. “Yo Twilight. I just wanted to ask if you know what that colt with the silver coat and red mane who was just here wanted.” Rainbow stated like it was no big deal. “He wanted to know about that one pony, Feather Hoof and asked if I knew where he lived. He said it was urgent. Why? Do you know him?” Twilight asked, noticing Rainbows apparent interest in this colt almost staring Rainbow down trying to figure her cyan coated friend out. “Thanks for the info Twi', and to answer your question I met him yesterday and I just have this really uneasy feeling about that guy so I'm gonna follow him and make sure he doesn't hurt anypony.” Rainbow stated to her close friend and prepared to take off. As Rainbow Dash lifted off the ground she heard her friend call out. “Be careful Rainbow!” Twilight Sparkle exclaimed from the ground. “Will do Twilight, I'll catch you later!” Rainbow Dash said as she flew off. I really hope she doesn't do something stupid again. Twilight mused before going back into her library. ***** Blaze left Twilight's library knowing exactly where to go and soon he found Nocturne in the Ponyville market at a fruit vendors stall trying to get some information out of a pony with a light yellow body, orange mane and green eyes and as he approached closer he heard Nocturne speaking with the new mare. “Listen Ms. Golden Harvest, just tell me what you know and I'll leave you in peace.” Nocturne said with a voice devoid of warmth and a smile that made Blaze's skin crawl even though he had seen it quite a few times before. “Look I-I already told you, I don't know anything so please just leave me alone.” The mare identified as Golden Harvest said, looking as if she was ready to bolt and probably would have if she wasn't frozen in fear. “Ahem.” Blaze said clearing his throat once he was close enough to be heard. “Nocturne I found what we're looking for, so you can stop terrorizing this poor mare now.” Blaze said looking at his dark accomplice with an icy glare showing his disapproval as clear as day. Then turning to Golden Harvest he said “I'm sorry for the trouble my associate has caused you miss. I hope this makes up for the inconvenience.” he said with a bow as he produced a bag of bits and set it down on the stall counter. “Well we shall be on our way now, have a wonderful day Miss Golden Harvest.” After this he and Nocturne trotted out of the market heading towards the town proper were Blaze had learned Feather Hoof lived. ***** Rainbow Dash was soaring through the air over Ponyville looking for Blaze, the sinking feeling that now resided in her stomach growing larger and larger. It didn't take her long before Rainbow found Blaze, he was talking to a pony she had never seen before and she instantly felt her blood chill when her eyes fell on his dark violet coat feeling an aura of malice and hatred from this pony that she hadn't felt since Nightmare Moon. Whoa creepy! Now I know I need to keep an eye on him. She said inwardly now following the duo at a steady pace, from the sky. ***** As they approached Feather Hoof's home Blaze and Nocturne discussed how they were going to handle him. “So Blaze do we go old school here and find ways to “convince” him without hurting him, or just beat him till he gets the message and we get our money? 'Cause personally I prefer option two.” Nocturne asked with his emotionless smile back again. “I know you do Nocturne and that's one of the reasons I hate you, lets try to do this peacefully first but if he doesn't cooperate then we do things your way got it?” “Bah fine we'll try it peacefully.” “Good.” As they knocked on the front door of Feather Hoof's house Blaze couldn't shake the feeling something was going to go wrong. The door opened to reveal a colt with a teal coat, green eyes and a white mane. “Hello Feather Hoof may we come in? We have something we would like to discuss with you.” “Uh yeah I guess so. I'll go fix us some tea.” Feather Hoof said with more than a hint of trepidation. “No need we wont be here long.” Nocturne said flashing his trademark cruel smile. “Oh! All right then.” Said Feather Hoof now very concerned about what these strange ponies could want. Blaze, Nocturne and Feather Hoof then proceeded inside the house. ***** After all three of them disappeared into the house Rainbow Dash dropped out of the clouds and snuck over to a window and peered inside the living room. Nothing at the moment. Guess I wait. She said to herself. But what Rainbow didn't know is that she was about to see something that she never would have even dreamed of seeing. ***** “So what did you gentlecolts need? I get the feeling you're not here to talk about buying any furniture.” Feather Hoof said as he guided them through the hallway of his house towards the living room. “Oh, I think you know why we're here Mr. Hoof.” Blaze said as he followed him. “I'm certain I don't know what you mean.” Feather hoof said as he led them to his living room and told them to take a seat. “Thank you.” Blaze said courteously as he sat down on the chair which was made of phenomenally strong bamboo with some very soft fabric on it. “No problem but it just struck me that I don't know your names.” Feather Hoof said as he sat down on his own chair. “You don't need to know my name.” Nocturne said as he too took a seat although he looked severely out of place in the comfortable chair with his blood red eyes and his obvious displeasure. “My names Blaze my good man and my grumpy friend here? He's Nocturne.” Blaze said, trying to be civil. “Ah, a fine set of names, now what is it you needed of me?” “Well you see, we're from Manehattan and I think you know what that means.” “Oh no! Buck me I thought I'd be safe here in Ponyville.” Feather Hoof said realization now dawning on his face being replaced quickly with fear. “Now look Mr. Hoof our boss wants us to make an example of you, but I don't. So just pay us what is owed and I will personally tell the boss that we brutalized you and you can go on with your life. Deal?” Blaze said while staring Feather Hoof straight in his eyes, blue and green meeting. “But I can't pay you what I don't have.” Feather Hoof said while his eyes darted all around the room trying to find a way to escape. “Please Mr. Hoof just pay us and we'll go.” Blaze said with a sigh already knowing where this would go. “I don't have it.” Feather Hoof said looking on the verge of crying. “Arghh! Buck this I let you try it your way Blaze, now we do it my way!” Said Nocturne as he rose from his chair and began to levitate Feather Hoof with magic. “Now where the buck is the bosses money?! If you don't tell me then Blaze here will break each of your hooves one by one.” Nocturne said smiling his cruel smile once more and nodding towards Blaze who reluctantly nodded back. “I-I really don't have it.” Feather Hoof said, now allowing his fear to show. “Oh well. Blaze, do it.” Nocturne said as he dropped the earth pony to the floor. “I warned you.” Blaze said with a sigh as he approached Feather Hoof. When he was close enough Blaze grabbed one of Feather Hoof's front hooves and began to twist until bones started to break. “AGHH!!!” Feather Hoof screamed now openly crying. “So do you have our money now?” Nocturne asked obviously satisfied with the way things were going. “No! I told you I don't have it!” Feather Hoof said emphatically. “What a shame. Blaze? Once more.” Nocturne commanded with malice obvious in his voice. “Yeah yeah.” Blaze said as he grabbed another hoof in his own and began twisting once more. "Owww! Please stop!" Feather Hoof said with tears in his eyes. “We will cripple you if you make us.” Nocturne stated calmly. “Look I don't have the money right now but I can have it for you by next month deal?” Feather said begging them for mercy. “All right you have one month but before we leave, Blaze finish up on that hoof so he has a taste of what will happen if he betrays our generosity.” Nocturne said coldly. “Fine.” Blaze said as he finished snapping Feather Hoof's other front hoof. As they walked out of Feather Hoof's house Blaze came face to face with Rainbow Dash. “What the buck was that for you jerk? He didn't do anything to you. I mean sure I thought you were rude but I didn't think you were a criminal Blaze.” Rainbow Dash said looking at him with a burning intensity. “Hahahahaha. Oh look Blaze you have an admirer. Ha, have fun I'll meet you back at your place tomorrow." Nocturne said, his amusement apparent as he walked away. “Yeah Nocturne, later.” Blaze called out to his associate and then turned back to the cyan colored mare now staring him down. “Look girl I told you to stay out of my way and leave me alone and now you know why. So go away unless you wanna end up like him as seems to be the fate of all who get to know me.” Blaze said his eyes misting over momentarily. “Oh hay no! Now you have to answer to me and you will apologize to me and to Feather Hoof.” Rainbow said as she kept boring a hole through him with her eyes. “Not gonna happen.” Blaze said nonchalantly. “What?! Why the buck not?!” Rainbow asked in total surprise. “As far as you go I have nothing to apologize for, and as for Feather Hoof he put himself in that position and got what he deserved.” Blaze explained as if this happened everyday. “Now I'm going home. Follow if you want, I don't care.” Blaze said as he walked away. Shaking herself out of her stunned state Rainbow took off after him. ***** As they approached Blaze's house, Blaze turned towards the cyan mare still following him. “Are you gonna continue following me?” Blaze asked approaching his house. “Yep.” Dash said as she continued following him. “Well unless you're coming in my house this is as far as you go.” Blaze said with a smile as he approached his front door thinking that fact would stop her. “Ha I'll just sleep in a cloud outside your house and I will follow you for the next month and make sure that you don' hurt anypony again and that's a promise.” Rainbow Dash said and she meant it too. “Eh, do what you want.” Blaze said as he entered his house and shut the door leaving Rainbow outside. True to her word Dash fpund a cloud in the sky above Blaze's home and fell asleep. Insane mare. Blaze said inwardly as he looked out his window and saw Rainbow Dash in the clouds. Whatever. He said inwardly again before he slid into his bed and fell asleep as well. Thus began the month that would change both of their lives forever. End chapter 3.
Chapter 4: The Turning PointChapter 4 The next day Blaze woke to the dreariest day in recent memory. The sun was obscured by the clouds, there were no birds chirping, and it smelled as if it would rain soon. Groaning as he got out of bed slowly, Blaze felt the day sapping his very energy to partake in it. Lazily he made his way to the bathroom to begin his daily ritual. Once he finished in the bathroom, he was on the way to the kitchen to get a drink when suddenly there was a knock at the door. Wondering who could possibly have need of him so early in the morning on a day such as this one, he trotted over to the door and opened it immediately regretting answering the door. He was once again face to face with his dark coated and dark souled “companion” on this trip to Ponyville. “What in Celestia's name could you possibly need at this hour Nocturne?” Blaze asked with an audible sigh. “I just wanted to talk with you about a few things Blaze, but not here. Lets go for a walk.” Nocturne stated with his trademark emotionless smile. “Go away Nocturne, unless its about business we have nothing to discuss.” Blaze said as he turned around to head back inside his house. “Come with me Blaze, or I'll tell the boss you second guessed his orders.” Nocturne said with his smile now growing wider as Blaze turned around with fire in his blue eyes. “You wouldn't dare!” “Remember who you're talking to Blaze, I'd sell my own mother if it profited me.” Blaze thought on this for a minute. Then with a sigh he said. “Fine, lets go.” The two proceeded to leave Blaze's front porch and head in the direction of the Everfree Forest. ***** Rainbow Dash woke from her dreamless sleep felling refreshed and ready for what the day had in store. Looking around her though, she noticed as Blaze had moments before, that today was soul crushingly dreary. Noting the gray sky and lack of life around her with a sigh, Rainbow decided it was time to get ready for whatever happened today and began her morning exercises. “Today is going to be totally uncool, I know it.” She said aloud. As she began to stretch Rainbow peeked over her cloud at the ground and saw Blaze speaking with Nocturne for a bit before they both walked away from the house. “I got a bad feeling about this.” She said as she continued to stretch preparing to follow the two from the air. Now done with stretching, she took off into the sky leaving her prismatic trail behind her. ***** After they had left Blaze's home it began to rain hard. All the woodland creatures that were not already inside took cover in their homes to get out of the rain. The two colts from Manehattan however, didn't care about the rain as they continued towards their destination. After walking for a good 25 minutes Blaze turned to Nocturne, curious as to what he could possibly want. Looking Nocturne in the eye, he asked. “What do you need from me?” Blaze asked. “The boss knows you better than you think Blaze and he wanted me to remind you of what will happen if you disobey his orders.” Nocturne stated with a sadistic smirk. “Don't remind me, cause I haven't forgotten.” Blaze stated through gritted teeth. “Really? That's good to hear.” "Anything else you need or can I go home?" "Yes actually, we need to deal with some other business." “What other business?” “Haven't you noticed our “friend” in the clouds Blaze?” “Yeah I have. What about her?” “We're going to deal with her, we're approaching a clearing. It'll happen there.” “What?! Why?” “I remember her from yesterday. I left her for you to deal with but you didn't. She's a witness Blaze, we can't have those.” “But she hasn't done anything wrong!” “Look Blaze its either do as I say or I make up a story for the boss and you suffer greatly.” With a look of pure hatred Blaze agreed, spitting on the ground at Nocturne's hooves. Noting Blaze's discomfort with a smile, Nocturne headed towards the clearing which would soon be covered in blood. As Nocturne walked away Blaze muttered to himself, “I will kill that bastard one of these days.” And proceeded to follow Nocturne towards the clearing. ***** As she flew through the rain, Rainbow Dash put on her goggles that she kept with her at all times. As Rainbow Dash followed these two strange colts around she noticed that they were steadily approaching the Everfree forest. What could they possibly need from there? She wondered as she continued to follow them, the wind whipping her spectrum like mane back and the rain drenching her coat. As the two approached a clearing in the distance, she noticed Blaze and the other colt have an exchange that looked a lot less than friendly. Huh, I wonder what was that about? She asked herself as she flew until they arrived at the clearing. She watched as they had another short conversation before she felt herself being pulled towards the ground. “Hey, what is this?!” Rainbow Dash screamed struggling futilely against the magic force now pulling her towards the ground. Once she was on the ground the dark coated colt approached her, laughing maniacally. Rainbow gulped, beginning to realize that she may have gotten herself into a situation she couldn't handle this time. ***** While Nocturne sat there playing with the defenseless mare as he held her down with his magic, Blaze fought an internal battle. If I don't help her I will have doomed an innocent mare who didn't deserve it. Blaze said to himself. But if I help her Nocturne will tell the boss and that bastard will hurt my family. Blaze argued with himself as he began to grit his teeth to the point that he was sure they could hear it. It was at this point in his internal battle that the mare decided to call out to him. “You! Your names Blaze right?!” She screamed. Looking at her, his face expresionless he responded. “Yeah it is, so what?” “Please, help me!” Blaze just stared at her as she struggled against the magical force keeping her from fighting back. Back once again to his internal struggle, Blaze only just barely managed to hear Nocturne say that he was going to end this. As she looked at him pleadingly and Nocturne set up his horn for the killing blow at her neck, Blaze made his decision, years of resentment and powerlessness boiling over as he stared at the colt laughing cruelly at the thought of killing an innocent mare. Right before Nocturne's horn made contact with Rainbow Dash's neck, he was barreled over by Blaze who rammed him flying at full speed. After Blaze disengaged from Nocturne he turned to Rainbow Dash and screamed at her to run. “Hay no! This bastard is mine!” She screamed as she copied Blaze and barreled right into Nocturne at full speed as he shakily recovered from the first attack. The two rolled a good twenty feet before they came to a stop, both of them disoriented and struggling to stand on the muddy ground. “Celestia damn it, this girl is going to be the death of me.” Blaze said now flying over to the two prone ponies knowing that if Nocturne got up first they were in deep trouble. Nocturne had a great deal of trouble regaining his senses after he just got plowed by two pegasi. He managed to wobble to his hooves only to find Blaze's hooves pushing him back down. Blaze snapped Nocturne's back hooves much the same as he had done to Feather Hoof the day before, so he couldn't fight back. After he snapped his front hooves as well, Blaze forced Nocturne over on his back. Nocturne managed to keep his senses about him though the pain he felt was indescribable. Laying on his back he then spoke to the colt now holding him down by his throat on the ground. “What the hay Blaze?! I knew you didn't like me, but I never thought you would betray us like this!” “Oh believe me Nocturne, I have always despised working for the boss and with you. It always went against my morals, and this attempted murder of an innocent mare was the final straw. I refuse to do it anymore!” Blaze said as he began to beat Nocturne senseless, blood flying everywhere. After a few minutes of this he decided to end Nocturnes life, pressing his hoof down on Nocturne's throat to prevent him from breathing. "Stop! Don't kill him!” Blaze heard Rainbow Dash say. “What?! Why not?! Do you have any idea what this bastard has done to me and will do if I let him go?!” “No I don't, but please don't kill him.” “Sorry, no can do.” Blaze said as he began to press down on Nocturnes throat with all his strength. Despite Rainbow Dash's attempts to pull him off of Nocturne, Blaze's superior strength amplified with his rage made it impossible for her to do anything but watch as he continued to choke out Nocturne. Nocturne's horn began to glow a few times but he couldn't concentrate on a spell with his breath rapidly fleeing his body. As Nocturne struggled with the hoof on his throat, he heard Blaze say something very faintly, as if from a great distance away. “This is goodbye old friend.” Blaze said as he heard Nocturne's neck snap under his hoof. As Blaze stood up from Nocturne's dead body and looked right at Rainbow Dash who stood there motionless, thunder echoed in the background. As the Element of Loyalty stared Blaze down for killing his friend, he looked at his friends corpse one last time. As he said his farewells, Rainbow Dash recovered from her shock enough to speak. “I-I don't know what to say. You-You killed him. YOU BUCKING KILLED HIM!!” Rainbow said still in shock. “He deserved to die.” Blaze said as he bowed to his oldest friends body and proceeded to walk away. “What the hay do you mean, he deserved to die?! I mean, he was your friend wasn't he?!” Rainbow asked once she recovered from her shock and caught up with him, the thought of someone killing their friend causing her loyalty and temper to flare up. “I meant exactly what I said, he deserved to die. It was either I kill him, or let him kill you. And I could not let him kill somepony who did nothing wrong, not again.” “What do you mean?” “I'm not answering that question. Besides its better for you if you don't try to get to know me. You'll only end up getting hurt again.” Blaze said with sorrow in his voice, showing that he was speaking from experience. With this Blaze took off into the air. ***** I can't let her get close to me. Not now, not with Nocturne dead. Blaze said to himself as he flew home. He was caught completely by surprise when he heard a voice a few feet away from him. “Did you really think you could get away from me?!” He heard Rainbow Dash ask. “Go home.” “Like hay I will, you murdered somepony and I'm not leaving until you tell me why!” "So you would rather I let him kill you?” “NO! That's not what I meant, I just-.” “Look, I know why you're confused, but trust me, you should just go home and forget you ever met me.” “I can't, not after you just saved my life!” “GO HOME!!” Rainbow was surprised by this outburst just long enough for him to get a good distance ahead of her. Blaze sped as fast he could towards his home, but it wasn't enough and she caught up to him. “Where are you going in such a hurry?” She asked now right next to him. “Home, it's been a tiring day and I need to go rest.” “Why are you trying so hard to get away from me?” “Because if you continue following me, you're life is in danger especially now that Nocturne is dead.” Deciding to let her think on that Blaze descended to the ground feeling like walking the rest of the way to his house. Blaze looked over his shoulder, and noticed that the energetic mare was gone. After about a half hour of walking, he thought again about Rainbow Dash as he followed the dirt road that he knew lead to his house. Its better this way. He said to himself as his house came into view. Trotting up to the front door, he looked at the cloud that Rainbow Dash was in just that morning. He noticed the cloud was empty, after sighing he opened the door and proceeded inside. Blaze then walked down the hallway towards his bedroom. Once inside the bedroom he plopped down on his mattress, thinking about the events of today and the ramifications of them. Great, I just bucked myself and hard. What was I thinking? Nocturne's dead, and the boss will find out that I did it and then he will probably send the Crimson ShadowStriders after me. Blaze berated himself as he slowly fell into a fitful sleep. ***** As Rainbow Dash flew home she considered Blaze's words carefully. Maybe I really should leave him alone? But then again he saved my life and now his life is in danger, what kind of pony would I be if I left him alone to face that? She continued to argue with herself as she approached her front door and entered her cloud home. She walked up to her room, feeling suddenly drained as the adrenaline of her near death experience had now worn off. “ARGH! I am so confused!” Rainbow Dash screamed when she was in her room. After she flew over to her bed and lay down, Rainbow looked at the ceiling of her cloud home. “Mom, Dad I wish you were here to help me because I have no clue what to do.” She said aloud as she settled in her bed preparing to go to sleep. As she drifted off to sleep, she thought about Blaze again and wondered what she could do to help him. But soon she thought of nothing as sleep overtook her and she let herself go. End Chapter 4
Chapter 5: RaindropsChapter 5 After a long night of rather vivid nightmares, Blaze woke up in a cold sweat and got out of bed. It was another depressing day, he noticed immediately. The sky was darkened again by the black clouds that had taken up residence above Ponyville. As he trotted down the hallway reflecting on the events of yesterday Blaze came to a decision. “Its best if I leave Ponyville.” He said voicing his thoughts aloud. He came to this conclusion as he reached the kitchen. He rifled through the refrigerator, grabbed himself a drink and went back towards his room. Once inside his room he began to pack up his things into his worn out duffel bag that he had used for years, deciding to take only what was necessary. He packed up his hoodie that he wore on occasion if he needed to disappear. On top of the hoodie and a few other select pieces of clothing, he placed a bottle of Buck Daniels, his bit bag, his toothbrush,toothpaste and prepared to put in his most prized possession. Blaze stared at the silver coin that his father had given him on the day of his graduation from middle school and felt his eyes water. He quickly placed the coin in the bag knowing that he couldn't let himself take a trip down memory lane right now. He finished up preparations for his departure, making sure he didn't forget anything and walked out of his bedroom, down the worn old hallway towards the kitchen. He stopped in the kitchen to grab a can of Coke before he trotted to the front door, took one last look around and bid farewell to his house in Ponyville. Before I leave I have to go apologize to Feather Hoof. Blaze thought to himself as he walked down the road, the gray sky above reflecting his current mood. On the way down the road Blaze began to think about Rainbow Dash and the fact that she had not only accepted who he was but wanted to get to know him better. Too bad I didn't get to know her better but this is for the best. He said to himself as he started to beat himself up for the choices he had made. He continued to walk down the road as he sulked about how badly he messed his life up in one day. As he walked into Ponyville proper, he started to think about what hes done. Before he could get too deep into his past however, he arrived at Feather Hoof's home. Sighing Blaze trotted up to the front door as the sky began to drizzle and knocked. After a few minutes of steady knocking the door slowly opened to reveal a baggy eyed, disheveled, brokenhearted Feather Hoof. Noting the pony now on his doorstep, Feather Hoof's eyes widened uncontrollably and he began to stammer as he spoke. “Wh-Why are you here?! I-I told you I would have your money by the end of the month!” He said as he backed away in fear leaving the door wide open which Blaze took prompt advantage of and stepped inside. Feather Hoof continued to stumble backwards down the hallway as the silver coated colt slowly walked towards him. “Don't worry Feather Hoof, I just want to talk to you.” Blaze said as he and his host entered the living room. Once inside the room Blaze gestured towards a chair with a hoof. “Please have a seat, I won't take too much of your time.” Blaze said. “O-okay, but I still don't see what you w-want from me.” Feather Hoff reluctantly agreed, knowing what this colt was capable of first hoof. Once they had both taken their respective seats Blaze decided to get right down to business. “I came here to apologize for what I did and to inform you that you have nothing more to fear from me for I am leaving as of today. Also I wanted to give you some money for the physical and monetary trouble I put you through. I know this doesn't make up for what I did and I honestly don't care if you forgive me, I needed to do this. So here, take it.” He said as he emptied half of his bag of bits on the table in the middle of the living room and got up to leave. Feather Hoof just sat there staring at the massive amount of money lying on his table as Blaze left without another word. Blaze trotted down the street. The rain was pouring, soaking right through his silver coat to his skin, drenching his red mane mane as the rough wind blew it backwards. As he walked from Feather Hoof's house towards the road that would lead him out of Ponyville he caught quite a few suspicious or downright nasty looks from ponies and he was more than happy to respond in kind with a death glare of his own, which if he wasn't frozen to his skin from the rain would have looked pretty intimidating but came across as nothing more than a weary, displeased stare. As the silver coated pegasus in question turned a corner heading for the road that leads out of Ponyville he stopped for a second to try to get warm, the chill of the rain making him feel as if his skin and coat were frozen. As he froze and shivered Blaze thought on what he had done. Why did I save that girl? Sure she was an innocent but I have let innocents die before, not happily but it happened. Why is this one different to me? Could I possibly have feelings for her? Realizing the direction his thoughts were taking him he started walking towards the road again, laughing and speaking aloud to himself. “Hahahaha, ME have feelings for HER?! Ridiculous! She's brash, she's arrogant, she's hot headed, she is obnoxious.....” His voice trailed off as he began to think deeper “She's beautiful, she's loyal, she's strong, she's independent, she's brave and she is the one of the few mares that has never been afraid of or made fun of me. He looked up to the sky, his blue eyes filled with confusion as the rain poured down on his face, the drops sliding off his eyelashes and rolling down his face, tears soon joining them. “Have I really fallen for her? Did I destroy my life for love?” The silver pegasus zoned out, staring up at the sky, heedless of the rain, heedless of everything but his thoughts which soon drifted back to his past, how he met Nocturne and most prevalently his parents as the rain softly pattered on his eyes and rolled down his face being joined by tears as he cried in the middle of the road, lost in memory. Years Ago....... It had been about 4 months since young Blaze was released from the hospital and his father was currently out of the house, leaving him and his mother to work inside. Blaze and his mother casually chatted, about Blaze's school, the young colt having come along nicely, developing semi broad shoulders, possessed of a decent intellect and a pure heart despite the things that happened to him earlier in the year. “And then Mommy, this one bully was trying to mess with one of my friends and I interfered. I beat him up and my friend was safe though I got in trouble for it.” Blaze said to his mother, a look of disappointment on his face and a slight worry there as well, fully expecting to be yelled at for getting in trouble. His mother Silver Spark looked upon the apple of her eye and smiled warmly, the warmth from Silver being a trademark of hers, it was a smile that seemed to follow her everywhere she went and made her a beloved member of their little community in the slums. :Blaze, you did the right thing standing up for your friend my young colt. I am very proud of you and I am sure your father feels the same, when he gets back from work he will most likely congratulate you as I have.” She said as she finished up washing the few dirty dishes there were. As soon as she was done saying this and had lain down on the couch, propping herself up, her bones weary from working the door flew open and Blaze's father Nova Blitz entered the house, panic on his face. Silver turned to her beloved husband, sensing and seeing his distress. “Honey? Whats wrong?” He turned around slowly, swiveling his head in panic before he saw her and Blaze. “Silver! Blaze! Hide! They're coming!” Both mother and son looked at the colt they both loved dearly. “Who's coming dear? Who's coming daddy?” They both asked at the same time, their question was short lived as the locked door was slammed open and 4 burly stallions walked in, a unicorn dressed in a white tux with his head held high to accentuate his blue mane trotted in after them and stood at the forefront. The white unicorn spoke first before they could react, his accent was very high class, his posture one of poise but his green eyes and speech pattern were like a snakes, giving him a very eerie presence. He took a deep breath. “Mr.Blitz, it is far past the time that you agreed on with the boss, now you pay up. Both Blaze and Silver were confused by this and spoke in unison again. “What does he mean?” Nova Blitz looked at his family and back to the unicorn addressing him by name. “I don't have the money Salazar, the boss will have to wait, its been a slow month.” Salazar tapped a white hoof under his chin and thought. “I am going to take something of equal value then and since your young colt here is the most likely candidate” The white unicorn surrounded Blaze with a green aura and carried him to him “I will be taking him until you can pay us back and if you don't then this” Nods at the stallions and points at Nova “Will be the fate that awaits your son, though probably far worse” The 4 burly stallions descended upon the weary Nova and began beating him senseless as Salazar carried Blaze out the door and towards the streets. Blaze reached a hoof out for his mother and father as his father was brutally beaten and his mother was held back as she tried to dash to save her son, tears streaming down her face as she watched her pride and joy being taken away. Blaze's last memory was of him watching a white hoof descend on his nose and then blackness enveloped him, the tears, the sorrow and the pain all washed away in a sea of nothingness.
