Vapor Trails

The loneliest are the kindest, the saddest smile brightest, & the most damaged are the wisest ~Anonymous

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Chapter 3: Broken

It was a full ten minutes of silence before either pony spoke. The apartment was deathly silent, filled with the occasional sob.

It was the first time Cinder had ever openly cried with somepony. Flitter held him tight, her wings wrapped around the two, the letter was still lying beside the door.

Cinder finally broke the eerie silence after 12 minutes.

“Is... is this… is this really happening?” He could barely speak, choking out words between sobs. Flitter didn’t respond right away.

She was still shocked at the news that had just happened. The mare couldn’t possibly understand the pain that her coltfriend was enduring.

“I really don’t know what to say Cinder… But yes this is real,” she replied.

How am I going to tell the others, she thought, still holding the sobbing colt tight. She hadn’t had to deal with a death in the family for the longest time, and she forgot what it felt like. The colt had finally regained his composure and looked into his marefriend’ eyes.

The sparkles in his eyes were gone, the deep crimson color accompanied by a shade of grey. They stayed locked for a few moments that seemed like an eternity.

“Are you gonna be ok babe?” Her voice had hints of concern.

Cinder made a heavy sigh, and closed his eyes, lowering his head. His wings were snapped to his side, his face wet with tears.

“I’ll…I’ll be fine...eventually. C’mon. I need to see my little sister.” His voice was very shaky, and unsure. But he was right. The train left in roughly an hour, which gave him plenty of time to try to heal.

He glanced out the window as he saw the sky clouding over, preparing to rain. He felt his heart start to ache again, the same feeling that he had suffered through when he found Ember.

He shuddered at the thought, dismissing it as he arrived in his bedroom, looking around. Flitter was at his side, the tears long since dried up. Cinder put on his favorite scarf, a black one with red stitching. It was warm and brought him some comfort, along with Flitter’s presence. He felt his heart aching, silently mourning for his parents. He could not be more thankful that his little sister was alive.

He turned to see Flitter, her eyes still full of concern for her partner. She smiled meekly, and trotted over to give her coltfriend another hug.

“It’ll all be ok Cinder. Let’s get going.”

The pair made their way out of their third story apartment, taking the stairs instead of flying out.

Cinder locked the door behind them.

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Cinder arrived at the train station by himself, since Flitter had broken off to go tell the others of what had happened. No pony was

going to take it well; not Rainbow, not Twilight, not Cloudchaser, nopony. But they had to know.

A cold wind was blowing through the busy train depot, ponies were bustling around trying to get to their trains. He watched as a family boarded a train for Canterlot, and another came off one from Appleoosa. Nopony questioned why the colt looked so miserable.

His breaths were long as deep, controlling his emotions the best he could. However this time, he had support from Flitter and his other friends that he could lean on. Last time, he had to deal with it alone.

The sun was pale, the cloud suffocating it with their presence. It was a bleak setting. Ponyville seemed blander or a few touches greyer.

Looking over his right shoulder, he saw Flitter coming towards him, their friends in tow; a throng of worried and concerned faces.

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“Wait, WHAT??!” Twilight’s eyes were wide with shock as she heard the news from Flitter, who had trouble saying it herself.

As she surveyed the library’s room, she saw mixed reactions. Rarity had fainted from sheer shock, Applejack holding her, wearing her own worried expression. Rainbow Dash’s mouth was agape, eyes wide. Pinkie Pie’s mane had gone flat, her eyes full of concern. Twilight however, had one hoof to her mouth, eyes watery. Cloudchaser was looking at her sister with concerned eyes.

“Is he… is he ok?” The question came from Pinkie, who was abnormally calm and collected. She knew what it was like to lose somepony close to you.

Flitter sighed. “He took it pretty hard, as anyone would. What worries me most is that he didn’t say much afterwards.”

“I hope he’s ok… poor guy,” cooed Rainbow, her hooves planted on the ground instead of floating like she normally did.

“Where is he now?”

“At the train station. It leaves in 20 minutes.”

Applejack turned her head to the left, giving Flitter a quizzical look. “Does he… want us to come with ‘im? Ah’ll gladly come if’n he needs tha support.”

The other mares nodded fervently in solemn agreement.

It really did humble Flitter so see how much they cared for Cinder.

Fluttershy finally spoke, her tiny voice clearly audible in the deafening silence.

“I’ll gladly come too. I mean only if he wants it of course.”

Flitter smiled meekly again. “I’m sure he’d love it girls. The last time he had to do this was by himself… and from what he tells me... it wasn’t pretty,” she explained.

The mare’s curiosity was peeked, and Flitter reluctantly explained the “Ember” incident.

Their eyes went wide again except for Rainbow, who was already aware of the situation.

“C’mon girls, we should get going. The train leaves in 10 minutes,” Twilight piped up, trotting for the door, the other mares falling in behind her. Only Rainbow Dash stopped Flitter before she left.

“You sure he’s ok?” Her face was full of concern.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine given time to heal.”

The library’s door closed behind them.

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“Heya bud. You doin’ ok? Flitter filled us in,” a subdued Applejack remarked as the group collected around Cinder & Flitter.

He glanced around, seeing everypony’s face had the same expression; concern and caring for their friend.

Before he could utter an answer, Rainbow Dash stepped up and hugged the ash colored colt tightly. This was rare for Rainbow, as she only showed her sensitive and emotional side to a select few friends. For Cinder it was the first time.

Her hug was warm and comforting, as some of the other mares joined in a group hug, consoling their broken friend.

They stayed like that for a minute until a shrill call from the conductor interrupted it.

“All aboard for Las Pegasus!”

The group broke their hug and filed onto the train, the stallion checking their tickets. He glanced at Cinder’s letter which had the City of Las Pegasus seal on it, and simply nodded him on.

Cinder sat with Flitter.

He was not looking forward to going back to that city. It was his hometown however, and this was a special, however dark, occasion. And he had friends to back him up, and he more grateful for them in that moment that he had in his entire life.

The train lurched into life, and began to pick up speed, flying along the tracks.

Mom, Dad… Daisy… I’m coming home.

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The train ride was quiet for the most part, apart from some small talk between everyone. Cinder’s mind however, was going at a million miles an hour. He hadn’t been home in two years. How much changed.

No pony talked about the matter when others could hear, seeing as Cinder’s nerves were still fried. They could see that the young colt was wrestling with his emotions, but still no pony spoke about it. They made small talk among the group, but Cinder mostly stayed removed, eyes staring out the window at Equestria as it zoomed by. It was a beautiful country most of the time; only on days like this did it seem to be de-saturated of color. The clouds that were hanging overhead weren’t rain clouds as far as Rainbow Dash could tell, it was just overcast. The grassy fields gave way to a half desert look as they got closer to Las Pegasus. The colt must have dozed off and on because the trip was going by very fast. The next time he opened his eyes, everypony was asleep, night had fallen over Equestria and the car was quiet. He glanced to his left, seeing Flitter asleep at his side. Smiling he left his eyes fall, darkness taking him away from the real world.

*****

Cinder’s eyes snapped open as the train changed pace, getting faster. They must have entered the Great Reigns, the flat interior of Equestria. Meaning that they were close to Las Pegasus. Slowly getting to his hoofs so as not to disturb Flitter, he made his way out of the coach and onto the roof. The night was crisp and refreshing, his mane blowing back in the breeze. It was clear and the stars were clearly visible, making for a beautiful spectacle. He looked out beyond the train to see the gleaming lights of Las Pegasus in the distance, barely visible but unmistakable. He closed his eyes, feeling the cool night air rush over him as he sat on top of the train. Little did he know that somepony else was up there with him.

“Lovely night isn’t it,” Rainbow said, her face with a slight smile as she walked to sit next to the colt. He cracked a smile and a muffled chuckle, as the cyan mare sat down next to him.

“Yeah it is...” What are you doing up so late? Or should I say early,” he replied. A blast of cold air made the pair shiver, but only for a moment. Cinder had glanced at the clock which said 1:15AM as he went outside of the car.

“Sorry if I woke you up,” he added. The cyan mare raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“Nah you didn’t. I wasn’t asleep anyway. Don’t know how ponies can get sleep with something like this coming… speaking of which, how are you holding up?”

Cinder shrugged. “I’ve been better Rainbow… I seriously have. To be honest, I did not see this coming, and I’m not prepared for it.”

Rainbow Dash put a hoof on his back, just above his wings. It was comforting, to say the least.

“Believe me, I know what it feels like, and we’re all here for you if, and when you needs us,” she said looking straight into Cinder’s eyes. The sparkles had returned, but were dimmer than they once were.

Cinder simply reached over and hugged the mare, who returned it almost right away.

Only a simple “thank you” was uttered before they turned their attention to the glowing lights of the teeming city that was ahead, getting slowly closer.

“You ever been to Las Pegasus?”

“Nope.”

“Heh, you’re gonna have fun.” The comment was sarcastic and dry, leaving a giggle between the two.

“C’mon, let’s try and get some sleep,” Rainbow chirped as she made her way back down to the coach. Cinder waited for a bit, taking one last look at the lights in the distance before descending into the sleeper coach. Rainbow was already curled up in her spot, eyes shut but ears following Cinder as he made his way back to his spot next to Flitter.

He carefully positioned himself in his original spot so that Flitter wouldn’t stir, which he succeeded.

The colt’s eyes slid shut as night cast its warm shadow across Equestria and the train, bound for Las Pegasus.

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Cinder was shaken awake by Flitter, who gently planted a kiss on his forehead as the colt lifted himself upright. Glancing at the

clock it read:

8:53AM

The train was due at 9, so she had woken him at the perfect time. Cinder yawned and stretched, every muscle in his body tensing and relaxing.

“Morning sleepyhead,” Twilight said calmly, glancing over at the colt from her book. Cinder gave her a smile and looked outside the window. It was sunny, with a few clouds in the sky. But the world still looked a tad bit too grey, like someone had sucked part of the life out. He closed his eyes, and let his mind wander temporarily, thinking of how he was going to handle the day. It was good that his friends decided to come along with him.

“Well, somepony’s finally awake,” Applejack chortled coming back from the breakfast cart. She wore a smile on her face which warmed the ash colored colt’s heart. As he glanced around, all the other ponies in the coach were up and talking amongst themselves. Even Rarity and Fluttershy were discussing something that he couldn’t pick up on right away.

Even so, Flitter booped Cinder on the nose and threw a glance out of the train window.

“We’re here,” she announced very flatly. All eyes shot to Cinder for a second, who let out a deep sigh, and closed his eyes. He was ready to face this.

The train pulled into the station and with a screeching halt, it stopped. Ponies began to pour out, going every which way imaginable. Cinder, Flitter and their group stayed together as they filed out, their heads on a swivel as they marveled at the sights of the city. Cinder sights were set dead ahead, as he continued walking until he was free of the train station, everypony else following suit.

“Welcome to Las Pegasus everypony.”

Eyes were wandering around and soaking in every detail of the massive city, its loud bustling streets and buildings gleaming with lights all bellowing the same message.

Go on! Business, business, business. Go on! Get rich!

And it’s why Cinder hated it.

A jet blue stallion stood in the middle of the square, and was advancing towards Cinder and the mares. The colt gave him a quizzical look, glancing over his form. He was well dressed, very athletic and extremely well built.

He stopped just short of Cinder, facing the colt.

“Cinder Blackstone I presume?”

“Yes?”

“Greetings. I’m Rainchaser with the Las Pegasus Coroner’s Office... I see you got my letter.”

Cinder’s body sunk from its original rigidness.

“…Yes I did.”

Flitter had practically materialized at his side the moment she had seen his change in posture. The others stayed back.

“My condolences to you, Cinder. I know how hard this must be for you,” he added. His tone was professional and level. His eyes wandered over to Flitter.

“And who might you be,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m his marefriend, Flitter. Those ponies back there came here with him for support.”

Taking the queue from Flitter, the others advanced forward.

A warm smile spread across Rainchaser’s face. “I see.. you’re lucky to have such caring friends. Come, somepony needs to see you.”

Cinder’s head snapped up as he followed Rainchaser down a busy street, with Flitter at his side and the others in tow.

“How is she doing?”

“Just a few scrapes and bruises. She’s a fast healer, Cinder. In other words, she’s fine. Just badly shaken up. Also she’s been wanting to see you… quite badly I might add.”

The one thing Cinder regretted about leaving Las Pegasus was his little sister, Daisy Flare.

They continued to walk down the busy street, ponies seemingly stepping to the side as they saw Rainchaser trot down it. He was a well known doctor around these parts, and when he was escorting a group of ponies, it usually meant someone had died.

Rainbow trotted up to Cinder’s other side, now keeping pace with him.

“You ok bud?” She offered a bleak smile as support for her statement. He retorted with a smile, small in stature, but huge in emotion. His eyes twinkled with the lights of the big city. They came to grey, single story building without a label. Cinder knew exactly what it was.

While it was blending in around with the other subtly colored buildings of the city, Cinder knew that this single one stood out.

It was the coroner’s office.

As Rainchaser went in, the colt stopped and took a deep breath. Flitter put her hoof on his back, letting him know that she was there for him. As he looked behind him, all the other mares shot him nods and winks, showing their support as well. He closed his eyes, faced forward and entered the building.

Flitter shot the other’s a glance to stay back, which they agreed to. She followed her coltfriend into the establishment, the swing doors closing behind them.

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The first thing Cinder noticed was the smell. It smelt of pleasant rain water and roses, which was not unusual for a coroner’s office.

It was trying to keep a front in helping mourning ponies cope. The second thing he noticed was that no pony else was there. It was empty.

Rainchaser was behind his desk, shuffling some paperwork around, but shot a glance at the colt and mare as they approached the desk. He smiled warmly, and gestured to a pair of doors.

“She’s waiting for you.”

Cinder looked at his lover silently, but what she heard was all too loud.

Please let me go alone for this.

She simply nodded, and stepped back. She watched her lover disappear through the doors, and turned her attention to a humbled Rainchaser.

“I can see you two are meant to be together. I’ve rarely seen such communication and love,” he praised.

This caused Flitter to blush heavily as she backed up and relaxed for the time being.

“He is my special somepony after all”

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The sight on the other side of the doors was typical. It was a morgue, with rows of compartments. Full of bodies no doubt. But one room caught his eye. It was singled out from the others, he guessed it to be a waiting or medical room. As he walked closer to it, his jaw hung slightly open at what he saw. He felt his heart start to give way as a flood of emotions came over him. What he was met with was her; Daisy Flare.

His younger sister.

She was a tiny, pegasus filly with a white coat, red mane and sky blue eyes. She did not harbor a cutie mark on her flank yet. She was in a sense, the complete opposite of what Cinder’s coloring was.

As soon as her eyes met his, her jaw dropped and her eyes began to flow with tears. The two ponies stood there in silence for a few moments, until the filly literally threw herself at Cinder. She buried her face in his neck, as the tears began to flow. He sat down on the cold floor and his sister tight, tearing up as well. The two held each other in a tight, silent embrace.

Wow, she has grown, he silently mused to himself as he stroked her deep red mane gently.

Time seemed to stand still and fly at the same time before either sibling said something.

“It’s been too long, Daisy.” Cinder’s tender voice as enough to make the tiny filly break into tears again. He held her tighter, feeling her tears run through his coat.

“Shhhh…shhhh….It’s ok sis. I’m here now. Let it out,” he cooed, still stroking her mane.

Her cries turned into sobs, and then into whimpers, then she fell silent, with the occasional sob.

“Are they…. Are they. .. rr.really..g..g..gone..gone?” She could barely form a sentence much less talk about their parents.

Cinder took his time in forming response. He had to choose his words carefully with his little sister.

“I’m afraid so sweetie. But you shouldn’t be scared. I’m here now and that’s all that matters now. Are you doing ok?”

She lifted her head away from Cinder’s neck, now soaked and looked at her brother, her bright sky blue eyes ablaze with emotion.

She had grown so much since Cinder had last seen her. She was 12 now, the same age as Scootaloo, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell.

Daisy simply nodded her head slowly. “I’m..I’m scared bro,” she managed to squeak out. Her voice was silky and smooth.

“It’s ok sis. I’m here now and we’ll help each other through this. But for now, let’s get you out of here. I have a few friends I want you to meet.”

At the sound of those words, her emotions flipped a switch, her entire body perked up and she smiled.

“Ok.. Let’s go. But big bro.. Can I ride on your back?”

Cinder chuckled, and lifted his little sister gently onto his back.

“Of course.”

The two siblings walked for the lobby door, Cinder setting out at his normal pace.

“Thank you for being here big bro. I still love you…,” Daisy faltered before pecking him with a kiss on the cheek. Cinder felt his heart jump when she said those words. He stopped and nuzzled his sister.

“I love you too Daisy. Now let’s get through this,” he said with a bleak smile.

“Ok,” she replied. She curled up on his back and settled in as the colt trotted towards the double doors.

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“I wonder when he’s coming out,” an unusually emotional Rainbow Dash remarked, standing in the lobby. Flitter had gone to let the other ponies in and explained the situation. The other 6 ponies nodded in agreement at what she had suggested.

“Now remember girls,” Twilight interjected. “Be very cautious and careful with Cinder’s little sister. We don’t want to upset her. So no mentioning…you know.”

The other mares nodded in unison in silent agreement. It had been an emotional couple of days for everypony, and they were exhausted.

Just then, the double doors broke and Cinder appeared between them, inching his way out, with a little white ball on his back. Daisy Flare was curled up, and to be frank, it was adorable.

Flitter felt her heart melt as she saw the tiny filly uncurl, her big blue eyes stare at the other mares.

“Girls,” Cinder said before throwing a glance at all of them.

“This is Daisy Flare. My little sister.”

Twilight and Rarity’s eyes fell on the snow white filly, as she returned their gaze.

“Hi Daisy…it’s nice to meet you. My name is Flitter,” the lavender mare stated as she cautiously walked up to the filly. “I’m umm your brother’s marefriend,” she added. This was answered by a wry look from the filly with a raised eyebrow, then her eyes shot back to her brother.

“Finally settled down huh,” she said dryly, poking her brother in the back of his neck.

Daisy Flare was never usually this quiet. She was usually very outgoing and easy to get to know. Her flying skills were impeccable, just like her brother’s, only she didn’t fly that often. The tiny filly preferred to walk, as it made her feel like a normal pony and not standing out.

Her remark sent a chuckle through the crowd.

“Anyway sis, this is Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Twilight. They’re all friends of mine,” he said with a chuckle. Believe it or not, Cloudchaser had tagged along on the trip, but hadn’t said anything yet.

“Hi, it’s nice to meet you all,” the white filly said.

“Charmed.”

“Hello.”

“Howdy.”

“What’s up.”

“Hello there.” (1)

Daisy smiled, and uncurled slightly from her brother’s back, but staying put. Her wings were now in full view, as they were immediately under close examination by Rainbow Dash.

“You like flying squirt?” Rainbow asked the filly, who responded with a wide grin.

“Oh yeah, I love it! It feels so awesome. Big bro here taught me how when I was a foal,” she replied with a goofy grin. This made Cinder blush.

Rainbow chuckled, and took a step back. She was controlling herself quite well.

“Good to know.” She made a mental note that Daisy’s wings were in desperate need of some care, but didn’t say anything.

“Darling I must say, your coat is absolutely stunning! I’ve never seen a purer white,” Rarity beamed, admiring her own white coat.

A rosy blush came across Daisy’s face.

“Awwww thanks. I love it too.” She was still curled up on her brother’s back, happily chatting among the others. Cinder turned his attention to his marefriend.

“How’s she doing?”

Cinder shook his head slightly. “Rainchaser is right. She’s pretty shaken up. But she seems more relaxed now that I’m here. I’m glad I got here so fast.”

He felt a push from his back as Daisy jumped down from her brother’s back, landing perfectly and continued talking to the others. Glancing back, he smiled then returned his attention to an approaching Rainchaser, who was holding the sealed envelope in question in the letter.

“Hello Cinder. I’ve been told to give this to you. It is for you and Daisy’s eyes only, for now.” The deep blue stallion sat back and smiled as he caught a glance of Daisy, casually socializing with the other mares.

“She seems to have brightened up since you got here. When she got here, she hardly said anything.”

“I could understand that,” Cinder replied, taking the letter from the stallion. “I’ll wait to open this until I’m back in Ponyville.”

The stallion bowed his head in agreement. “Of course. It was nice having you here Cinder. Please stop by sometime.”

The group made for the door of the establishment, Flitter leaving just before Cinder. He motioned for Daisy to jump on his back, which she readily agreed to. Poor thing must have been emotionally strung out.

“Thank you for all you’ve done Rainchaser. I leave my parents trust to you.”

The stallion bowed his head again, before retreating in the double doors.

With that, Cinder turned and exited the office, and onto the street with Daisy clinging on.

The group walked in relative silence down the sidewalk, until Daisy broke it.

“Hey bro, where are we going?”

Cinder chuckled. “We’re going to Ponyville, sis.”

Daisy’s eyes widened as she looked around her. He could tell she wouldn’t miss the big city at all.

“Ok bro. Lead the way,” she replied, curling her red tail around her body. He smiled and nuzzled her on her cheek, which she happily returned. This gave an “Awwww” from the rest of the group.

Flitter stuck by her coltfriend as they made for the train station. Daisy’s head was on a swivel as she took in the last few sights and sounds of Las Pegasus. She didn’t say anything, but her actions were loud.

Cinder looked at Flitter, and smiled and stopped walking when they reached the platform. Daisy had her full attention on her big brother, as he smiled and looked back, reflecting on his experiences.

She reached down and hugged her brother’s neck, nuzzling his cheek again, knowing that she was safe.

Wow…after all she’s been through she still smiles. Now that’s the little sister I know.

Their train arrived right on time, and the group boarded, with Daisy sitting happily on Cinder’s back.

They made their way to the center car, a sleeper coach since the ride home was going to be a long one. Everypony took their

seats, Daisy sitting between Flitter and Cinder, nestled against her older brother.

And as the whistle blew, Cinder looked down at Daisy to see her eyes wide with excitement.

“All right everypony,” he announced to the group, everyone’s attention gravitating towards him.

“Let’s go home.”