Episode 1: Enter the curious one
Bladed Wings:Episode 1,Enter the curious one
It was a sunny day at the quarry, when a white unicorn along with her friend -a purple and green baby dragon- had just set out to gather the gems they needed for a new outfit. The outfit was not any average outfit, it was commissioned by an ever so important client: the incredibly talented and well known Sapphire Shores.
“Ah, what a glorious day for gem hunting, isn't that right, my dear Spike?” The white unicorn inquired.
“Any day is glorious with you, Rarity,” Spike, the little purple dragon, said in a dopey lovestruck daze.
“What was that?” Rarity said shooting a confused look at Spike.
“Nothing! I was just admiring something beautiful.” The dragon said.
“Well, keep your mind on the task. We need a very specific kind of gem and we haven’t found enough of them yet. We only have until noon to find it to give me enough time to finish!” The white pony stated.
“Whatever you say,” Spike said, standing up and giving a salute. Rarity rolled her eyes and gave a small smile to reassure Spike. Truth be told, she was nervous. A big client like Sapphire Shores only came once or twice in a lifetime and this was her chance to really shine.
She was thinking about the consequences of failing, while using her magic from time to time to seek the gems. Spike followed close behind, until Rarity finally found some red gems by a cliff. She was unsure if they were rubies, the kind they needed, or not. “Spike! I think I found them! I’ll have to get a closer look, however”
“As you wish, Rarity!” Spike said as he watched while Rarity trotted towards the cliff in her excitement, oblivious of any danger. When Rarity had made it over to the gems, she began to inspect them.
“They’re rubies, Spike! Be a dear and come and dig them up for me, please.” Rarity couldn’t help herself and was jumping for joy. There were enough rubies here to finish the order. Suddenly the rocks shifted. She looked down, and her eyes slowly widened as she saw a large crack forming, causing separation of the ledge from the cliff face. She was paralyzed with fear, and Spike kept walking over. She mustered her courage and warned, “Spike! Stop! Don’t come any closer!” Spike stopped walking, and was quickly brought out of his trance.
“What’s wrong, Rarity?” His question was quickly answered as the rock that Rarity was standing on gave way. Spike could see Rarity’s body moving in a downwards direction as she reached for the cliff and managed to get a hold. “Hold on Rarity, I’m-a comin’!”
“No, don’t! This cliff is unstable! If you walk over here, you’ll break the rest of it off and both of us will be in danger!” Rarity was clearly in panic mode now. When she started to lose her grip on the cliff, she also started to lose hope. Her eyes turned in the direction of Canterlot as she spoke in soft hope. “Celestia, if you can hear me, please rescue me. I’ll do whatever you want!” Rarity lost her grip and fell. Spike ignored Rarity’s previous advice and rushed to the cliff. Without Rarity hanging on, he was in no danger. He watched her fall... and fall... suddenly a blue streak came, as if from nowhere, and she stopped. Spike was confused, straining to look and see what had happened.
“Rainbow Dash?!” Spike yelled with confused joy, as he saw Rarity being slowly lifted by a pony, but he couldn’t make out who it was, with Rarity blocking his view. The only thing he could see was that the pony had blue wings. It just had to be Rainbow Dash. Who else could it be? No one else could be so quick. The only thing that struck odd that Spike noticed, was the fact that the blue wings had a sort of gold trim on the top.
“Way to go!...? Hey, you’re not Rainbow Dash!” Spike said to the pony who landed with a slightly dazed Rarity on his back. This pegasus had a mane of blue and light gold, and on the pony's flank resided the mark of a cloud.
“Not quite, at least, I don't think my name is Rainbow Dash,” said the stallion who was not letting Rarity off of his back.
“Oh, my hero!” Rarity said with excitement in her voice. “I was a goner for sure if you hadn’t come along! Oh, and you have such beautiful wing braces, they are justtrès magnifique”
“That was just amazing! you came out of nowhere and caught her!” Spike sputtered excitedly.
“Yes it was quite amazing,” Rarity said while hopping once in place. “Now what is my amazing hero’s name? If I may ask, that is,” she said, intentions of flattery clear in her voice.
“Omega. Cloud Windhoof Omega. You can call me Cloud,” the mysterious stallion said. “But that isn’t important, you fell quite a long way before I caught you. You are not hurt, are you?”
“I do not believe I am,” Rarity said with a small kind smile.
“Yeah, she can handle herself now,” Spike said sharply, jumping onto Rarity’s back
“Oh, ow!” Rarity cried in pain. “Well, I guess I have sustained... a little damage to my leg,” Rarity said, lifting her right hind leg up.
“Yes, it’s starting to swell, I better take you back to... Uh…”
“Ponyville,” sighed Spike, displeased with the turn of events.
“Oh my!” Rarity said as Cloud slipped under Rarity and picked her up. “Gentle now, I am a lady after all. Spike, please be a darling and lead the way.” Cloud spread his wings and flew a few feet from Spike, following him.
“Oh!” Rarity said, surprised. “I thought you were going to walk me home.”
“Flying is much smoother, ma’am. There is no impact on you from my steps,” Cloud said proudly. “Actually, I don't even know your name, ma’am,” Cloud said, looking back to her.
“Shh, shh,” Rarity said, “I am recovering from a recent injury and wish to tell you that at a more agreeable time.”
“What is a more agreeable time than sitting on my back?” Cloud said, a little confused.
“I don’t know,” Rarity sighed, “but I am sure that there is a better way to do it than from your back.”
“Alright, whatever you say,” Cloud said, flying behind Spike. “So how far is Ponyville from here?”
“It’s not far now,” said Spike. “It’s only about five more minutes and then you can be on your way.” Cloud nodded and kept flying behind Spike as they made their way by the Everfree Forest, an idea popped into Rarity’s head.
“Oh, we are close to Zecora’s. I'm sure she will be able to have a look at my leg,” Rarity said, pointing with her hoof in the direction of the hut belonging to Zecora. Cloud swooped down and plucked Spike off the ground with his hooves before flying in the direction that Rarity had pointed. Spike had an unhappy look on his face and crossed his arms.
“Now he’s picking me up and carrying me,” Spike muttered under his breath.
“No offense, Spike, but it’s much quicker this way”, Cloud said, grinning to try and reassure him, thinking that he was unhappy being coddled. After a few minutes of flight they arrived at a hut that looked like it belonged to a witchdoctor. Cloud lowered Spike down to the ground and landed, letting Rarity off his back. “So what, do we just knock or...” Cloud began, but Spike just walked in.
“Hello? Zecora?” Spike called out, before turning around to Rarity and shrugging, “I guess she’s out.”
Cloud turned around and squinted. “Is she a zebra?” he asked, pointing a hoof at a figure coming their way.
“Zecora! Over here!” Spike called waving in her direction.
Zecora made her way over and put down a pot filled with a liquid she had collected. “Good day my friends, how are you? And whom is this stallion with a coat so blue?” she said in her usual poetic manner.
Rarity stepped up. “This is Cloud. He has just been a dear to me. He saved me from a fall off of a cliff,” she said looking back at Cloud. Zecora looked at Cloud and stepped over to him.
“Quite a resumé, I must say. Pleased to meet you, what brought you this way?” Zecora said, pointing at her hut.
“Well this... uh... fine lady...” Rarity smiled sweetly at Cloud when she heard him say those words. Spike only crossed his arms and turned away in displeasure. “During her fall, seems to have hurt herself.”
Zecora walked up to Rarity. “What causes her so much pain?” She said, circling Rarity and looking at her swollen hind leg before turning to Cloud, “It’s simply a sprain.”
Zecora went inside her hut and came out with some thin flexible yet sturdy bamboo and some strips of fabric. She motioned to Spike to help her apply the makeshift brace. “My words are important, they are ones you must heed. Even with this splint, sleep is all that you need.” Cloud smiled awkwardly.
“So, I think we should get her to her bed then,” Cloud said, already starting to walk. Zecora picked up her pot and went inside her hut. Cloud stopped and turned to Rarity. “You know, maybe I should take your bags, they were really weighing me down, and that can only mean they are no good for your leg.”
Rarity gasped. “Oh no! what shall I do?!” she said in a panic.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?!” Cloud said worriedly.
“Of course something happened!” Rarity said, looking frazzled. “I did not collect enough gems for my new outfit! I need to be ready for pickup tomorrow!”
“...You are worried about an outfit?” Cloud said, walking up to Rarity and taking the saddlebags off her back.
“Oh stop! that tickles!” she said as he took them.
“Listen, you need your rest. You should not be worrying about other things.” Cloud said sternly as he put the pack onto himself. “Wow, these are heavy... are you sure this is not enough for whatever?”
“Well I guess it could be enough, but it’s always good to have extras,” Rarity said, looking at the ground.
“Oh well,” Cloud said, waiting for Rarity to walk up beside him, so he could make sure she had no trouble on the walk. After a few minutes they made their way out of the Everfree Forest, Spike following behind, still unhappy at the lack of attention towards him.
“Does she always speak like that?” Cloud said, referring to Zecora’s rhyming.
“All the time,” Rarity said. “Cloud, for saving me, let me show you around, it is the least I can do for a stallion such as you who has provided me with such a heroic service.”
“Well, I guess that could be helpful,” Cloud said. Being shown around was going to be a lot of help. He nodded to her. “Sure, that sounds great.” Cloud looked over the village, it was not a big place, all the shops seemed to use pictures to describe what the business was. Rarity took the lead by walking over toward a pink building that looked like it was made of gingerbread and candy. Cloud eyed it, finding the building strange, but took a guess that it was a sweet shop by its exterior design.
“This is Sugar Cube Corner!” Rarity walked inside. Cloud looked over the building once more before turning to Spike.
“Are you coming in also?” he asked.
“Do whatever you want,” Spike replied before walking off on his own.
“Wonder what’s up with him?” Cloud muttered to himself, before he started to head inside. He did not make it far before a pink blur sped into him knocking him on his back. A pink pony was sitting on his stomach, her hair was a fluffy mess as she eyed him over suspiciously before gasping loudly. She started to speak quickly, looking around frantically.
“I don't know this pony, but I know everypony in Ponyville, but here is a pony I don’t know! If I don’t know a pony then the pony must be a new pony to Ponyville!” She jumped off cloud and raced off in a seemingly random direction screaming: “I need streamers and balloons!”
Rarity stepped outside. “Aren't you com..” Rarity began before seeing Cloud laying on his back. “Whatever are you doing?” She asked a now embarrassed pegasus. Cloud rolled onto his hooves and stood up.
“Well I was on my way in, that is until a pink blur of a pony flipped me onto my back,” he said brushing himself off with his wings. “Then she spoke rather quickly about how I was new. Rather confusing.”
“Oh you met Pinkie Pie then? I guess that will sort itself out later, she is just like that.” She said taking Cloud to the next stop on their tour, the library which was a tree carved out to be made livable. She mentioned that one of her good friends took residence in the library before they moved on to their next sight, it was not long before they stopped and Rarity was calling out for someone up high.
“Rainbow! Ohh Rainbow Dash!” she said waving. Cloud took a look up but saw nothing, a cloud was blocking his view of whatever Rarity was seeing. The cloud exploded and a rainbow streak came flying towards cloud, barely missing him before coming to a rest right next to him.
“Sorry about that, I didn’t see you there,” said the new pegasus who had just appeared from above, apparently proud of herself for whatever reason.
“Rainbow, I wish for you to meet Cloud, he saved me from a fall today with his daring heroics,” Rarity said patting Cloud with her hoof. “He did it with such speed and grace, I barely felt him catch me” Rainbow looked at Cloud, unimpressed.
“He couldn't be that fast, he must have been close by,” Rainbow said smiling confidently. Rarity shook her head.
“Rainbow, I wanted to show you this fabulous accessory on Cloud’s wings. I noticed them when Cloud was carrying me back from the cliff.” Rarity proceeded to poke at Cloud’s wing and gently open it to show the golden trim at the top. “Isn't it just divine?”
“Wait, he carried you?” Rainbow said before looking at the gold trim. “Whoa! Are those Aeroblades?!” Rainbow Dash said excitedly and extended a hoof in greeting. “Hi, my name’s Rainbow Dash.” Cloud raised a hoof to shake it but Rainbow pulled back. Cloud, having missed her hoof entirely, nearly stumbled but managed to catch himself.
“Too slow! Heh.” She ran her hoof over her mane. Cloud backed up a little, phased by the greeting he received, but he shook it off trying not to be too rude.
“I’m Cloud Windhoof Omega!” He said, folding his wing away. He gave a small smile to show he did not mind her prank. Rainbow looked over Cloud’s folded wing again.
“You are from Wingipeg, aren’t you?” Rainbow said poking Cloud’s golden aeroblade, her eyes filled with wonder and amazement. “Only pegasi from Wingipeg have these puppies, and only the best fliers they have, I have never seen a pair before. They are legendary!” She circled around Cloud before standing in front of him again. “What is Wingipeg like?”
Cloud looked to the ground with his smile fading and becoming a small frown, “I don’t want to talk about Wingipeg,” Cloud looked away, shame escaping his previously neutral demeanor. Rarity shot Rainbow a displeased look.
“Rainbow Dash, apologize to Cloud,” she said sternly.
“But I...” Rainbow started
“No buts, do you not see how your insensitivity affected him?” She said turning her head away, before heading over to Cloud. “Are you alright Cloud?” she said sweetly.
“...Didn’t do anything.” Dash said to herself inaudibly.
Cloud sighed loudly, “It is fine, no harm done. I just rather keep that information private. You are right though Rainbow, these are Aeroblades.” Cloud said as he unfurled his wings to show them.
“That must make you a pretty good flier, Cloud!” Rainbow said poking him on his nose with her hoof. “You and me Cloud! Soon I will prove that I am the best there is in all of Equestria!” She spread her wings and took off, leaving Cloud and Rarity behind.
“What was all that about?” Cloud asked dropping his head slightly.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Rarity said. “Come now Cloud, there are a few more places I have to show you!” Rarity took cloud to a tall purple building with a little flag at the top.
“Is this house made for royalty?” Cloud said, looking over at the large and frilly building.
“One may say that she has royal tastes...” Rarity said leaning on Cloud, resting her head on his back.
“Oh!” Cloud said, Rarity had startled him. “Is your leg causing you that much trouble?” he asked, thinking Rarity’s leg has collapsed.
“Oh, I...” Rarity jolted back up to a standing position. “Why yes, my leg is giving me a little trouble. Pay it no mind. It may be giving me trouble, but I assure you it’s nothing that I can’t handle.” She smiled, an idea having come to her. “An outfit for a stallion? Yes, that might just be something that will propel my business forward,” Rarity turned to Cloud, “and you shall be my means to do so!” Cloud shot Rarity a confused look.
“Whaa?” Cloud said, he had no idea what the white mare was going on about.
“Come Cloud, into my Carousel Boutique!” She said making her way in, Cloud following not far behind. Not long after entering Cloud had a measuring tape whirling around him. Rarity took note of all measurements being made. Cloud stood rigidly, unsure of how to act.
“Uh, what in the world are you up to?” Cloud asked nervously. Rarity stopped for a moment, and addressed Cloud’s question.
“I am going to make you a suit, it will surely look just dashing with your beautiful wing trim!” she said going back to work.
“But I’m not going to...” Cloud began, but seeing as Rarity was too involved in her measurements, Cloud silenced himself. He might as well wait out the measuring phase. Rarity motioned for Cloud to open his wings, and started to measure them. Her measuring tape soon found itself caught against his Aeroblade, with disastrous results. The measuring tape had been severed.
“Oh my!” Rarity looked over the pieces of what was once a useful tool. “The trim is quite sharp don't you think? Somepony could get hurt! Is it meant to be like that?”
“Yes ma’am, I use them as tools,” he said proudly. “They’re quite useful, but took a long time to get used to not... uh... hurting myself with them.”
“Ah, well we must be careful of those now, don't we?” she said giving a little laugh. “Oh, do just wait there while I retrieve my spare tape measure.” Rarity went off to look, a little miffed at her loss, but too polite to let that show to her company. Not long into her search, however, there was a knock at the door. “Coming!” Rarity said in a sing-song voice. “Cloud, could you please get the door?” she said, obviously engrossed in finding the measure. Cloud nodded and went to the door, an orange pony wearing a wide brimmed hat stood in the doorway, looking at Cloud a little confusedly.
“Yeh ain't Rarity,” she said, still looking a little bit confused.
“Oh, Applejack!” Rarity said as she walked over, “This is my new friend Cloud. He saved me from quite the fall.”
“Well then, a mighty howdy to you pardner! The name’s Applejack” she said, tipping her hat to him before turning to Rarity. “Anyway, Twilight, Fluttershy, and I have been waiting for a good hour. Yeh said we were going to meet up today. When ya never showed, I came to see what happened.”
Rarity looked down. “I can’t believe I forgot!” she said, “This would be a great time to introduce you to my other friends, Cloud, so why don't you tag along?” Rarity said with a hopeful look in her eyes. Cloud looked over at Applejack, who just politely crossed her hooves, giving Cloud a warm inviting smile.
“Oh, why not.” Cloud said, not wanting to be a jerk. Rarity smiled and led the way.
“This way, Cloud,” she said, trying to walk as gracefully as she could with her sprained hoof. Applejack walked beside Cloud, sizing him up a little.
“From ‘round these parts, Cloud?” she asked, “Maybe from Cloudsdale?”
“No, I originate from Winipeg,” Cloud obviously did not want to carry the subject any further, so Applejack left it at that. Not long after they set out, they arrived at an eatery, bearing a clover for its sign. Rarity and Applejack walked over to a pair already sitting at a table. One pony was a purple unicorn, the other a more obvious yellow and pink pegasus. Cloud looked at the yellow one, who tried to hide herself with her own hair and the table. The purple one, on the other hand, waved to Rarity and Applejack.
“Hi girls!” the purple one said before seeing Cloud with them. “Who’s your new friend?” she said, smiling.
“Oh, I am Cloud Windhoof Omega.” he said, still looking at the Pegasus who was failing to hide. Applejack came up behind the pegasus and pushed her out from behind the table.
“For Pete’s sake, sugarcube, say hello!” Applejack said.
“Oh.... uh..... hi.” She whispered, poking half her head out from her hair before popping right back in. Rarity rolled her eyes a little, and gave a small smile.
“Her name is Fluttershy.” she said, referring to the cowering Pegasus. “And this is Twilight.”
“Twilight Sparkle!” the purple unicorn blurted out.
“Finally, I am Rarity!” She said standing in a glamorous position. Applejack gave a small snort.
“Yeh only just told him your name now?” She chortled.
“I could not find a proper time to do so before.” Rarity said sticking her nose up to the sky. Twilight sighed, shaking her head before turning to Cloud.
“So Cloud, you are new to Ponyville aren't you?” She asked curiously. Cloud nodded. “What brings you here?”
“Well, I was on my way here to stock up on supplies before I set off again. I am a wanderer; I tend to not stay in one place for too long.” He said.
“Wait, you intend to leave?!” Rarity said in a displeased tone. “No no no! I can not stand for such. You must stay!”
“Well, it’s just how things have always been with me, I am a wanderer. I come to one place and leave it usually within the same day.” He looked down. “But this time, I sort of lost my bags containing everything I needed, including a few valuables. I got into a scuffle with an Ursa Minor, lucky to get out alive. Had to leave my stuff and go. That was a good three days ago. I tried heading toward Ponyville, despite me not knowing where it was. Fortunately, it looked like I was heading the right way. But this morning, I saw a white unicorn fall. I did what I had to and caught her,” he nodded toward Rarity. Twilight looked at Cloud, a little worried.
“Rarity fell? From how high?!” she said, getting up off her seat and walking around Rarity, noting the splint.
“She fell off a cliff at the quarry. I saw falling rocks, so I’m assuming the ground gave way,” Cloud said before standing a little proudly. “I caught her before she fell too far.” Twilight smiled before turning back to the splint.
“This splint seems to be put on securely.” she said, nodding at Cloud. Cloud, however, shook his head.
“We got a zebra to do it.” Cloud stated. “She knew what the problem was instantly, and then rhymed it at us.”
“Ah, so you mean Zecora.” Twilight gave a knowing smile.
“Yes, I believe that's her name. Anyway, she only has a sprain.”
“Eh-em,” Rarity cleared her voice. “Twilight, one does not like to be talked about as such.”
“Oh, uh sorry Rarity, I was only worried that something happened,” Twilight reassured Rarity.
“It is quite alright, I just don't like it when I am left out of a conversation about myself.” Rarity looked back at her leg. “Zecora said I must rest my leg, but it feels fine, and I do have that... Oh no!” Rarity squealed in displeasure. “I have to finish my dress for Sapphire Shores!” She was in an obvious panic. She needed to finish this dress, but she did not want to leave her new friend behind where he could just leave the next day without even a goodbye. “Cloud, I do insist that you spend the night in Ponyville.” She said, stamping her hoof once.
“Why that’s mighty neighborly of you Rarity.” Applejack said. “Ah do so think that Cloud can take room at Sweet Apple Acres!” Cloud thought over the proposal before nodding.
“For a night? I guess that's fine,” he said.
“YEEHAW then!” Applejack reared up enthusiastically. “Always a pleasure to have a new hoof over for some good eat’n!” Rarity looked down, a little disappointed that she could not extend the offer herself first. Thinking about it though, she knew she would be too busy with her dress anyway.
“Well then, I have a dress to complete.” Rarity said, taking off towards her home. “I will see you later for the party!” she called back.
“Party?!” Cloud said with a quizzical look on his face.
“Oh, yes,” she laughed softly, “You will see.” the white mare chuckled, almost to herself, as she walked around a corner.
“Ah have an idea!” Applejack said. “How about a banquet between just us four? Rarity is a little too busy with her fancy-pants dress though.” she said with a big smile.
“That’s a wonderful idea!” Twilight said, knocking her hooves together once in approval.
“Wait... A banquet?” Cloud questioned. “I don't think it’s necessary...” He looked away a little. Fluttershy slowly creeped over to Cloud, who looked over to her. She jumped back timidly.
“Well..... I.... think the idea is...... uh.... wonderful,” she said, lowering her head and giving a tiny smile. She slowly moved closer before playing with a small patch of dirt with her hoof.
Cloud sighed in defeat. “Alright, I guess it won’t hurt to have a small banquet.”
“Well what are we a’waitin for? Let’s head on down and rustle up something mighty tasty,” Applejack called back as she herded the ponies toward Sweet Apple Acres. Upon arriving, Cloud looked over the area. It was a farm that had a large plot planted with apple trees by the hundreds, if not thousands. Cloud had never seen so many in his life. He opened his wings and took flight to see if he could figure out how far the trees went.
“There is just no end!” Cloud gasped in amazement. “This is quite the orchard. It must take an army to harvest!”
Applejack gave a small southern bell laugh, “Nah, just me and my brother, Big Mac.” she said proudly.
“I don't see how that is possible!” Cloud said, flying a little in front of the group.
“Oh, but it’s all true!” Twilight nodded, smiling.
“Show me how you go about all this.” Cloud demanded with genuine intrigue. Applejack gave a determined smile before bolting over to a tree, turning around and giving it a mighty buck. “So, you kick it?” He didn’t sound very impressed, until the apples all came tumbling down at the same time, landing right in already laid out buckets. Applejack crossed her legs in a curtsy. Cloud landing and staring in shock. “They all... came down... in a delayed reaction?” He shook his head, before rubbing his eyes with his hooves. Thinking it over, he gave his own determined smile
“I get it! Can’t be that hard.” he exclaimed. Picking out a tree and rushing it, Cloud delivered his own buck, his hooves landing on the trunk to make a loud crack. Soon after, an apple fell, hitting cloud on the back, followed by others landing around him. Cloud turned back to see how well a job he had done, only to see a few apples in the buckets below the tree and more scattered all around, not coming close. The most disheartening thing, however, was that there were still many apples in the tree. “I guess apple bucking is not as easy as I once perceived.”
“Whoa there sugar! Yah did well for a beginner, but we got us a banquet to set up!”
“Well I should help, too.” Cloud looked around for things to do.
“No, Cloud,” Twilight said, resting her hoof on Cloud’s back and walking him to a table she set up in front of them using her magic. “Just relax and take a seat, you’re the guest today.” she beamed sweetly at Cloud.
“I don't want to be idle when others are doing work I will benefit from.” He gave a sigh as Twilight rushed off to help set things up. The team of mares began to collect apples. One basket, two, three. There's just too much for us to eat, he thought as he saw a fourth and fifth basket being filled. Cloud rested his head on the table in boredom as the mares went inside the barn with the full baskets.
Not much time passed before they came out and laid out the food, all of which were apple based. “I have never seen so many apple based products in my life.” Cloud said, eyeing the spread before him. He leaned in and took a bite of an apple fritter. “Wow this fritter is rather good!”
Twilight’s gaze fell upon cloud, happy to see him enjoying the food, but she had some questions lingering in her mind about the wanderer in front of her. “So, uh, Cloud?” she started. Cloud stopped eating and looked up to face her.
“Something you need?” he asked, trying to figure out what was on her mind.
“Well, I just wanted to ask...why did you become a wanderer?” she asked, trying to be sincere to him.
Cloud looked away, but turned his head to face her again. “I don’t have a talent; I’m an outcast.” He stepped back, his tail and head lowering in a show of his shame.
“I don't mean to interject, but you clearly have a cutie mark.” Twilight walked over and poked his flank with her hoof to point it out. “It’s a swirly Cloud!” she said joyfully.
“Twi’s right. Yer probably a weather controlling stallion!” Applejack added.
“Weather control is just... wonderful.” Fluttershy said as she put her hooves together, but Cloud just shook his head.
“I don’t see how that is possible. I haven't done anything weather related since I got my cutie mark. I did not care for it then either.”
“Maybe you just enjoy the view! The peace that comes from watching the little fluffy clouds float in the sky really calms your mind!” Fluttershy said, flashing a small smile towards Cloud.
“Well, I’m not so sure, I never thought about it that way.” Cloud closed his eyes to try and imagine it. “Actually, I don’t remember a time I even caught myself staring at... well, anything, really.” he shook his head, “and as a wanderer, I don’t live in the clouds anymore, although I do enjoy the soft feeling they have. Reminds me of what I left behind so long ago.” Cloud turned back to the food and continued eating with a faraway look in his eye. Twilight looked down, trying to think about how it must have felt to be somepony who had been in his position: to have no talent. It didn’t make sense. Everypony she knew had a special talent, emblazoned on their flank in the form of a cutie mark. She wanted to ask, but knew by how Cloud was acting that it would not be a good idea to push the matter further, so she let Cloud continue eating.
A few hours passed, and the sun was low. Fluttershy already left to care for her animals. Twilight waved goodbye to Cloud and Applejack, shouting “Have a good night, Cloud! I hope you stick around for at least a little while!” Applejack waved back.
“Cloud won’t be sneakin’ out on mah watch!” she said, putting one foreleg around Cloud. “Come on Sugarcube, we got a extra room open since Bigmac is visiting Appleoosa to check on Braeburn and the situation between the ponies and buffalo.”
“Actually, I’d rather sleep in the barn if that's alright.” Cloud said, pointing towards it.
“Well shucks, ah thought yeh would want a nice, warm bed.” Applejack said confusedly.
“I think I would be more at home in the barn is all.” he replied.
“Well that's fine then!” she nodded in agreement. “Yeh just gotta be up by the rooster’s call. Have a mighty fine night, Cloud!” she said before heading off into the farmhouse.
“Well, I guess I should hit the hay, then.” Cloud said to himself before limping into the barn.
⁂⁂⁂
Cloud opened his eyes. He could hardly see; his eyes still adjusting to the light. As things came into focus, all he could see was a lot of colors. Music was also playing loudly. He got up and looked around. The barn was full of ponies, and it was decorated with streamers. “How in Equestria did I sleep through this?” Cloud asked nopony in particular as he looked around at what seemed to be a social gathering. “And why did nopony try to wake me up?!” he said louder than he had intended.
“Because you are such a cute sleeper!” said a familiar voice. Cloud turned to see the pink pony he had “met” before grinning widely at him.
“What is all this?” Cloud said, referring to the decorations, music, and people.
“It’s your party silly! I mean why else would we have all these people gathered around you?” The joyful pink pony said, hopping up and down.
“Wait you decided to have a party for me, and start it while I slept, and host it where I slept?” Cloud said still rubbing his eyes, expecting this to be a dream. “why?”
“Well duh! we we’re planning a super exciting fun funirific welcome-to-ponyville party that is just for you, but I did not want you to miss it! I mean who wants to miss their own party anyway?” The pink pony said. “I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie started to hop in place. “I invited everypony to come!” she stopped hoping and started to think, “Oddly though Rainbow Dash never showed up at all.” Her mood quickly swung back to a joy filled demeanor. she grabbed Cloud and dragged him over to a familiar group, standing around giggling to each other. Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack looked over to Cloud and waved to him.
“Howdy Cloud, yah had a good nights rest?” Applejack asked.
“It was alright,” Cloud replied looking around the barn idly, “There were just so many ponies in this barn, it was stifling.” That's when he saw the cake, an idea popped into his mind. “I’m going to get some cake.” he turned around to Pinkie, holding a plate towards him with a slice already on it.
“I got you some cake!” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing up and down in excitement. Cloud lowed his head and stared at the cake for a while; his plan for sneaking out ruined by this event. That is until Pinkie ate it a single bite. “What? You didn't seem to want it!” Cloud looked back at the other ponies, all of whom laughed at Pinkies antics.
“Uh...” Cloud looked around before walking off. “I’m going to get some punch!” he said before making his way into a large crowd and finally though the barn door, hoping not to have been noticed. After Cloud closed the barn door behind himself, he looked up to the sky. It was a beautiful day, he lays back and took it in for a moment, before getting back up and mulling over what he needed before he left.
⁂⁂⁂
“... and that’s when Cloud (dashingly) swooped in and caught me from a most hazardous fall!.” Rarity exclaimed as she stood glamorously.
“Speaking of Cloud...” Twilight started, “he went to get some punch quite a while ago. has anypony seen him?”
“Cloud?!” Rarity exclaimed, looking around frantically. “Where has he gone!?” she squealed in panic, running around the barn. She came up to two ponies (descriptions to come) “Have you seen Cloud?!” she asked them.
“Cloud who?” one of them asked.
“This is his party.” Twilight said, walking over.
“It is? I thought this was a party to bring in the harvest season” the other chimed in.
“Now how could it be harvest season so early in the summer?” Applejack questioned, shaking her head.
“What if my dear Cloud has been... FOALNAPPED!” Rarity squealed loudly in terror before trotting around the barn in a panic looking for Cloud.
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Keep an eye on her.” She said to the other ponies. “I’m going to look outside.” Twilight nervously walked outside, only to have a hoop flying through the air catch her eye. “What the?” She said to herself, just when she saw Rainbow Dash catching the large metal ring. “Dash!” Twilight called, motioning for Rainbow to come down. “What in Equestria are you doing?” she asked, pointing at the hoop with her hoof.
“It’s... uh... NOTHING!” Rainbow said, feebly trying to hide the large ring.
“That doesn’t look like nothing to me.” Twilight said, looking past Rainbow’s back at the clearly visible metal ring.
“I’m, uh, cleaning my place! I Have to get rid of this old junky... hoop … thing.” Rainbow dash said hastily, obviously lying.
“Is this why you could not show up to Cloud’s party?” Twilight asked suspiciously.
“Actually... yeah!” Dash nodded, trying to sound trustworthy.
“Well, Cloud is missing; I want to know why he left his own party. Do you coincidentally know where he’s gone?” Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow to Rainbow Dash.
A confused look appeared on the rainbow coloured mares face. “Cloud is missing? What happened?” She asked, the confused look turning into a worried one.
“Well, he was at his party one moment and went to get some punch. Since then, he was gone.” Explaining it only made Twilight’s heart sink a little as she looked into the pegasus’s worried expression. “I’m sure he’s fine though!” Twilight said to comfort Dash and herself. “Maybe you could do a flyover to find him.” She said hopefully.
Dash stood up tall with a stern expression on her face. “You can count on me!” She exclaimed, taking to the sky.
“Dash... put the ring down” Twilight demanded, referring the the ring that dash was still carrying.
“Oh, yeah right!” Rainbow said, quickly lowering and laying the ring on the grass with an ashamed look. She then took to the sky again, but it did not take long before she pointed her hoof in a direction. “There he is!” she yelled. Twilight galloped, trying to catch up to the blue stallion coming into view. There was something odd about how he was walking, almost like he was limping.
Rainbow arrived first, with Twilight arriving soon after. Twilight noticed immediately that cloud was indeed limping. “Cloud!” Twilight was very displeased with him. “Why did you leave the party?” She asked as Rainbow blocked his path.
“It was rather crowded, and I don't really need a welcoming party.” He said lowering his head, he knew he was in for it.
“What? You don’t want to be welcomed to Ponyville Cloud?” Twilight said confused.
“I’m not going to be staying long,” he looked at Dash to opened her wings to look like a larger roadblock to him. “I’m going to be off today or so.” Cloud motioned to go around Rainbow but, she just jumped in his way again.
“You can’t just leave!” Rainbow said sternly. Cloud ignored her comment and tried to get around her again, his body giving way he toppled over. Onto his side.
“I knew it,” Twilight said remorsefully. “You’re injured! let me help you up.” she said kneeling down and pushing cloud up with her head. “You got injured when you caught Rarity didn't you? she told us the story just now in the barn. Is it why you have not been flying much?” Twilight asked with concern lacing her voice, but Cloud only shook his head.
“I was injured before I caught her. During my fight with the Ursa-minor. Not only did it get my supplies and saddlebags. It also swat me out of the air pretty hard, but its nothing I can’t handle!” he said standing up and tall as he could. “I’m good to go for travel, just not by air so much.”
“Wait he was HURT?” Rainbow was caught by surprise. “There is no way! how could you catch Rarity if you were not in good form?” Cloud looked to the ground feeling as if he was being scolded.
“I fought through the pain, used all the strength I had left. I could not let anyone be hurt when I had any strength left, even if it was only a little.” He stood up trying to show he was strong enough to go on by himself. His body fighting his will, was shaking under his own weight.
“Cloud, I can’t let you leave Ponyville in your condition.” Twilight shook her head at Cloud. “I’m amazed how well you hid it from us.” She looked towards Cloud with a disapproving glance.
“I don't get it! He was injured the whole time? He looked fine yesterday!” Rainbow stomped her hoof. Before flapping her wings and taking off, with a new fire flickering in her eyes.
“Rainbow where are you going?!” Twilight shouted.
“I.. uh told you. I have yard work to do!” She hollered back as she flew off.
“You don’t even have a yard!” Twilight growled under her breath as Rainbow went back and picked up her hoop, moving out of hearing range. “What am I going to do with her?” She shook her head before turning her attention back to Cloud who was already trying to walk off. “You need to rest,” she said, “You can’t go out traveling when you can barely even hold yourself up!” She walked up to Cloud, stood in his way and looked at him sternly. “Now tell me you will promise to stay in Ponyville until you are fit.”
“But I am...” Cloud started.
“And I don't mean when you think you are fit, I mean when a doctor or I say that you are.” She nodded knowingly. A question popped into her head, one she could not figure out about Cloud. “Why do you want to leave so badly? Do you have a destination in mind?” She blurted out.
“No, I have no destination.” He said quietly.
“Then why are you so adamant on leaving?” Her curiosity building.
“I’m just not cut out for a village lifestyle, the road is for me.” He said trying to make his words sound convincing. Twilight only looked at him, not fully convinced by his answer, she narrowed her eyes. “Ponies are all the same, they preach how they are different and don't care if you are, but then someone who is different comes along. And...” He trailed off realizing what he said before clamming up.
“What were you just going to say?” Twilight asked her eyes narrowing.
“Nothing, it’s a private matter.” Cloud said turning away from Twilight and walking off. His sleeping last night only made the pain worse as his body started it’s healing process. His legs were shaking as he walked.
“Cloud, why are you doing this to yourself? Your restless legs are going to just give way.” She said trotting in-front of him and blocking his path. “You are obviously worse than you were yesterday and I just can’t let you hurt yourself like that.”
“I don’t need your kindness, or anypony’s.” he said under his breath. “I don’t want your friendship.” he looked down at the ground before collapsing.
⁂⁂⁂
Cloud Looked around, he was laying in a bed a curtail blocking much of his view of the room. “Ugh.” Cloud groaned as he rolled off the bed, and pulled the curtain so he could make his way out.
“Going somewhere?” Twilight said, she had been sitting in the corner, knowing Cloud would at some point try to leave she decided to take it upon her own hooves to keep watch of him. “You have only been here for a few hours and you are already trying to make a break for it? That I cannot allow!” she said getting up and making her way over to Cloud. “You are unfit to do anything, and I Twilight Sparkle will make sure you get the rest you need.”
“And how, may I ask, are you going to do that?” Cloud said raising an eyebrow to the purple pony, who immediately trot over to the door and pressed herself up against it.
“Like this!” She said.
“Hey! you can’t do that what about me?!” A green pony in the bed next to the one Cloud awoke from. “I’m supposed to be discharged today!” The pony finished by crossing his arms and furrowing his brows.
“Uh, well.... you see. I’m trying to do this for my friend here...” Twilight started
“She’s not my friend!” Cloud remarked.
“... and he is in no shape to leave, and I kinda got caught up in the....” Twilight’s head sunk a little bit. “What if I let you though?” Twilight was cut off by a knock behind her, the door swung open with her still pressed up against it, Bashing her into the wall.
“Where did Twilight Sparkle go?” A white pony with a pink mane asked, on her head was a nurses hat and on her flank resided a red cross surrounded by small pink hearts. “I wanted to let her know that her request was approved.”
“It was!?” Twilight said popping out from behind the door, a smile appearing on her lips. She clapped her hooves together in joy. Cloud looked at Twilight, a little worried about this little “exchange”.
“Uh nurse, two questions, where am I and what was the request?” Cloud asked, obviously it was a hospital, but curiosity for a name still tugged at his brain, even if the information was useless.
“You are at Ponyville General Hospital,” the nurse said, “and the request if for you to be transferred out of our care and into a friend of hers, Fluttershy, apparently she has everything necessary to make sure you become well again.”
“As the patient in question, can’t I just opt to leave of my free will?” Cloud said hopefully, there was no way Twilight could take him without his consent.
“Not in this case” The nurse said. “In the condition you came in we can’t let you go off and do anything physical, it would only cause you more injury. Twilight filled us in on how you would try to make a break for it. That is not something we can allow here at Ponyville Gen.” She said turning to Twilight and nodding in a courteous manner.
“Thank you very much Nurse Redheart!” Twilight turned to Cloud standing tall and feeling empowered.
“Oh it was no problem, I owed you one.” She turned leaving the door open So Twilight could escort Cloud out behind her. Twilight looked back at Cloud a proud smirk scrawled on her face as she bask in the triumph of the situation.
“You heard the mare, you’re coming with me. It’s for your own good!” She said walking out the room. Cloud sat down in defiance, but he knew she would come back. Twilight's head popped around the door frame. “You did hear right? The nurse said you must come with me, and she is acting authority on your situation.”
Cloud shook his head, “Nope, no way. Only words and words don’t control my life, neither do other ponies.”
“But! But she told you...” Twilight sighed loudly before walking over to Cloud and nudging him with her head. “Come on, Fluttershy will take good care of you.”
“I’m not a little colt anymore!” Cloud said getting up, confronting Twilight.
“Then why must you be so stubborn about this? It will only do you good.” Twilight shook her head in disappointment.
“Because we hardly know one another and I would like it to stay like that. You are already trying to make me out as a friend, but I am not! ”Cloud made his way over to the door. “I don’t need friends, I don't want friends. Friends only lead to disappointment and shame. You trust someone so much and spend time with them, and when they stab you from behind, that hurts more then anything.”
Twilight followed Cloud out of the room. “You’re wrong, friendship is very wonderful, nothing compares to having friends. To share your accomplishments with them and help each other through the hard times.” Twilight trot her way beside Cloud. “I learned this lesson not to long ago myself.”
“I have my own reasons,” Cloud said, gaining speed, he was starting to get a little annoyed by Twilight's persistence in delving into his personal life. “I am still not going with you.” He was in a fast trot at this point, his legs fighting him as he went but he just wanted to go back to his solitude.
Twilight stopped, “You are coming with me whether you like it or not.” She planted her hooves apart, her horn glowed purple with her magic, Clouds hooves lost their grip to the ground and he soon found himself in the air, a purple shine surrounding him.
“This is just not fair!” Cloud said as he wiggled around in hopes to gain his freedom. Not long after giving in to the magic. Twilight smiled with delight, having won this battle, she made her way out of the hospital almost forgetting that she has Cloud in tow. “Ow!” Cloud cried as his head smacked into the door frame above him.
Twilight blushed in embarrassment over having let that happen. “Sorry...” she said in a small voice. A while later, they arrived at a small cottage on a hill.
“Why does that house have a plant like roof?” Cloud said as twilight’s magic continued to make him float.
“It’s Fluttershy’s house. It’s where you will continue to get bed-rest.” Twilight said as she knocked on the door. After a few seconds the door popped open a crack.
“Oh Twilight.” A voice said from behind the door. “What brings you here?” The door opened fully to show Fluttershy behind it. Fluttershy looked up at Cloud, who was at the moment floating on his back in the purple energy bubble twilight had surrounded him with. “Eeep!” Fluttershy yelped slamming the door quickly. Twilight’s face became expressionless, but quickly turned into minor annoyance.
“Fluttershy, come out please!” She asked trying to sound sweet. The door to Fluttershy’s house opened a crack, only allowing enough light in to let fluttershy’s eye to be seen.
“Wh.. wh... at did... you bring.... him … for?” she said looking up at Cloud though the open crack between the door and its frame, seeing cloud struggling, waving his sharp, bladed wings around. she tried to slam the door shut, but Twilight was ready, and put her hoof in the open crack.
“He’s badly injured, and needs a place to recover.” Twilight said as she tried to make the gap bigger by trying to push the door open with her head.
“Oh.... I don’t think....” Fluttershy said, thinking over some excuse as to why she could not let Cloud inside. “Angel is very sick!... and .. I .. um... don’t really...” She continued until she was cut off by a glare from Twilight. “He looks alright to me.” Twilight said, looking towards the small, white bunny rabbit hopping towards the door. Fluttershy looked at the rabbit trying to figure something out to rectify her mistake.
“Oh … well... I meant a DIFFERENT Angel...uh.. yeah.. that’s right!” The little rabbit crossed his arms and started to thump his right hind paw impatiently. Fluttershy started to back away from the door, her ruse now thwarted, while Twilight pushed in more.
“Fluttershy, Cloud needs help! will you please just look after him?” Twilight smiled sweetly, bringing Cloud into the house. Fluttershy sighed and lowered her head in defeat.
“Alright,” She said in a sigh “but I still don’t have much experience with pony medicine.” She walked over to her bed and pulled off the covers so Twilight could lay Cloud down. After he was placed in the bed, Fluttershy pulled the covers over him.
Twilight smiled, “All that you really must do is make sure he doesn’t run off, and make sure he rests. Unfortunately, I can’t stay, I have work to do for Celestia, and this has put me far enough behind as is!” Twilight removed the magical aura from Cloud and walked out before poking her head back in. “Don’t let him leave until he’s fully recuperated!”
“But..... Twilight?!” Fluttershy squeaked. Unfortunately for her, Twilight had already left. She turned to the bed which Cloud was already making his way out of. Mustering up what little courage she had, she walked over to him. “Oh no you don’t mister!” Fluttershy opened her wings in an attempt to look impassible and unmovable. Cloud sighed to himself, he knew he could easily get away, but he also knew that the purple unicorn was right- he was in no shape to head out again. As strong as he used to be, he was now beat down. Adventuring at this point would only serve to cause himself trouble.
“Alright.” Cloud muttered, “I do have one request if I am to stay.” Fluttershy stepped back. She was not used to hearing someone speak in such a cold and calculating manner.
“Wh.. what... is it?” She asked, not expecting the answer to be wholly agreeable.
“I do not wish to take my rest on bedding. It reminds me of a past best left where it stands- in the past.” Cloud shot a gaze to the corner of the house and trotted over. “Right here will suffice.” he said before laying down.
Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief. The request was not as bad as she expected. Although, she did not think that a guest should be sleeping on the floor. “Wouldn’t you rather if there was something a little more comfortable?” she asked, pointing to a plush quilt work hanging at the end of the bed. Cloud only shook his head.
“I have no need of such amenities” Cloud looked around the house. It was filled with many things; tables, books, and of course the bed. Over the years, he had lost his want for goods such as these. They would only weigh him down in his travels, although he had not been averse from reading a book or two. It had been so long since Cloud had ever lived somewhere, he could hardly call anything home. He stood up and turned to Fluttershy. “Is it alright if I just take a small walk around? I need a little time to air my thoughts.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Just don’t take too long.” With her consent Cloud got up and made his way to the door. Unfortunately, before he could open the door, it flung open, hitting him hard. In his still weakened state, he fell over on his side. In stepped the white mare, Rarity.
“Where is Cloud?!” she announced worriedly “I heard he had been brought here due to grievous injuries”
“Well... uh..” Fluttershy started, as she gestured towards the now toppled Cloud. “You see.. um.”
“Oh no, my dear Cloud!” Rarity said moving towards him “When I was told about the condition of your state, I could have never guessed you were in such dismay! Can it be that your daring rescue robbed you of the ability to even stand?” She said dramatically over what she had unknowingly just caused.
“Uh, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, “Weren't you... uh also injured from that instance?”
“Oh my hind leg?” she asked turning around and showing the now unbandaged limb. “Seems it was just minor, temporary injury” she smiled. Cloud slowly forced his way back up, Rarity grinned. “Oh this is marvelous!” she exclaimed, moving closer to Cloud. When Cloud got to his feet, Rarity made her move, causing Cloud’s world to go dark for a second. When the light came back, Cloud jumped back, looking around in a daze. He was unsure of what had happened, what had Rarity done, and... why did his movements feel more restrained now? Cloud looked at himself the best he could. “Oh you just look so dashing!” Rarity squealed.
Cloud was now wearing a finely pressed suit, trimmed with gold, and embellished with gold embroidering. Cloud lowered his head, he had not worn... well anything since he was just a young colt, and being dressed by someone else only gave him a feeling of shame and embarrassment. He dare not say a word, he only just stood, Rarity looking upon him in delight.
“If there were a royal event, I am sure you would be the prince of it!” Rarity gleamed. Hearing that made Cloud’s eyes widen, as if he had been shocked. He looked down trying to hide his expression, trying to instead force no expression.
“I am no prince, I am just not cut out to join in on anything with such high standards. I would just stick out. My wings alone would scare guests. I mean, they are weapons.” Cloud retorted.
“Nonsense, darling! They are just too beautiful! Besides, this suit just makes you look fabulous!” She giggled at him thinking he was only trying to be humble.
“Um.... uh.... Rarity.... you really should not dress Cloud up like that, he is still rather injured... that is if you… would not mind...” Fluttershy interjected, trying, yet failing to be stern.
Rarity gasped “Oh my! You are right!” she walked over and worryingly looked Cloud over. ”Where do you hurt?” she asked, pushing her hooves lightly on Cloud’s hind leg, causing Cloud to wince.
Cloud looked back at Rarity. “Honestly? Everywhere... including there.”
Rarity jumped back, “Oh I am most sorry about that!” she said lowering her head apologetically.
Cloud slowly took off the suit and folded it up as nearly as he could, using his aeroblades to make fine creases so it would look nicely squared. Fluttershy picked up the suit and brought it to Rarity “Please, let him get his rest. Come back when he is better.” she smiled sweetly.
“Alright,” Rarity said, “and when I get back, his suit will be all the more ornate!” She said walking out the door, “I will see you soon, my dear Cloud!” she said as she closed the door.
Cloud turned to Fluttershy. “I changed my mind, I do not really wish to go outside right now.” He said in worry of it somehow triggering another one of the village people to burst in again. “I think I would rather just nap.” Fluttershy nodded to agree. And with that, Cloud lay down in the corner and closed his eyes.
⁂⁂⁂
Fluttershy opened her eyes, “Good morning,” she said softly before she looked around her house. A week had passed since Twilight forced her to take in Cloud. “Eep!” Fluttershy yelped. Cloud was nowhere to be seen, and the door was wide open. She leaped up and trot out the door, hoping Cloud would be just outside. ‘“Oh no, oh no!” she worriedly muttered. “Where did he go?”
Not too far away, Cloud, equipped with saddlebags made his way toward the edge of ponyville. His plan to continue his endless journey. “Hold it!” Said a female pegasus, who quickly landed in front of Cloud. “You can’t leave just like that!” She said.
“Rainbow Dash, wasn't it?” Cloud asked looking at the rainbow maned pegasus. “I do not see why I can not just go, I have no real ties here,” he stated. “Besides! I...” he was cut off when a rope was lassoed around him.
“Yah can’t leave! Not without sayin’ your farewells!” Said the orange pony, Applejack.
“I really do not owe anyone any such things.” Cloud said looking over the rope around him.
“You skipped out on your party!” the pink pony yelled, “No one skips a Pinkie Pie Party!” Pinkie said stomping her hoof.
“Where in the world are you all coming from?!” Cloud said acting in surprise that so many ponies were showing up to stop him leaving. “I was so sure that no pony saw me make my leave...”
“Simple!” a purple unicorn said. “Fluttershy told me that you were in perfect condition now, and I theorized that you would leave in the morning with the sun towards you.” Twilight said standing proud to have been able to figure this out. “Although... I did not expect Rainbo...”
“Cloud!!!” A white unicorn had jumped over to Cloud and wrapped her hooves around him. “Why must you leave me?!” Rarity whined.
“I just can’t... ” Cloud said lowering his head. “I do not have need or want for friendship.”
Finally Fluttershy arrived, seeing everyone else crowding Cloud, “What’s going on?” she asked.
Rarity turned to Fluttershy and put a hoof to her forehead. “Cloud wishes to leave his dear Rarity and forever leave ponyville!” she said dramatically.
“Oh... well... maybe we should let.... him leave...”She said, not wanting to take such an aggressive stance.
Twilight walked over and in front of Cloud, “Cloud... I hear all you do is journey and wander around” She mulled for a second. “Why not break ponyville in and finally settle in somewhere. Finally have ponies you can share your experiences with?” She asked.
Cloud looked Twilight in the eye, she really meant it. But that meant little to him “I just...”
“We get it!” Rainbow dash moaned. “You just can’t. How about this? We fight, and if you win you leave! If I win? You live here, and call us friends!”
“Rainbow!” Twilight said furiously. “We cannot allow you two to fight.”
“It is a deal” Cloud said, he could not turn down something like this, he may not follow the pride that most people in his situation do. But something just stood out about this. He wanted to do this. “What kind of fight do you have in mind?”
“Dash... you can’t!” Twilight said.
“A race” Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
To be continued...
Episode 2: The Race (unfinished)
Bladed Wings:Episode 2, The Race
Seven ponies stood in a field: a stallion, who had a mare with her hooves wrapped around him, and five other mares, one with a rope fashioned into a lasso which held the stallion in the middle, under-hoof. The stallion was a pegasus; his coat a solid sky blue, his mane pointed back in alternating colours of dark gold and baby blue, and his tail of the same thread. Adorning his hooves were golden, metal pieces which complemented a pair of golden blades on his wings. On his flank he had the mark of a single, fluffy cloud. Fittingly, his name was Cloud. He looked forward toward a pegasus who, too, had a coat of blue, but a mane featuring a rainbow pattern. Her flank was adorned with cutie mark consisting of a cloud with a red, yellow and blue coloured lightning bolt jutting from its bottom. His green eyes slowly took on a look of confusion as he looked into the pink eyes of Rainbow Dash.
“I hardly call that a fight,” He said, having just prior committed himself to battling Rainbow Dash, who had just revealed the battle to be instead a race. “but I can see how it can be interpreted as one.” He sighed loudly, as he had been caught by his own word.
The mare who had her hooves around Cloud let go. She was a unicorn with a pure white coat and royal purple hair - fashionably curled at that. Her cutie mark consisted of three light blue diamonds. “You can do it Cloud!” she cheered before stopping to think. “Wait, Rainbow Dash is my friend!” she mulled. “Rainbow Dash! I, Rarity, ask that you win so as I can visit my dear Cloudy-woudy, its no good for him to travel away!” Rarity spouted self gratifyingly.
Cloud stared with his mouth agape in light of what Rarity had just said. If he had any reason to leave Ponyville, it had just made itself apparent. ‘Now I have no choice but to win.’ he thought to himself. Otherwise, he feared what that white unicorn may try to bring upon him next, his worst was being her dress-up model involving elaborate garbs. Worse yet, she would be his neighbor! His mind wandered to thoughts of escape. Not something he could easily do, mainly because the orange earth pony named Applejack held him with the aforementioned lasso. Instead he decided that maybe for once he could take his time and have a little fun. Besides, maybe if he actually goes through with this, they might let him leave.
Another pony, who was hopping around in a circle around the group, squealed with glee about the upcoming race. “A race! I love races! They sure aren't parties, but they are so EXCITING!” Her coat was bright pink, her mane and tail resembled that of chewed bubble gum. Her cutie mark was that of three balloons, due to her love of parties and making people smile. She put her fore-hooves out at her side and started to run around on her hinds. “First there is always somepony who takes a large lead,” she said in excitement, “but somepony always takes away that lead! and they keep swapping until-” at that moment she tripped and sprawled on the ground dramatically. Making explosion and screen sounds, she concluded, “There's a crash!” The crazy mare started laughing.
Cloud could not muster words, the display was more than he would have ever expected from anypony. His only thought was ‘what do you have to feed a pony to make them.... that?’ The pony he was referring to held a name called Pinkie Pie. A pony from what Cloud could gather, was always on full overdrive. He had to admit though that her antics did kind of make him want to partake in the upcoming race more than previously... besides the crash that was.
When Pinkie had made her over dramatic fall, a pegasus with a light pink mane and yellow fur jumped in alarm. “oh..... no!” She said, trembling a little. “That seems awful, what if they got hurt?” Fluttershy asked. She had gotten over the initial startling factor of Pinkies performance, but she now could only think of either Cloud or Rainbow Dash crashing. “What if they both crashed?!? It would be so scary to watch.”
The final pony walked up to Fluttershy, and tried to settle her down. “Oh Fluttershy, you have seen Rainbow in lots of races, how many has she ever crashed in?” The purple unicorn named Twilight asked.
“Shes... crashed a lot... actually” Fluttershy muttered, Twilight flinched, having only furthered Fluttershy's doubt.
“Either way, I do not see the harm in a little race. So long as both want to be in it.”Twilight said, smiling sweetly at Cloud. She felt a little bad about letting Cloud continue with this race. Rainbow Dash was the fastest flier in all of equestria... at least that's what she always said about herself. If Rainbow won, Cloud would be obligated to stay around, and twilight could teach him all about the magic of friendship. Celestia would be proud of her! She rubbed her hooves together as she thought over all the possible letters she would be sending Celestia over this.
Cloud, for the first time, smiled cockily. “All that needs to be set then is a time and a place.” He said as he brought one of his aeroblades, a golden sharpened edge fastened to his wing, down on the rope Applejack had previously ensnared him with.
Rainbow Dash’s pose became one of confidence. “Well, seeing as I spent all that time you have been resting and getting some tender loving care from Fluttershy, I have been setting up this daredevil of a course.” she commented proudly. “I think you should have.... say.... a day to get back into flight shape, unless you want to just pronounce me your aerial superior right now.”
Cloud open his wings and stretched them out to show their oddly above average length. “I will have to disagree. We fly tomorrow, unless you need to recuperate from setting up whatever is in store.” Everypony gasped at what Cloud had said. He had been bedridden for over a week! On the other hand, Rainbow has been keeping in shape and building muscle by setting it all up. What chance did he have?
This did not sit well with Rainbow. All optimism the cocky mare had was flushed, and instead is replaced with confusion. “Well then! Fine, let’s meet at the Ghastly Gorge!” She said before jumping into the air and hovering in front of Cloud. “Sunrise. Do not be late..... any of you!” she said before flying off in a rainbow blur. With that, they all went their separate ways, except Cloud and Twilight, who remained in the field.
Twilight looked over at Cloud, displeased. “Only a day to train? This is beyond reckless! You have until the morning tomorrow. ”
“I have it under control.” Cloud said.
“What about a place to stay!?” she snipped.
“Don't need one.” he replied “Never did, never will.“
Twilight put her hoof to her forehead. “Ugh, do you want to end up bedridden again?” That’s when something hit her. “Wait... you don’t mean to lose? Do you actually want to end up living here?”
Cloud scoffed. “Not a chance. I would go insane if i had to live in one place. And with you, trying to make me your friend.” He looked toward the sky before giving his wings a mighty flap, lifting him up. “I may have been down for a while, but that does not mean I am not still primed.” With that, he left twilight alone in the now-barren field.
⁂⁂⁂
The day had come, and passed, it was now the morning of the race. Cloud flew in, lead over by Rainbow Dash. Cloud surveyed the area. The gorge was a narrow crevice in the rock face. Flying it would be treacherous, which got Cloud to thinking... ‘maybe this would be a fight after all!’ As Cloud looked it over, he saw a strange glint and flew in. Large rings were set into the crevice side, kind of like flight training hoops, except slightly smaller. “Ah, I see! A race not just about speed. Very interesting.” He said to himself as he flew over to where Rainbow Dash had now been waiting with Twilight. “So its just us here then?” Cloud asked.
Twilight pointed over to a tower nearby overlooking the canyon. “Everyone is seated over there where they can have a good view. Its not as fun just waiting at the finish line.” She then cleared her throat. “Now Dash asked me to monitor this event. So I shall be going over the first event and its rules.”
“Wait!?” Cloud yelped, “first.... event? You mean there will be more than one?”
Rainbow Dash turned to Cloud, a fire set in her eyes. “Why? Can't handle multiple events?” She stood up tall and puffed out her chest. “I will have you know, I could do more events than anypony ever could!”
Cloud looked around Rainbow, who had jumped between him and Twilight. “Alright, so how many events are we talking about?”
Twilight nodded to cloud, to acknowledge his question. “There will be a total of five events focusing on different key attributes that top notch pegasi must exhibit...”
“Which I possess all of!” Dash said, cutting in.
Twilight shot Rainbow Dash a dirty glare and continued “... such as precision, power, control, acceleration, and speed. The first event focuses on precision.” Her horn glowed purple and a map appeared on the ground in front of them. “The challenge consists of flying through rings which have been tailored to be slightly too small for the average wingspan of pegasi.” She put her hoof down on the map. “This will be the start point of the race,” she scrolled her hoof over a long section of the map, “and this shall be the finish. In all the length will be one kilometer” Twilight's horn glowed again, a drawing of a small section of the course appeared beside the map. “Now as you can see from this, both racers will be making use of the same hoops. So the rules will be as follows; The leader of the race MUST fly through the rings. The person tailing does not. This is to allow for passing. You may not pass the leader over a ring they have yet to enter. If they have entered the ring, you may pass over, in becoming the leader, having taken the lead, you would then have to fly though the rings.”
Cloud nodded as they went over the rules. “Seems fair so far, and what about penalties?” He asked, knowing they were next.
“Penalties are given for the following; failure to pass through a ring, touching the ring itself, and touching the lead racer. Each will be given a time penalty allowing the other racer to get ahead.” Twilight looked at the two. “There will also be a penalty for a false start. That is all, so make your way over to the start and wait for the signal, which will be this banner dropping.” She said before making her way to the stands.
Rainbow Dash and Cloud flew over to where a long checkered banner hung. Two platforms stood side by side for both to take their starting stance upon. Rainbow Dash and Cloud took their positions, both focusing ahead. “I hope you are ready to taste tail!” Rainbow Dash said cockily to Cloud, swishing her tail as she said it.
Just as she finished, the starting banner started to glow purple, signifying the start of the race was just about to begin. Rainbow Dash jumped forward, to which a loud voice boomed from the stands “FALSE START!” A purple light engulfed Rainbow Dash, freezing her movement as if she had been frozen in time.
The banner dropped, but Cloud kept on his mark, keeping his eye on Rainbow Dash.
‘What is Cloud doing?’ Twilight thought, as she watched from the stands. ‘Now that would have been the best time for him to have taken his lead!’
Just as the magic around Rainbow started to fade, Cloud jumped. Taking the lead in the race he flew through the first hoop, but thanks to Cloud’s wait Dash was not far behind. Although the penalty only causes a 100 millisecond delay it would have still given Cloud a large starting lead.
As Cloud came up to the second ring he measured it as best he could by eye, adjusting his wingspan just enough that there was no room between them and the inner area of the ring. Unfortunately for Cloud he had a largely above average wingspan making these rings quite cramped for him. Even so he flew though. The first section was easy, straight with not much of a curve. Cloud kept his lead throughout this area,l which consisted of 10 more rings. Rainbow Dash found herself flying through the rings behind Cloud, thanks to how straight it was, there was no benefit to flying outside.
Upon reaching the last ring Cloud found that without warning there was a steep drop through a ring which he would have to pass vertically. He directed his wing downward, and rather than risk his wings pulling him off course he folded them tight, allowing him to drop like a stone through the hoop. Upon passing through he opened his wings again and curved his trajectory toward the next ring. The next ring was back on the same level that the rings were originally, so he timed his curve though the bottom ring to allow him to continue to the higher one, but was met by rainbow dash flying next to him when he passed through. She had foregone the drop and flew right to the next hoop to catch up, but still remained behind even though they were neck and neck, she had not officially passed him. ‘Clever.’ Cloud thought
The next hoop would take cloud toward a sharp right turn, which in turn made his path right through Rainbow Dash, but he could not cut across without taking on a penalty, and if she went through the next hoop she would then be considered in the lead. Cloud dropped his altitude, closed this right wing slightly and gave his left a strong flap before curving both wings around his body in a spiral. Rolling himself under Rainbow Dash without losing momentum. He expanded his wings to full extent as they reached the ring, Cloud made it through the ring. Clink! He looked back in horror, to see a notch was left in the ring on the left side, his maneuver, while impressive forced him to curve inward. His body was engulfed in purple magic.
⁂⁂⁂
Cloud sat looking down with a disappointed look on his face. Rainbow dash towered over him triumphantly. “Not everypony can have as much agility as I do!” she said digging her hooves in the ground in a show of victory.
Cloud squint his eyes. When twilight trotted her way over to the two cloud asked dryly “What is the next event?” Although he did not mean it, his voice snapped at her.
Twilight flinched at her reception. “Strength!” She replied. Pinkie and Rarity walked up beside Twilight, obviously wanting it to look well timed. “This event focuses on not only strength but speed while carrying excessive weight, being Pinkie Pie and Rarity”
Rarity stamped her hoof in protest. “I do not have any excessive weight! I will have you know I keep my figure lean and shapely” She turned her head up and away in displeasure.
Pinkie hopped around in excitement before snorting out a laugh. “We are going to ride you all the way there!” Pinkie hopped on over to Rainbow Dash and put a harness on her.
“What is this for?” She asked, “I thought we were just going to... put them on our backs.” Dash said in a confused tone.
Twilight nodded. “I thought that a harness with a net attached that a pony could ride in would cause less complications while flying. This way nopony blocks wing movement, do you not agree with that?”
“I guess,” Rainbow said in disappointment. “I thought it would be cooler if they hung on from out back, like a action packed book of Daring Doo”
Rarity thought over this for a second before jumping over onto Cloud’s back. “No way am i getting in a net!” She said as she primped her mane. “Crosshatched fur is sooo last century.” Cloud sighed, he feared that this would be his life going on if he lost this race. “Besides, I want my hero to look as heroic as possible, and that harness is just so, ech, industrial” Rarity continued before embracing Cloud tightly.
‘She is going to kill me i know it’ Cloud thought, as Rarity's act of endearment squeezed the wind out of him.
Twilight smiled pleasantly. ‘It is so nice to see Cloud warming up to everyone!’ She thought before continuing with her role. “This race will span ten kilometers, this will be to show that not only are you a strong flier, but you also have the endurance to continue using that strength.”
Cloud nodded, and like before asked about any penalties. Twilight nodded “The penalties are as follows; If you drop your ward, do not worry i will use my magic to stop their descent, but you must pick them up again, which will take time in itself. No attacking the other racers, that will result in disqualification. Finally, the race must take place in the gorge, not over. Is this all understood?” Twilight asked the two.
Cloud and Rainbow Dash nodded. Twilight informed them that they had ten minutes to prepare before making it to the new start line.
