Blue Star's Origin Story

Chapter 2: Home Truths

After leaving first month Flight Class Blue Star developed his wings and earned his first flight feathers under his study and tutoring with Zen at the library and his home study of books he loaned from the School Library, through Cloud study his home and bed also improved, much to his proud delight.

Blue looked in his mirror grinning at his wing’s progress while checking his Cutie Mark only to slump a little ‘the star still hasn’t returned.. guess I haven’t found my glimmer yet.’ shaking the thought off he grabs the books he wants to return to the library and continuing reading in his spare time, puts them in his slung saddlebags and leaves his house in high spirits, closing the door behind him.

“I can’t wait for my first flight!” he calls aloud to nopony in peculiar grinning with excitement.

“Hey Rainbow CRASH! I heard your parents bit the dust!” Blue looked up to see the school bullies circling Rainbow and instantly takes off in flight to intercept them flaring his wings and going into a protective stance growling “Leave her alone!”

 The bullies recoil slightly at his speedy interference and sneer at him “beat it Teal-boy, this doesn’t concern a booknerd like you!”

Blue glares at them dangerously changing from protective to aggressive as he hisses “care to repeat that muscle-head... or do I have to make you?”

The dark brown bully opens his muzzle to repeat but reconsiders and gestures to his friends “come on, these two are perfect for each other; one’s a stupid orphan and the other just thinks she’s cool because she hangs out with that dumb griffin…”

Rainbow goes to retaliate but Blue stops her with his hoof as she shouts at their retreating tails

“JUST TRY saying that to Gilda’s face you cowards!” the bullies yelp at the idea and gallop off to their classes making her huff and mutter bitterly “yeah that’s what I thought…”

Rainbow turns to her friend and tilts her head “thanks Bluey… I wasn’t aware you were that ready for flight yet, your wings have strengthened already?” Blue blushes, folding his wings.

“Not quite Dash, they’re still developing, I only got my first primary flight feathers a few days ago so that was pure impulse of seeing you in trouble…my wings actually burn a little from exertion.”

Rainbow blushes herself and smiles gently as they trot side by side to their class.

“You didn’t have to protect me..” Blue merely shrugs and puts a playful wing around her which she looks at and shrugs off in playful banter, “hey I’m not that easy to win over mister…”

Blue merely grins “I know, however I protect all my friends Crashie.” Rainbow blushes at the name and shoves him into the gym earning a shouted “hey!” she merely smirks and enters beside him as they receive the usual scolding from the Coach.

“You’re late! Line up with the other flight students!” Doing as they’re told they end up next to each other with Cloudchaser on Blue’s left as usual.

“Alright slackers, since this is going to be your first Flight Training I don’t want to see any ‘stunting’ or fancy flying, this is merely basics and you will treat it as such! am I clear?” The Coach bellows at the class with a respectable “Yes Sir!” as an answer, grinning the Coach leads the class outside in single file and turns to face them as they line up again in an orderly fashion.

“Good, now pick a partner and take up your organised Flight regimens from yesterday while I supervise you in groups of two.” the line dismantles and the students quickly grab who they want to be partnered with, Cloudchaser grabs Thunderlane as her partner.

Much to Blue’s surprise, Rainbow grabs him as hers with a smile as she whispers to him “time to see if your private studies have been worth it Star-boy, show me that partly open book of yours isn't for show and tell.”

Blue returns her smile with a quippy “I’d love to, however I believe fillies go first?” bemused, Rainbow huffs in playful impatience and takes up a flight stance.

“Fine Mister Gentlecolt… but only because we're friends.” Rainbow starts the regimen that Coach at done up for her involving wing and flight control as Blue watches her carefully for any mistakes or turbulent errors, seeing none he takes flight himself and practices his own control along with her grinning as they fly wing to wing matching their beats near perfectly as the class and Coach watch on gobsmacked.

Blue looks down and grins as they start doing their scheduled laps around the field “hey Rainbow, the bullies are right about one thing, we are perfect for each other but not for the reasons they gave, we’re really close friends and we-” his sentence is cut off as he notices his partner frown. “hey what’s wrong?”

Turning back towards the class Rainbow lands in front of the Coach and asks to be excused for a moment which he nods at saying “alright take a moment Miss Dash.”

Blue goes to follow her but Coach calls to him so he lands instead, “yes Coach what is it?” he watches the Coach take a careful breath before he leads him away from the class and puts a hoof on his shoulder and continues,

“Listen Blue Star, I know about your parents every teacher does but please don’t pursue it for any truths boy, you won’t like what you find, Zen’s let me know about the private study you’ve been doing and I approve of it as long as you don’t push yourself too hard too fast.”

Star tilts his head “my parents? I know they ‘loved’ me but I’m not going to question their disappearance, I know I’ll be told when I’m deemed ready to hear it..”

The Coach nods his head satisfied “good lad, now as for Miss Rainbow Dash you’re excused to find her, I know how close you two are and she needs a none griffin friend right now.”

Blue nods and takes flight using his partly developed Wing Sensory to feel for her presence, ‘hmm I haven’t perfected this yet… I might land and find her on hoof.’ soon after this thought he lands and eventually finds her alone and deeply upset so he approaches her carefully and gently whispers to her so he doesn’t startle her.

“Hey Dash, wanna talk… I’m here to listen if you need me to.” her response was slow as she doesn’t look at him straightaway and mutters “go away Teal-boy.. I want to be alone.”

Seeing tears, Blue doesn’t move as she quietly sobs and hiccups under her soft, unsteady  breath ‘if it means just being a presence… I don’t care.’ he moves a bit closer to her and sits. “come on Dashie, I hate seeing ponies upset.. you know that better than anypony.”

Slowly getting off the bench she’d stiffly been sitting on she sits herself beside him and lets him put a supportive wing around her as far as it’ll go without resistance as they sit there in silence for a while before Blue looks up at the weather clouds above them and sighs to break the quiet.

“Its about what those bullies were teasing you about isn’t it, I overheard them talking about your parents.” Dash scoots closer and shivers nodding gently as she puts her head against his neck so Blue embraces her gently with both wings as she starts sobbing again, he coos gently to her ear making it twitch as she slowly speaks up.

“W-why did they have to go… I’ll miss them so much… I don’t want to believe those bullies…” Blue gently strokes Rainbow’s unkempt mane with his hoof as she starts nuzzling with a added “you’re so warm…”

Blue smiles softly and lets her stay in his wings until she calms herself down and he asks her gently “are you alright now?” Dash nods as Blue wipes her tears away.

“Y-yeah, I’m glad it was you who found me.. I hate being sappy in front of anypony else..” Rainbow puts on a brave face to show she’s okay but Blue knows better and puts a hoof on her shoulder and speaks up “hey, if it makes you feel better.. the bullies are right about me.”

Rainbow tilts her head in confusion “so you really are an orphan? But Bluey.. that would mean you're alone in that house of yours…”

The corner of Blue’s mouth twitches a little in faint annoyance at the fact. “don’t remind me, its fine though I have my study to keep me company.”

Rainbow gives a small yet cute pout “Flight Camp’s coming up and Gilda won’t be attending, I’m hating the thought of you alone so do you want to come with me? I can arrange something with Coach so that you don’t need parental permission to go..”

Blue opens his mouth to decline but sees the concern in Rainbow’s magenta eyes and his heart aches a little from cuteness as he grins instead with replied “sure Dash I’d love to join you.” he grins as Rainbow does a small fluttered backflip in the air at his answer.

“Thanks Starry, see Fluttershy’s been timid about her flying so her family has sent her to Flight Camp as well to help her get some confidence in herself.”

Blue tilts his head and deadpans “that was a cheap trick Crashie… I don’t know any Fluttershy.” Rainbow punches him lightly adding with a grin “she’s a friend of mine anyway thanks for the support Bluey… guess I needed it and hey if you ever want some company...”

“I know where to find you, yeah I know Dash, thanks.” Blue finishes for her making her nod grinning as she jumps at the bell ringing for the next lesson and grins sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck. “oops looks like we missed lunch… I’ll see you later.”

Rainbow looks confused, “wait your not coming to class?”

Blue grins softly “sorry Rainbow, the teachers arranged with Zen to take me under his wing and train me personally, so I’ll see you after school okay?” Blue watches her slump and frowns adding “however they have given me the choice as to whether I want to take the personal lessons or go to class as per normal and I am allowed a study-buddy in the private tutoring if I want to.”

He frowns at Rainbow’s ears instantly perking up at the words ‘study-buddy’ as she instantly darts off to her classroom, shrugging he takes his own flight path to the library and gets greeted by Zen as he wears his usual gentle grin. “I see you have no spy this time youngin”

Blue returns the grin knowing what he meant; the last month Rainbow had spent any time she could secretly ‘or at least that’s what I allowed her to believe but Zen sensed her each and every time with a subtle grin to me’ watching him as he studied up on his meditation, relaxation, wing control, cloud functionality and more recently Beginner’s Guide to Self-Taught Stunting.

“hey Zen, nah Miss Dash darted off to class already after I mentioned that I was allowed a study-buddy.” something played at the back of Blue’s mind but he ignored it as just the usual nagging feeling he got about his parents every time he entered the library for his lessons.

Blue took his usual seat and took his saddlebag off to remove the books he wanted to return after studying and reading them 3 times like the many overs he’d returned several  times over the last month after memorising them.

Zen gives a soft smile, “ah another batch of books memorised Blue? impressive, these were bigger than the last lot I loaned you youngin.”

Blue grins with pride and feels that strange glimmer again causing him to look at his Mark, ‘the star’s back! could that be it? am I hopeful that wherever my parents are they’re proud of me?’ he holds onto that thought and the star doesn’t vanish, however instead of being the same silver as his mane the star gives off a slightly dull look making him tilt his head in confusion as he looks at Zen for answers seeing him notice as well.

“Hmm, it seems youngin… that you're looking for a separate glimmer besides your parents.” Zen taps his chin thoughtfully adding “perhaps your heart desires a friend that you can rely on.”

Blue doesn’t reach for a book and closes his eyes to ponder in the meditative area of his mind. ‘a friend I can rely on huh… well the one pony I think of who’s already had my back is Rainbow-’

His thoughts are interrupted as he’s willfully tackled by a joyful cyan filly catching him off guard, he starts laughing “hey Dashie, I was just thinking of you… aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

Rainbow gives an energetic grin shaking her head “Nope! guess who just appointed herself as your new study-buddy and got permission for it!” Blue grins shaking his head as his star turns full silver. ‘reliable and a little annoying… yeah that’s definitely you Rainbow Dash.’

After several hours of studying the school bell chimes again signaling the end of the day, much to the pair’s relief as they pack up their notes and Blue’s newly loaned books into his bag and thank Zen for another lesson, he bows to them as they start heading for home.

“That was interesting to say the least, you’ve been studying like that for the last month? I’m rather surprised Bluey, I expected that to be boring but it was kinda fun!” Rainbow shoots him a grin which he half returns making her frown and turn to him worriedly, “hey what’s wrong you usually come out of Zen’s lessons more chipper than this..”

As usual Dash had a point that he wouldn’t willingly admit aloud, Blue always came out of Zen’s personal tutoring much happier than his normal classes because he felt like he was achieving something on his own without a mass of students sharing the praise.

Blue shakes his head and gives a fake, half grin, “sorry Dash just got things on my mind that’s all.. nothing to worry yourself over.” Rainbow doesn’t buy it and starts hovering backwards as they continue their path home through the school and gives him a glare making him flinch and look away, the grin instantly vanishing.

“You know you can’t fool me with that grin of yours Star, I’ve seen it too often to know it only appears when your hiding something.” she softens and puts a concerned hoof on his shoulder, “come on, we’ve known each other for just over a month now, talk to me.”

Blue stops walking and hesitates making Rainbow huff in annoyance, “its about that new star on your Cutie Mark isn’t it.” he shakes his head noting that they’re alone in the middle of the school obstacle course, she frowns at prods a bit further, “then what’s wrong?”

Shaking his head again he speaks slowly unsure of his own feelings or words “I don’t want to go home alone.” Rainbow tilts her head in confusion as they start their trek home again.

“What do you mean, I’ve never seen you go home by yourself, its either with me or that young filly Cloudchaser.” Blue gives a half hearted grin ‘Cloudchaser… sweet filly but-’

Rainbow interrupts his thought nudging him, “Hey, you're zoning out again..” grimacing Blue shakes his head and gives his thanks receiving a nod in return as they start arriving near their homes.

“I have a few times and hated it… Okay I’ll rephrase then… I don’t like arriving home alone…its depressing.” as pure irony to his words they end up arriving at his house step and looking at each other as a awkward silence starts settling in.

After what feels like several hours to Blue he speaks up first, turning away to enter his doorway “I should let you head home Dash, I’m guessing you’ve inherited your parent’s house so that you’re not on the streets.” Rainbow nods to confirm making him grin and add with a playful smile “that’s good then, I’ll see you later Crashie..”

Blue puts his hoof on the cloud door to his house and goes to open it until his ears twitch to a whispered “wait, please.” frowning he turns his head back to the filly and notices she’s shaking, “let me enter with you and keep you company for awhile Bluey… today gave me a hint of loneliness that I’m inclined to realise you have to go through each day.”

Blue lowers his hoof back to the cloud beneath him and turns to her but lets her continue as she starts approaching him. “when we first met I had a feeling something was off but I didn’t press the matter.. you always seemed distant from the other ponies including me. Its because you’ve been alone all this time isn’t it.. I’m really hating that Star.”

now inches from his muzzle, Rainbow tilts her not knowing what more she can say to convince him so she impulsively plants a caring kiss to his lips before he can react making him blush in surprise as his wings instinctively ‘pomf’ themselves out, leading Dash to giggle gently as she breaks the kiss. ‘w-wow my first kiss... and it was with Rainbow Dash!’

Grinning like mad trying to calm his blush and wings down Blue steps aside and opens the door to let them both in however the grin wavers slightly as he spots a scroll in the doorway addressed to him.

Rainbow tilts her head and states “Kinda empty and depressing isn’t it Starry… I can see why you don’t like arriving or even going home.” she turns to him and  sits down on an empty area of cloud frowning at the scroll in his mouth as he closes the door behind him “what’s that?”

getting a bad feeling in his chest, Blue approaches Rainbow and breaks the seal on the scroll. Dropping it he unrolls it with his hooves in front of them and sits down beside her to read it:

Dear Blue Star,

we regret sending you this letter but we feel you must know that your parents were involved in

a weather accident alongside the parents of a filly classmate named Rainbow Dash last week.

The storm in question was category three and was almost under control by the 4 pegasi group. However being over an area called the Everfree Forest  it escalated to four without any warning.

Considering that you’re still an extremely young colt I’ll be blunt:

nopony survived the storm and upon witness ponies seeing the still raging storm rise to the highest level, we regrettably had to alert the Cloudsdale Elite Weather Team to handle the mess.

We are sorry that you have to hear about it like this and Miss Dash will be receiving a similar letter that is hopefully more erm ‘subtle.’ we hope you weren’t alone upon receiving this.

This is going to be hard to take in and again we apologise for disturbing your school day with this news. Sincere Apologies for your loss, Cloudsdale Weather Bureau Director, Storm Blitzer.

Finished reading, Blue taps the scroll with his hoof and lets it roll up naturally wishing it would burst into flames as he feels Rainbow shudder beside him and looks at her he notices that

she’s at the brink of tears and he feels himself at breaking point at each passing second.

They instinctively huddle and wing embrace each other as Blue Star shakes his head

feeling both their hearts shatter as the four-point star on his Cutie Mark starts fading again.

‘N-No… It can’t be true...I didn’t even know them..’