Finding Homeby flanigomikChaptersProlougeChapter 1Chapter 2ProlougeThe forest path was unnaturally dim, even more so that what was the norm for the Everfree. Storm Charger's grey fur blended into the shadow, but his emerald eyes shone out past his mane like green bulbs. He wore no armor whatsoever, and his horn was longer than most, typical of a Lunar Guard. He moved another vine from his path, trying to get his bearings in this seemingly endless forest. He heard a twig snap. Storm's ears perked straight up, and he whirled around, the electric blue glow from his horn lighting up the path. "W-who goes there?" he asked. He heard a scream and what sounded like a filly running. Storm tilted his head, Searching or the source. "W-what? Hello?" he yelled, taking of after the sound. The sound kept moving, twigs snapping and leaves crunching. "Stop! I-I wont hurt you!" he said, beginning to pant. he heard the sound of something tripping. there was a loud crunch as it hit the ground. "H-hello?" Storm called out, looking for the pony. he saw a rainbow colored tail sticking up from a bush and he trotted over, carefully opening up the bush. "H-hello?" he parted the bushes finding a small filly laying unconscious with a cut on her forehead. Storm gasped in surprise, and lifted the little filly out of the bust with magic, laying her carefully on a log. "My L-Luna..." she was out cold and bleeding lightly. He took a clump of moss and secured it around her wound with a strand of grass, trying to wake her. she mumbled a bit but did not wake up. "Come on...." he mumbled, wiping some of the blood from her small face. she stirred a little. "Yes, that's it..." he said, letting a bit of magic into her to help her wake up. she awoke slowly and stared up at him her eyes full with fear. "It's alright, little one. I pose no threat." She screamed and tired to stand falling with what seems to be a broken leg. "S-stay still, you are hurt....." Storm advised, emerald eyes glowing. "We need to get you out of the forest." he saw the filly try, and fail to escape, collapsing. "I mean it, little one." Storm said, at least trying to sound soothing. "Where do you live?" The filly remained still as a stone, hiding behind her legs. "Listen...do I look like a creature meant to harm you?" he asked, hiding his fangs. "At least tell me your name, little one." "d- don't eat me! p- please!" the little mare pleaded. Storm couldn't help but laugh. "Eat you? Why would I ever do that?" "y- you are a- a everfree m- monster! d- don't hurt me..." she said trembling. Storm's ears drooped, slightly hurt from her words. "I-I am no monster......" "b- but you aren't a p- pegusi... o- or an earth pony..." "Im a unicorn......" Storm replied, slightly confused. "a- a wh- what?" the filly replied "A unicorn..... are you telling me you have never seen a unicorn before?" he asked. the filly shook her head nervously. "Strange...." "s- strange? w- what's w- wrong with y- your head?" Storm chuckled. "Nothing wrong. That's my horn, it lets me cast spells." "s- spells? a- are y- you a witch?" she asked in fear "Hardly. Just a unicorn, little one." he paused "I am just a pony like you...." "b- but... i- i have never s- seen a- anypony like you..." She trembled looking terrified. "Does being different make a pony dangerous, little one?" "i- it can... p- people a- are scared of me..." "Scared of you?" Storm asked, sitting on the loamy ground. "Why ever would ponies be scared of you?" "b- because i- i have wings... l- like the h- high class..." "the......high class?" Storm replied, clearly confused at this point. "Where....do you live, exactly?" "i- in the town... o- over there... what do you mean?" she replied looking equally as confused. "A town? In this part of the forest?" "the forest edge is over th- there. wh- what do you mean?" "I do not know of a town around here, on any map......my Luna...." Storm exclaimed, getting more curious by the second "wh- what? what d- does th- that mean?" "What does what mean, little one?" "L- Luna?" Storm's eyes widened, aghast. "You...do not know of the princess? What of Celestia, and Twilight, ring any bells?" "my mommy s- says that name sometimes.. T- Twilight?" "Yes, princess Twilight." Storm replied, slightly relieved. "Can...can you take me to the town?" "i- i can't walk... please don't tell my mommy..." she pleaded "I wont. Come on, i'll carry you." Storm said, levitating her onto his back. "Just show me the way, little one." She looked completely terrified to be in the air and not flying "o- ok... th- that way..." she said pointing in to the distance. Storm began to trot in that direction, careful to keep the ride comfortable. "You still have not told me your name." "A- Apple Crisp..." she replied, fear still in her voice. "A nice name. You may call me Storm Charger, or just Storm. It is a pleasure to meet you, Apple Crisp." "y- you too S- Storm... oww... my leg..." she said in pain. Storm looked her over, there was just something about her he could not place. "You know..... you look very much alike somepony I have seen before. In ponyville, perhaps." Storm said, slowing a bit for her leg. "I cannot put a name on them though." he said thoughtfully "Ponyvil?" she asked looking up at him like she knew the name but not it's meaning. "A small town, very cheery. Not a place for me, but still a good place to visit." he said. "o- oh... mommy used to say that a lot..." she paused "when we were little..." "Who was your mother? Was she from ponyville?" Storm asked, looking over his shoulder at her. "ummm...." she hesitated seeming timid. "why?" "She may be the pony I was thinking about.....Rainbow Gust or something along those lines." "Rainbow D- Dash?" she asked looking somewhat fearful of anyone who used to know her mother. Storms ears perked up. "Yes, her!" he exclaimed, then stopped, the realization hitting him. "Wait .... YOU are the daughter of Rainbow Dash?" "y- yes..." she coward a bit feeling small "h- how do y- you know my m- mommy?" "I was friends with Twilight for some time. They were friends, so I met her a few times." timidly she asked "u- um... ok... a- are you my daddy?" Storm's eyes widened. "N-no, of c-course not! Me and Rainbow w-where never close!" "oh..." she blushed a bit "i wish i had a daddy..." "You...do not know your father?" Storm replied, ears drooping as he continued along. "n- no... m- mommy won't talk about him... ponies make fun of me for it..." she said sadly "That is....terrible." Storm said quietly, moving a vine out of the way with magic. "I never knew my parents, myself...." "y- you didn't? wh- why?" "I am a....special breed of pony. When I was born, my parents left me in Luna's care. She is as close to a parent I have..." "a- are all unicorns like that?" she asked Storm chuckled. "Very few of the Guard are. I was a rare occurrence. Most of us are pegasi, like yourself." "o- oh... real pegasi?" Storm nodded. "Wings and all." "not the fake ones?" she asked "Fake ones? There is no way to fake that....beyond some very powerful magic, of course." "nooo.... it's really easy... i think... all the rich people have them... there are only a few real ones... like eight i think..." she said sounding unsure of herself. "Fake....wings?" Storm replied, noticing they were reaching the edge of the forest. "yeah... mommy says me and my sister are special... b- because w- we are real..." "How odd....." Storm mumbled to himself.."Are we almost there?". the trees began to thin and a small hill came into view. at the top seems to be a small house with a balloon on top. "over the hill..." Storm raised an eyebrow, and made his way up the hill. the farther he went, the bigger the house got but it didn't seem to be getting any closer. "What in the...." Storm breathed, still moving forward. they reached the top of the hill. below was a sprawling city, industry everywhere. Storm took it all in, there was a lot to see. pegusi flew about, this way and that moving cargo and running errands, the streets were full of ponies all going about their business. the buildings increased in size the farther up the valley they were until it was all mansions fixed to the opposite cliff face. right at the top was a dock like nothing Storm had seen before. four massive ships, suspended by blimps were docked, some taking on people, others offloading cargo. "In Luna's name...." Storm said, completely astounded, almost not believing what he was seeing. Chapter 1“What? Is something wrong?” The filly asked Storm who just sat there with his mouth open. "W- What is that? Is it some sort of magically floating castle?" He said, pointing at the airship shakily. "It's an airship..." She said looking at him like he was nuts. "What? Have you never seen one before?" "An... Airship? Like a boat in the air? Incredible..." He replied completely amazed. "Yeah... Quite normal" She replied getting a bit weirded out. "You said there were no unicorns... H- How does it fly?" "Duh... Big balloon?" "The balloon holds it up? Interesting...." Storm said, and began down the slope towards the town. "Yeah... They fly in and out of here all the time..." "Intriguing...." "How? It's pretty normal..." "Normal? I mean, hot air balloons are common in Equestria, but not anything of this... Immensity." "Really? That is pretty small for one..." "Small? Its huge!" He exclaimed. "Where are you from? They are just little mixed carriers! Two hundred ponies max!" "Two hundred!?!?" Storm replied, shocked. "Not even a train can carry that many ponies..." "Well yeah... Like you could get a train into this valley anyway..." "Not enough room for a track." Storm agreed, nearing the edge of town. "My house is over there" She said pointing in the direction of a large house on the side of the cliff about half way up. Storm nodded, and proceeded that way. As he entered town ponies stopped and just stared at him, some of them scowling at Apple Crisp who was trying to be small and conceal her rainbow hair as much as possible. Storm noticed how scared she was, and kept walking, giving some of the ponies looks. There was a small group of about five earth ponies playing in the street. They stared at storm looking fearful. As he approached they turned tail and ran off screaming. Storms ears drooped, but he kept walking towards the house. He finally managed to get away from all the ponies, escaping into an area with mostly larger houses and wealthier families. "They hate me..." She breathed once they were clear "They are just blind. Nopony should hate you..." Storm said trying to comfort. "I was born into everything I have... Because I am a Pegasus..." "Discrimination... How is this Equestria?" He murmured, nearing her house. "There are only eight... And three are in my family... My mommy can't fly anymore though..." "Rainbow cannot fly? A terrible thing to happen to her." Storm replied, starting up the stairs that led up the cliff face. "Maybe that's why they don't like me... Because of my mommy's wings..." "That is no reason to be hated, Apple..." Storm said, reaching a large gate. The gate was guarded by a pony sitting in the gatehouse. "Stop. Whahhh What are you?" He asked looking over Storm. "I am Storm Charger, of the Lunar Guard. Let me pass at once." He said firmly. "Not what I meant... What happened to your head?" Storm sighed. "I am a unicorn. Now, please, this filly needs help, let me pass." "We don't just let anyone in here. The master won't allow it. Strangers scare the mistress. especially males..." He said seeming distracted by your presence. Storm glared at him with his catlike eyes. "You do not understand the need of the situation." "The little maiden can come in, She lives here. You must speak to the master." "Then take me to them" He said getting annoyed. The guard sighed "I'll send a message. You can wait here." A small bird flew out towards the house. Storm sighed in exasperation, looking worriedly back at the injured filly. "Sorry... Ponies don't normally get let up here." "Apology not required. And please, refrain from staring at my horn." He said. A while later a brown maned earth pony approached the gate from the house. "Who is there?" He asked. "My name is Storm. I have a filly here who lives here, and is injured..." He sighed shaking his head "What did you do this time Apple Crisp?" "It was not her fault. I startled her. Her leg is broken..." "Great. You know what your mother is going to do when she finds out?" He groaned pushing a hoof to his head. "I- I'm sorry!" The little filly shouted. "Just help her, stallion!" "Sorry... My name is Doctor Monocles, I am the master of the house." he said "A pleasure. Now, can we please tend to Apple?" Storm replied trying to get his point across. "Hold on. I can't let you in here just yet. I need a recording of your voice." "Hurry up then!" The doctor produced a small device "Okay... Speak normally and say your name." "Storm Charger" he said, eyebrow raised. "Okay. I'll be back in a minute." As he turned Storm caught sight of what seemed to be metallic wings on his sides. Storm's eyes widened in surprise. "Fake wings." He said to himself, astounded. The doctor continued into the house vanishing from view leaving him alone with the gate keeper and filly. He stayed quite, waiting. After a few long moments he returned followed by an extremely timid looking cyan blue mare. He looked her over, green eyes glimmering. She seemed to be looking in his general direction, her eyes were glazed and faded. Her mane and tail were quite jagged, cut off at various lengths as if she had gotten them stuck in something. "R-Rainbow...?" He asked. She stopped in place. "Y- Yes?" "W-what in Equestria happened t-to you...?" He asked astounded. "Shhh... Not now..." He whispered tilting his head towards Apple Crisp. "H- How do you know me?" She asked timidly. "You don't remember me? We met, in Ponyville." Storm could see the cogs in her head turning and she gasped. He kept the little filly out of sight, managing a small smile. "H- How did you get here?" She asked her mood hard to read. "I... Saw the town from Everfree." He half lied. The battered mare shivered noticeably sound of that name "Wh- Why were you th- there?" Storm suddenly looked very morose. "B-banishment....." "Wh- What? Why?" "I.... That's unimportant r-right now." He said lowering his head. She looked like she was hit by a tonne of bricks "I was hoping you could take me home." "Can I..." The doctor interrupted. "Yeah, let him in." Rainbow said sounding somewhat down. The gate keeper opened the gate and Storm stepped in. "I cannot go back to ponyville, Rainbow." She turned and started back towards the house. As she did so Storm caught a good look of her wings, they were badly mangled, broken off at odd angles the remaining 80% made of metal and stained a silvery blue. Storm suppressed a gasp, and followed her, Apple Crisp still on his back. As they passed the front door the filly jumped off almost silently. "Don't you dare Apple Crisp... You are in BIG trouble..." She started too many emotions in her voice to trace. Storm couldn't help but chuckle. "Busted." The filly lowered her head "Okay mom..." And started limping after her. "You think I wouldn't notice you gone for a day and a half?" She almost yelled exasperatedly. Storm stood off to the side, letting the two have there time. "Mommy... I- I'm sorry!" She said starting to cry a bit. "I have been worried sick about you!" She said hugging her daughter. "What happened to your leg?!" "N- Nothing..." She lied. "She broke her leg" Storm butted in still trying to get her taken care of. "You broke your leg! Are you okay? What happened?" "S- Storm found me in the f- forest." She squeaked quietly. Storm cleared his throat. "I... startled her. She ran, and tripped." Rainbow seemed to have something else on her mind "What forest? What forest were you in?!" "Th- The one you told me not to g- go into." "I- I could have lost you! You are so grounded." She said suddenly hugging her daughter. Storm backed away again, suddenly feeling like he did not belong here. "I... I should go." "No!" She paused, collecting herself. "Stay here... I- I wanna have a friend." "A... Friend? I would love to stay. B- But it is clear the ponies of this town do not wish me to be here." "Pff. Whatever. The Doctor will take you. Just because you are different. Just stay, please?" "I... I suppose I can stay." Storm replied, managing a smile. "Someone for me to talk to anyway. I never get out of here." "That must be tough, Rainbow." She sighed. "follow me." She handed off Apple Crisp to the doctor. "Take care of her for me alright?" She said continuing on with a limp. Storm followed, still trying to grab hold of this strange situation. She lead him into a room which looked like a private hospital room complete with bed. Storm looked around, catlike eyes soaking in his surroundings. "Interesting place." She sat on the bed looking depressed, her body scared. "Rainbow. What happened t- to you? You look like you have been through h- hell..." "That's putting it a bit right" She said letting out a breath "You want me to tell you?" Storm nodded. "I am trained to listen." She sighed again "Well... I- I was kidnapped." "Kidnapped? By w-whom?" "I- I have no idea... Ponies... I have no idea who... They blinded me..." "In the forest?" "No. But they dumped me to die there." "To... Die?" Storm replied, quietly. "How... How did you end up here, in this s- strange place?" "I wandered, fell into a river, And then over a waterfall... I died in surgery... The Doctor kept bringing me back... He found me, half drowned, at the bottom of the waterfall..." "Wow..." Storm said, unsure of what to say. Storm could see tears in her eyes "You know what the worst part is?" "What...?" "I am still blind. I have never seen my babies." Storm's eyes widened, and he gasped in a mixture of surprise and sadness. "That is..." He said quietly, unable to finish his sentence. "Horrible. The doctor says it may be fixable... But nobody has anything close to fine enough to even try scraping a layer off my eyes without destroying them more." "Maybe... N- No, never mind. A bad idea." "wh- what? Maybe what?" "I... know a spell, used for s- sharpening blades... It is p-possible it could work on your eyes, if I can get the f- finesse right..." "P- Please? C- Can you try?" "I shouldn't. I could hurt you." "Please?" Storm nodded slowly. "B-but I must warn you... If I slip, I could permanently damage your eye..." "Currently blind with the chance to become blind?" She stated to make a point. Storm nodded. "Just keep your eyes completely still... This may tickle." He said, as his horn began to glow a soft blue. She sat as still as death. Her eyes became coated in the same glow, as the spell disintegrated the malignant layer, slowly but steadily. Chapter 2The process took almost a hour, Rainbow perfectly still the entire time. Storm stopped the spell. "Did... Did it work?" She closed her eyes, now in quite a bit of pain "o- ow... I- I don't know..." "Give them a bit of a break, if you saw even just light, its progress." "Ow... It huuuurts." She said burying her face in her pillow. "It will for a bit." He said putting a hoof on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. "T- Thank you S- Storm Chaser... F- For trying." "I- It must have worked... Y- Your eyes are just adjusting, is a-all." "owww... Y- You sure?" He managed a small smile. "I-I know it worked." She whimpered, curling up into a ball. He gave her a sad look. "I'm glad I could at least help a bit..." "M- Me too... Th- Thanks Storm." "Can you... Try opening your eyes again? Just look at me." She opened her eyes slowly and immediately slammed them shut again. "it's too bright!" "Here" He said closing the blinds making the room much darker "How is it now?" "S- Still..." She whimpered with tears flooding her eyes. "damn tears... cut it out." He hung blankets over the blinds, shrouding the room completely in darkness, the soft glow from his horn illuminating the pair. He wiped some if the tears from her face. "once more" She opened them slowly. "Nothing, just blackness" She said sadly "h- hang on..." Storm watched quietly, emerald eyes glowing softly. He was suddenly slammed over on his back, held to the grown. before he could react he was locked in a thousand hugs and kisses. Storm Gasped "I- I'm assuming i-it worked?" She let go of him absolutely shaking in tears. "THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!" She cried, drowning him in kisses again. He flinched back, blushing hard. "It was no problem, really... least I could do." "Y- You don't know Wh- What it means to me... R- Really..." He put a hoof on her shoulder. "A- And don't you DARE even think about owing me back. Just d- doing my duty to Equestria." He said still pinned under her. "Do y- you know how long it has been? S- Since I have seen anything? A- And you want nothing?" she asked, tears flowing sounding completely blown away. He shook his head. "please, nothing at all. It is enough knowing I made somepony happy..." He smiled. "Now, don't you want to see your fillies for the first time?" She almost flew to the door, slamming it open and dropping to her knees. "O- Oww! My eyes... It's so bright!" He Smiled. "It would probably be better if we brought them in here for the moment." He said closing the door again. "Th- Thank you..." She said retreading back to the bed. "Can you get them? Please?" "Where would they be?" She sighed. "I can lead you I guess." "Did we not just try that?" "I- I can do it! Just... Just blindfold me." "You sure?" She sighed. "yeah. follow me." she said closing her eyes. She started out the door, walking down the hall blindly but expertly. She lead him this way and that for about five minute hissing in pain here and there sneaking peaks at the world. She stopped. "O- Okay. I think I got it" she said, opening her eyes looking strained. She looked around at everything. "I- It's so beautiful!" Storm was pulled into another kiss being pushes against the wall. He could see a bewildered child behind Rainbow. "M- Mommy? Wh- Who is this?" The filly asked. He pushed her off. "M- My name is Storm, little one." "Wh- Why are you kissing m- my mommy?" "I- I..." He took an awkward step away from Rainbow who was just staring at the child. "S- She was just t- thanking me..." "Th- This is my other d- da-" She started babbling and sobbing, hugging the confused filly" "M- Mommy? A- Are you okay?" She said sounding legitimately worried. "She... S- She can see, now..." "Wh- What do you mean? Mommy could always see... Right? Storm looked over at Rainbow who was still eye groping her daughter. "You... You know what blind means right?" He asked "You can't see." she paused and made a horrified face. "Mommy is blind all the time?!" "Apple Crumble... G- Go find your sister please..." she finally said "O- Okay mommy..." "Okay. Hurry along." She smiled. "I'll wait here." Storm stood where he was and watched the confused filly ran off, still looking completely out of place. Rainbow hugged him again. "They are so beautiful..." "I... I concur. They are... lovable." "I love you..." She suddenly went a flaming red. "I- I mean... Um Th- That umm..." she trailed off babbling like an idiot. He blushed back, completely unsure what to say, ears drooped. "S- Sorry... Ummm... Th- Thanks..." Rainbow fumbled "N- No problem, like I said, Rainbow..." He replied back awkwardly. "Mommy? Are you okay? You are all red..." Apple Crumble asked returning with her sister. Storm chucked a bit. Rainbow teared up "M- My girls... Y- You are so pretty..." "Um mom? Are you okay?" Apple Crisp asked. "She was blind all the time!" Apple Crumble blurted out. Her sister just stared at her and Storm chuckled a bit. "Storm fixed my eyes. I can see now..." She said tearing up. "G- Give me a hug." She almost demanded, the two fillies coming close looking quite weirded out. Storm smiled, eyes gleaming, as he stepped off to the side, not wanting to ruin the moment. She released them after a long wait both children looking somewhat broken as if they didn't know what to do. "Thank you so much Storm... Anything... Anything you ever want..." She trailed off. "I already told you... I do not need anything in return. I do not have any wants, beyond doing what is right." He spoke. "Come on... There has to be something... How about a home?" She offered His eyes widened a bit. "A- A home? I live in the forest" He protested. She cringed at the word almost like it was a swear, her still present children looking like you just stabbed her. "N- No... Stay here... Please..." "I... I am not welcome h- here... Those foals in the town, T- They were scared of me... So was Apple Crisp..." "Pff... Can't be worse than anything I get." She replied giving the filly a glare. "C- C- Can we g- g- go mommy?" Apple Crisp asked nervously. "Yes girls, go and play." She said and the both bolted "try not to hurt your leg Apple Crisp!" She called after the limping filly. She turned back to Storm, dead set on keeping him here. "Come on... please?" "I... W- Would the doctor mind?" He asked. As if on que he walked up wearing a smirk. "Of coarse not... Although I do not have an extra room... He would have to share with you or your kids would have to share a room again" "It is quite alright... I- I can sleep outside. I like the view o- of the stars..." "Mine is plenty big enough!" she blurted out before she could stop herself earning a look from all present. "R- Rainbow... its fine..." "Y- Yeah." she paused blushing hard. "there is an observatory upstairs if you would like." She suggested. "Good idea Rainbow. I could have a sleeping roll brought up there for you Storm." The doctor added. "I... I suppose I could stay, then..." "Okay... Thanks... Really..." She said looking anywhere but the two of them. "what were you laughing at before?" She asked changing the subject. "Heh, the girls ran up to me screaming that some strange pony was in the house kissing and brain washing their mother" "Those little..." Rainbow started turning the darkest red she can go. "Rainbow... Your eyes." He said coming in close to look at them. "He fixed them, H- He d- did it..." She smiled trying her hardest to not break down again. Storm nodded. "It was a simple spell, really... Most unicorns could have done it." "If there were any other unicorns..." The doctor replied drawing close to Rainbow. "I... How are there no unicorns in this strange town? A- And whats with the flying boat?" "I have never seen one. The doctor says they are pretty common tough... The boats that is..." Rainbow said, standing still as Monocles poked about her face. "I... This place is so different." "Well you made it new to me too." She replied pushing off the doctor. Storm sighed "And t- then there is the... Mechanical wings." "Yeeeaaahh... That one is a little weird for me... I wouldn't let the doctor take mine off." "I mean, the technology is far beyond what I know..." "Hang on..." She slowly let her wings out with a metal on metal sound like a sword unsheathing. He examined them closely. "Wow." She looked back at the half organic half metal recreation, only now getting to see them for the first time. "wow" She paused looking for more to say. "wow." "How... The workmanship is incredible! And the technology. Far beyond what I know." He looked over at the doctor. "Is this your invention?" "Weeelll..." He started "I had a pretty great assistant. I reverse engineered mine from hers, Then started creating them for others." "Interesting." He started. "How are they powered? Magic?" He asked gesturing at his wings. "No, I had a good look at Rainbows wings when I was fixing them. Hers are assisted by special magic glands. but it turns out earth ponies have the same muscles in that area, it just takes a little training and brain mapping is all. although, we do get tired a lot quicker without the magic." "Incredible" He breathed, trying to take it all in. "I could make you a pair if you would like." "A pair... of wings? Oh no, that's alright, the last thing Equestria needs is an adhoc Alicorn!" He laughed. "And what would they need to know about it?" Rainbow asked. "There are other winged unicorns?" Storm just stared at him blankly then remembered they didn't know about the Alicorns here. "yeah... You know, on second thought, lets do it." "Great! I need to take some measurements then." Storm nodded slowly "Measure away, Doctor." "Heh... Later... We have some things to show Rainbow." "Good idea" He smiled. "I want to see the city, You have told me so much doctor, but I want to see it." Storm's ears drooped a bit and she looked over at him. "What? Is something wrong?" she asked concerned. "I... Don't want to back out there... I'm a monster to them..." "And I am the old hag on the hill... So what? Who cares what they think? I have lived just over nine years here now... You'll get over it" Storm gulped, then nodded "lets go." Comment with the word 'cheese' if you found this. "At least this time I wont be guided around by a rope." She looked over and could see Storm nodding sadly. "What are you all sad about? Life is good again." He smiled a bit "Nothing at all." He paused "lets go" He breathed starting for the door. "Something is eating you... What is it?" "Its..." He paused a long time. "Nothing, really" He finished, exiting the house. "Come on, I have been blind for over ten years, I know how to tell when someone is upset." "Look, I can assure you, nothing new, beyond the normal, is affecting me." "Well then what is the old thing bugging you?" She demanded. "I was... Banished, some time ago." He reluctantly told her. "F- For what? I told you my story... Or part of it anyway" "It was a spell... I couldn't cast it, but... Something, got into me. I cast the spell..." He sighs shakily "But with shadow magic." "Oh." She said not fully understanding the significance. "Well... Why did you get banished?" "Because, for a while, I could not stop. I completely lost control. A- And even tried to attack t-the princess..." He said with his head lowered. "Well... You found me, is that worth anything?" She asked, trying to be supportive. "M- More than you know, Rainbow." They headed to the edge of the cliff the house sat on where a railing that looks out of place is. Storm looked down, hooves on the railing, eyeing the city. "The doctor built this railing for me" She Spoke. He looked up at her. " Well, it was probably a good idea at the time." He looked down again, watching the town's ponies going about their business, some flying about with a metallic glint. "A bustling town, but stranger than any dream." He observed, scanning his surroundings with his emerald eyes. "wow... it's so beautiful" Rainbow said. "And mysterious..." Storm added. As he looked over at her he could see her looking back and forth at her metallic wings and cliff and they slowly unfold. He could see a bad idea coming a mile off. "R- Rainbow... I don't think that is the smartest thing." He said nervously. She slowly unfolded them and crouched down, Storm could see the fear in her eyes. "Rainbow, I urge you not to!" He took a step towards her, watching as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Rainbow Don't!" He watched in horror as Rainbow jumped the railing and began to fall, wings now pressed to her sides in the wind. "N- No!" He rushed to the edge, leaning over the railing, unable to help her now. He could hear ponies screaming, Rainbow fell farther and farther opening her wings less than a dozen feet above the roof tops. She went screaming into the air moving so fast Storm could actually hear it. There was a mach cone forming around here. "What the... I- Is that... Rainbow?" The doctor asked approaching off to his left. Storm nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Rainbow Dash is back, Doctor" "She has never flown on those wings! they could give out... what is she doing?!" He asked as the cone around her began to sharpen. "Your about to see how I met her, Doctor." He said watching her "I highly recommend you cover your ears." "Wait what? What is she doing?!" he demanded as the cone reached its sharpest point. "A Sonic Rainboom." He Grinned. "Welcome back, Rainbow." The cone gave way and there was a huge explosion of color. Things tremble and some windows shatter. Rainbow seems to be having a hard time controlling herself. Storm's eyes went wide "S- She is losing control!" "Oh boy... This can't end well." Storm desperately looked for a way to help, before he had time to do anything she came in at high speed hitting the ground hard and cartwheeling to a stop. Storm was frozen. The doctor reached her first. "R- Rainbow? you okay?" She was unresponsive on the ground.
ProlougeThe forest path was unnaturally dim, even more so that what was the norm for the Everfree. Storm Charger's grey fur blended into the shadow, but his emerald eyes shone out past his mane like green bulbs. He wore no armor whatsoever, and his horn was longer than most, typical of a Lunar Guard. He moved another vine from his path, trying to get his bearings in this seemingly endless forest. He heard a twig snap. Storm's ears perked straight up, and he whirled around, the electric blue glow from his horn lighting up the path. "W-who goes there?" he asked. He heard a scream and what sounded like a filly running. Storm tilted his head, Searching or the source. "W-what? Hello?" he yelled, taking of after the sound. The sound kept moving, twigs snapping and leaves crunching. "Stop! I-I wont hurt you!" he said, beginning to pant. he heard the sound of something tripping. there was a loud crunch as it hit the ground. "H-hello?" Storm called out, looking for the pony. he saw a rainbow colored tail sticking up from a bush and he trotted over, carefully opening up the bush. "H-hello?" he parted the bushes finding a small filly laying unconscious with a cut on her forehead. Storm gasped in surprise, and lifted the little filly out of the bust with magic, laying her carefully on a log. "My L-Luna..." she was out cold and bleeding lightly. He took a clump of moss and secured it around her wound with a strand of grass, trying to wake her. she mumbled a bit but did not wake up. "Come on...." he mumbled, wiping some of the blood from her small face. she stirred a little. "Yes, that's it..." he said, letting a bit of magic into her to help her wake up. she awoke slowly and stared up at him her eyes full with fear. "It's alright, little one. I pose no threat." She screamed and tired to stand falling with what seems to be a broken leg. "S-stay still, you are hurt....." Storm advised, emerald eyes glowing. "We need to get you out of the forest." he saw the filly try, and fail to escape, collapsing. "I mean it, little one." Storm said, at least trying to sound soothing. "Where do you live?" The filly remained still as a stone, hiding behind her legs. "Listen...do I look like a creature meant to harm you?" he asked, hiding his fangs. "At least tell me your name, little one." "d- don't eat me! p- please!" the little mare pleaded. Storm couldn't help but laugh. "Eat you? Why would I ever do that?" "y- you are a- a everfree m- monster! d- don't hurt me..." she said trembling. Storm's ears drooped, slightly hurt from her words. "I-I am no monster......" "b- but you aren't a p- pegusi... o- or an earth pony..." "Im a unicorn......" Storm replied, slightly confused. "a- a wh- what?" the filly replied "A unicorn..... are you telling me you have never seen a unicorn before?" he asked. the filly shook her head nervously. "Strange...." "s- strange? w- what's w- wrong with y- your head?" Storm chuckled. "Nothing wrong. That's my horn, it lets me cast spells." "s- spells? a- are y- you a witch?" she asked in fear "Hardly. Just a unicorn, little one." he paused "I am just a pony like you...." "b- but... i- i have never s- seen a- anypony like you..." She trembled looking terrified. "Does being different make a pony dangerous, little one?" "i- it can... p- people a- are scared of me..." "Scared of you?" Storm asked, sitting on the loamy ground. "Why ever would ponies be scared of you?" "b- because i- i have wings... l- like the h- high class..." "the......high class?" Storm replied, clearly confused at this point. "Where....do you live, exactly?" "i- in the town... o- over there... what do you mean?" she replied looking equally as confused. "A town? In this part of the forest?" "the forest edge is over th- there. wh- what do you mean?" "I do not know of a town around here, on any map......my Luna...." Storm exclaimed, getting more curious by the second "wh- what? what d- does th- that mean?" "What does what mean, little one?" "L- Luna?" Storm's eyes widened, aghast. "You...do not know of the princess? What of Celestia, and Twilight, ring any bells?" "my mommy s- says that name sometimes.. T- Twilight?" "Yes, princess Twilight." Storm replied, slightly relieved. "Can...can you take me to the town?" "i- i can't walk... please don't tell my mommy..." she pleaded "I wont. Come on, i'll carry you." Storm said, levitating her onto his back. "Just show me the way, little one." She looked completely terrified to be in the air and not flying "o- ok... th- that way..." she said pointing in to the distance. Storm began to trot in that direction, careful to keep the ride comfortable. "You still have not told me your name." "A- Apple Crisp..." she replied, fear still in her voice. "A nice name. You may call me Storm Charger, or just Storm. It is a pleasure to meet you, Apple Crisp." "y- you too S- Storm... oww... my leg..." she said in pain. Storm looked her over, there was just something about her he could not place. "You know..... you look very much alike somepony I have seen before. In ponyville, perhaps." Storm said, slowing a bit for her leg. "I cannot put a name on them though." he said thoughtfully "Ponyvil?" she asked looking up at him like she knew the name but not it's meaning. "A small town, very cheery. Not a place for me, but still a good place to visit." he said. "o- oh... mommy used to say that a lot..." she paused "when we were little..." "Who was your mother? Was she from ponyville?" Storm asked, looking over his shoulder at her. "ummm...." she hesitated seeming timid. "why?" "She may be the pony I was thinking about.....Rainbow Gust or something along those lines." "Rainbow D- Dash?" she asked looking somewhat fearful of anyone who used to know her mother. Storms ears perked up. "Yes, her!" he exclaimed, then stopped, the realization hitting him. "Wait .... YOU are the daughter of Rainbow Dash?" "y- yes..." she coward a bit feeling small "h- how do y- you know my m- mommy?" "I was friends with Twilight for some time. They were friends, so I met her a few times." timidly she asked "u- um... ok... a- are you my daddy?" Storm's eyes widened. "N-no, of c-course not! Me and Rainbow w-where never close!" "oh..." she blushed a bit "i wish i had a daddy..." "You...do not know your father?" Storm replied, ears drooping as he continued along. "n- no... m- mommy won't talk about him... ponies make fun of me for it..." she said sadly "That is....terrible." Storm said quietly, moving a vine out of the way with magic. "I never knew my parents, myself...." "y- you didn't? wh- why?" "I am a....special breed of pony. When I was born, my parents left me in Luna's care. She is as close to a parent I have..." "a- are all unicorns like that?" she asked Storm chuckled. "Very few of the Guard are. I was a rare occurrence. Most of us are pegasi, like yourself." "o- oh... real pegasi?" Storm nodded. "Wings and all." "not the fake ones?" she asked "Fake ones? There is no way to fake that....beyond some very powerful magic, of course." "nooo.... it's really easy... i think... all the rich people have them... there are only a few real ones... like eight i think..." she said sounding unsure of herself. "Fake....wings?" Storm replied, noticing they were reaching the edge of the forest. "yeah... mommy says me and my sister are special... b- because w- we are real..." "How odd....." Storm mumbled to himself.."Are we almost there?". the trees began to thin and a small hill came into view. at the top seems to be a small house with a balloon on top. "over the hill..." Storm raised an eyebrow, and made his way up the hill. the farther he went, the bigger the house got but it didn't seem to be getting any closer. "What in the...." Storm breathed, still moving forward. they reached the top of the hill. below was a sprawling city, industry everywhere. Storm took it all in, there was a lot to see. pegusi flew about, this way and that moving cargo and running errands, the streets were full of ponies all going about their business. the buildings increased in size the farther up the valley they were until it was all mansions fixed to the opposite cliff face. right at the top was a dock like nothing Storm had seen before. four massive ships, suspended by blimps were docked, some taking on people, others offloading cargo. "In Luna's name...." Storm said, completely astounded, almost not believing what he was seeing.
Chapter 1“What? Is something wrong?” The filly asked Storm who just sat there with his mouth open. "W- What is that? Is it some sort of magically floating castle?" He said, pointing at the airship shakily. "It's an airship..." She said looking at him like he was nuts. "What? Have you never seen one before?" "An... Airship? Like a boat in the air? Incredible..." He replied completely amazed. "Yeah... Quite normal" She replied getting a bit weirded out. "You said there were no unicorns... H- How does it fly?" "Duh... Big balloon?" "The balloon holds it up? Interesting...." Storm said, and began down the slope towards the town. "Yeah... They fly in and out of here all the time..." "Intriguing...." "How? It's pretty normal..." "Normal? I mean, hot air balloons are common in Equestria, but not anything of this... Immensity." "Really? That is pretty small for one..." "Small? Its huge!" He exclaimed. "Where are you from? They are just little mixed carriers! Two hundred ponies max!" "Two hundred!?!?" Storm replied, shocked. "Not even a train can carry that many ponies..." "Well yeah... Like you could get a train into this valley anyway..." "Not enough room for a track." Storm agreed, nearing the edge of town. "My house is over there" She said pointing in the direction of a large house on the side of the cliff about half way up. Storm nodded, and proceeded that way. As he entered town ponies stopped and just stared at him, some of them scowling at Apple Crisp who was trying to be small and conceal her rainbow hair as much as possible. Storm noticed how scared she was, and kept walking, giving some of the ponies looks. There was a small group of about five earth ponies playing in the street. They stared at storm looking fearful. As he approached they turned tail and ran off screaming. Storms ears drooped, but he kept walking towards the house. He finally managed to get away from all the ponies, escaping into an area with mostly larger houses and wealthier families. "They hate me..." She breathed once they were clear "They are just blind. Nopony should hate you..." Storm said trying to comfort. "I was born into everything I have... Because I am a Pegasus..." "Discrimination... How is this Equestria?" He murmured, nearing her house. "There are only eight... And three are in my family... My mommy can't fly anymore though..." "Rainbow cannot fly? A terrible thing to happen to her." Storm replied, starting up the stairs that led up the cliff face. "Maybe that's why they don't like me... Because of my mommy's wings..." "That is no reason to be hated, Apple..." Storm said, reaching a large gate. The gate was guarded by a pony sitting in the gatehouse. "Stop. Whahhh What are you?" He asked looking over Storm. "I am Storm Charger, of the Lunar Guard. Let me pass at once." He said firmly. "Not what I meant... What happened to your head?" Storm sighed. "I am a unicorn. Now, please, this filly needs help, let me pass." "We don't just let anyone in here. The master won't allow it. Strangers scare the mistress. especially males..." He said seeming distracted by your presence. Storm glared at him with his catlike eyes. "You do not understand the need of the situation." "The little maiden can come in, She lives here. You must speak to the master." "Then take me to them" He said getting annoyed. The guard sighed "I'll send a message. You can wait here." A small bird flew out towards the house. Storm sighed in exasperation, looking worriedly back at the injured filly. "Sorry... Ponies don't normally get let up here." "Apology not required. And please, refrain from staring at my horn." He said. A while later a brown maned earth pony approached the gate from the house. "Who is there?" He asked. "My name is Storm. I have a filly here who lives here, and is injured..." He sighed shaking his head "What did you do this time Apple Crisp?" "It was not her fault. I startled her. Her leg is broken..." "Great. You know what your mother is going to do when she finds out?" He groaned pushing a hoof to his head. "I- I'm sorry!" The little filly shouted. "Just help her, stallion!" "Sorry... My name is Doctor Monocles, I am the master of the house." he said "A pleasure. Now, can we please tend to Apple?" Storm replied trying to get his point across. "Hold on. I can't let you in here just yet. I need a recording of your voice." "Hurry up then!" The doctor produced a small device "Okay... Speak normally and say your name." "Storm Charger" he said, eyebrow raised. "Okay. I'll be back in a minute." As he turned Storm caught sight of what seemed to be metallic wings on his sides. Storm's eyes widened in surprise. "Fake wings." He said to himself, astounded. The doctor continued into the house vanishing from view leaving him alone with the gate keeper and filly. He stayed quite, waiting. After a few long moments he returned followed by an extremely timid looking cyan blue mare. He looked her over, green eyes glimmering. She seemed to be looking in his general direction, her eyes were glazed and faded. Her mane and tail were quite jagged, cut off at various lengths as if she had gotten them stuck in something. "R-Rainbow...?" He asked. She stopped in place. "Y- Yes?" "W-what in Equestria happened t-to you...?" He asked astounded. "Shhh... Not now..." He whispered tilting his head towards Apple Crisp. "H- How do you know me?" She asked timidly. "You don't remember me? We met, in Ponyville." Storm could see the cogs in her head turning and she gasped. He kept the little filly out of sight, managing a small smile. "H- How did you get here?" She asked her mood hard to read. "I... Saw the town from Everfree." He half lied. The battered mare shivered noticeably sound of that name "Wh- Why were you th- there?" Storm suddenly looked very morose. "B-banishment....." "Wh- What? Why?" "I.... That's unimportant r-right now." He said lowering his head. She looked like she was hit by a tonne of bricks "I was hoping you could take me home." "Can I..." The doctor interrupted. "Yeah, let him in." Rainbow said sounding somewhat down. The gate keeper opened the gate and Storm stepped in. "I cannot go back to ponyville, Rainbow." She turned and started back towards the house. As she did so Storm caught a good look of her wings, they were badly mangled, broken off at odd angles the remaining 80% made of metal and stained a silvery blue. Storm suppressed a gasp, and followed her, Apple Crisp still on his back. As they passed the front door the filly jumped off almost silently. "Don't you dare Apple Crisp... You are in BIG trouble..." She started too many emotions in her voice to trace. Storm couldn't help but chuckle. "Busted." The filly lowered her head "Okay mom..." And started limping after her. "You think I wouldn't notice you gone for a day and a half?" She almost yelled exasperatedly. Storm stood off to the side, letting the two have there time. "Mommy... I- I'm sorry!" She said starting to cry a bit. "I have been worried sick about you!" She said hugging her daughter. "What happened to your leg?!" "N- Nothing..." She lied. "She broke her leg" Storm butted in still trying to get her taken care of. "You broke your leg! Are you okay? What happened?" "S- Storm found me in the f- forest." She squeaked quietly. Storm cleared his throat. "I... startled her. She ran, and tripped." Rainbow seemed to have something else on her mind "What forest? What forest were you in?!" "Th- The one you told me not to g- go into." "I- I could have lost you! You are so grounded." She said suddenly hugging her daughter. Storm backed away again, suddenly feeling like he did not belong here. "I... I should go." "No!" She paused, collecting herself. "Stay here... I- I wanna have a friend." "A... Friend? I would love to stay. B- But it is clear the ponies of this town do not wish me to be here." "Pff. Whatever. The Doctor will take you. Just because you are different. Just stay, please?" "I... I suppose I can stay." Storm replied, managing a smile. "Someone for me to talk to anyway. I never get out of here." "That must be tough, Rainbow." She sighed. "follow me." She handed off Apple Crisp to the doctor. "Take care of her for me alright?" She said continuing on with a limp. Storm followed, still trying to grab hold of this strange situation. She lead him into a room which looked like a private hospital room complete with bed. Storm looked around, catlike eyes soaking in his surroundings. "Interesting place." She sat on the bed looking depressed, her body scared. "Rainbow. What happened t- to you? You look like you have been through h- hell..." "That's putting it a bit right" She said letting out a breath "You want me to tell you?" Storm nodded. "I am trained to listen." She sighed again "Well... I- I was kidnapped." "Kidnapped? By w-whom?" "I- I have no idea... Ponies... I have no idea who... They blinded me..." "In the forest?" "No. But they dumped me to die there." "To... Die?" Storm replied, quietly. "How... How did you end up here, in this s- strange place?" "I wandered, fell into a river, And then over a waterfall... I died in surgery... The Doctor kept bringing me back... He found me, half drowned, at the bottom of the waterfall..." "Wow..." Storm said, unsure of what to say. Storm could see tears in her eyes "You know what the worst part is?" "What...?" "I am still blind. I have never seen my babies." Storm's eyes widened, and he gasped in a mixture of surprise and sadness. "That is..." He said quietly, unable to finish his sentence. "Horrible. The doctor says it may be fixable... But nobody has anything close to fine enough to even try scraping a layer off my eyes without destroying them more." "Maybe... N- No, never mind. A bad idea." "wh- what? Maybe what?" "I... know a spell, used for s- sharpening blades... It is p-possible it could work on your eyes, if I can get the f- finesse right..." "P- Please? C- Can you try?" "I shouldn't. I could hurt you." "Please?" Storm nodded slowly. "B-but I must warn you... If I slip, I could permanently damage your eye..." "Currently blind with the chance to become blind?" She stated to make a point. Storm nodded. "Just keep your eyes completely still... This may tickle." He said, as his horn began to glow a soft blue. She sat as still as death. Her eyes became coated in the same glow, as the spell disintegrated the malignant layer, slowly but steadily.
Chapter 2The process took almost a hour, Rainbow perfectly still the entire time. Storm stopped the spell. "Did... Did it work?" She closed her eyes, now in quite a bit of pain "o- ow... I- I don't know..." "Give them a bit of a break, if you saw even just light, its progress." "Ow... It huuuurts." She said burying her face in her pillow. "It will for a bit." He said putting a hoof on her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. "T- Thank you S- Storm Chaser... F- For trying." "I- It must have worked... Y- Your eyes are just adjusting, is a-all." "owww... Y- You sure?" He managed a small smile. "I-I know it worked." She whimpered, curling up into a ball. He gave her a sad look. "I'm glad I could at least help a bit..." "M- Me too... Th- Thanks Storm." "Can you... Try opening your eyes again? Just look at me." She opened her eyes slowly and immediately slammed them shut again. "it's too bright!" "Here" He said closing the blinds making the room much darker "How is it now?" "S- Still..." She whimpered with tears flooding her eyes. "damn tears... cut it out." He hung blankets over the blinds, shrouding the room completely in darkness, the soft glow from his horn illuminating the pair. He wiped some if the tears from her face. "once more" She opened them slowly. "Nothing, just blackness" She said sadly "h- hang on..." Storm watched quietly, emerald eyes glowing softly. He was suddenly slammed over on his back, held to the grown. before he could react he was locked in a thousand hugs and kisses. Storm Gasped "I- I'm assuming i-it worked?" She let go of him absolutely shaking in tears. "THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!" She cried, drowning him in kisses again. He flinched back, blushing hard. "It was no problem, really... least I could do." "Y- You don't know Wh- What it means to me... R- Really..." He put a hoof on her shoulder. "A- And don't you DARE even think about owing me back. Just d- doing my duty to Equestria." He said still pinned under her. "Do y- you know how long it has been? S- Since I have seen anything? A- And you want nothing?" she asked, tears flowing sounding completely blown away. He shook his head. "please, nothing at all. It is enough knowing I made somepony happy..." He smiled. "Now, don't you want to see your fillies for the first time?" She almost flew to the door, slamming it open and dropping to her knees. "O- Oww! My eyes... It's so bright!" He Smiled. "It would probably be better if we brought them in here for the moment." He said closing the door again. "Th- Thank you..." She said retreading back to the bed. "Can you get them? Please?" "Where would they be?" She sighed. "I can lead you I guess." "Did we not just try that?" "I- I can do it! Just... Just blindfold me." "You sure?" She sighed. "yeah. follow me." she said closing her eyes. She started out the door, walking down the hall blindly but expertly. She lead him this way and that for about five minute hissing in pain here and there sneaking peaks at the world. She stopped. "O- Okay. I think I got it" she said, opening her eyes looking strained. She looked around at everything. "I- It's so beautiful!" Storm was pulled into another kiss being pushes against the wall. He could see a bewildered child behind Rainbow. "M- Mommy? Wh- Who is this?" The filly asked. He pushed her off. "M- My name is Storm, little one." "Wh- Why are you kissing m- my mommy?" "I- I..." He took an awkward step away from Rainbow who was just staring at the child. "S- She was just t- thanking me..." "Th- This is my other d- da-" She started babbling and sobbing, hugging the confused filly" "M- Mommy? A- Are you okay?" She said sounding legitimately worried. "She... S- She can see, now..." "Wh- What do you mean? Mommy could always see... Right? Storm looked over at Rainbow who was still eye groping her daughter. "You... You know what blind means right?" He asked "You can't see." she paused and made a horrified face. "Mommy is blind all the time?!" "Apple Crumble... G- Go find your sister please..." she finally said "O- Okay mommy..." "Okay. Hurry along." She smiled. "I'll wait here." Storm stood where he was and watched the confused filly ran off, still looking completely out of place. Rainbow hugged him again. "They are so beautiful..." "I... I concur. They are... lovable." "I love you..." She suddenly went a flaming red. "I- I mean... Um Th- That umm..." she trailed off babbling like an idiot. He blushed back, completely unsure what to say, ears drooped. "S- Sorry... Ummm... Th- Thanks..." Rainbow fumbled "N- No problem, like I said, Rainbow..." He replied back awkwardly. "Mommy? Are you okay? You are all red..." Apple Crumble asked returning with her sister. Storm chucked a bit. Rainbow teared up "M- My girls... Y- You are so pretty..." "Um mom? Are you okay?" Apple Crisp asked. "She was blind all the time!" Apple Crumble blurted out. Her sister just stared at her and Storm chuckled a bit. "Storm fixed my eyes. I can see now..." She said tearing up. "G- Give me a hug." She almost demanded, the two fillies coming close looking quite weirded out. Storm smiled, eyes gleaming, as he stepped off to the side, not wanting to ruin the moment. She released them after a long wait both children looking somewhat broken as if they didn't know what to do. "Thank you so much Storm... Anything... Anything you ever want..." She trailed off. "I already told you... I do not need anything in return. I do not have any wants, beyond doing what is right." He spoke. "Come on... There has to be something... How about a home?" She offered His eyes widened a bit. "A- A home? I live in the forest" He protested. She cringed at the word almost like it was a swear, her still present children looking like you just stabbed her. "N- No... Stay here... Please..." "I... I am not welcome h- here... Those foals in the town, T- They were scared of me... So was Apple Crisp..." "Pff... Can't be worse than anything I get." She replied giving the filly a glare. "C- C- Can we g- g- go mommy?" Apple Crisp asked nervously. "Yes girls, go and play." She said and the both bolted "try not to hurt your leg Apple Crisp!" She called after the limping filly. She turned back to Storm, dead set on keeping him here. "Come on... please?" "I... W- Would the doctor mind?" He asked. As if on que he walked up wearing a smirk. "Of coarse not... Although I do not have an extra room... He would have to share with you or your kids would have to share a room again" "It is quite alright... I- I can sleep outside. I like the view o- of the stars..." "Mine is plenty big enough!" she blurted out before she could stop herself earning a look from all present. "R- Rainbow... its fine..." "Y- Yeah." she paused blushing hard. "there is an observatory upstairs if you would like." She suggested. "Good idea Rainbow. I could have a sleeping roll brought up there for you Storm." The doctor added. "I... I suppose I could stay, then..." "Okay... Thanks... Really..." She said looking anywhere but the two of them. "what were you laughing at before?" She asked changing the subject. "Heh, the girls ran up to me screaming that some strange pony was in the house kissing and brain washing their mother" "Those little..." Rainbow started turning the darkest red she can go. "Rainbow... Your eyes." He said coming in close to look at them. "He fixed them, H- He d- did it..." She smiled trying her hardest to not break down again. Storm nodded. "It was a simple spell, really... Most unicorns could have done it." "If there were any other unicorns..." The doctor replied drawing close to Rainbow. "I... How are there no unicorns in this strange town? A- And whats with the flying boat?" "I have never seen one. The doctor says they are pretty common tough... The boats that is..." Rainbow said, standing still as Monocles poked about her face. "I... This place is so different." "Well you made it new to me too." She replied pushing off the doctor. Storm sighed "And t- then there is the... Mechanical wings." "Yeeeaaahh... That one is a little weird for me... I wouldn't let the doctor take mine off." "I mean, the technology is far beyond what I know..." "Hang on..." She slowly let her wings out with a metal on metal sound like a sword unsheathing. He examined them closely. "Wow." She looked back at the half organic half metal recreation, only now getting to see them for the first time. "wow" She paused looking for more to say. "wow." "How... The workmanship is incredible! And the technology. Far beyond what I know." He looked over at the doctor. "Is this your invention?" "Weeelll..." He started "I had a pretty great assistant. I reverse engineered mine from hers, Then started creating them for others." "Interesting." He started. "How are they powered? Magic?" He asked gesturing at his wings. "No, I had a good look at Rainbows wings when I was fixing them. Hers are assisted by special magic glands. but it turns out earth ponies have the same muscles in that area, it just takes a little training and brain mapping is all. although, we do get tired a lot quicker without the magic." "Incredible" He breathed, trying to take it all in. "I could make you a pair if you would like." "A pair... of wings? Oh no, that's alright, the last thing Equestria needs is an adhoc Alicorn!" He laughed. "And what would they need to know about it?" Rainbow asked. "There are other winged unicorns?" Storm just stared at him blankly then remembered they didn't know about the Alicorns here. "yeah... You know, on second thought, lets do it." "Great! I need to take some measurements then." Storm nodded slowly "Measure away, Doctor." "Heh... Later... We have some things to show Rainbow." "Good idea" He smiled. "I want to see the city, You have told me so much doctor, but I want to see it." Storm's ears drooped a bit and she looked over at him. "What? Is something wrong?" she asked concerned. "I... Don't want to back out there... I'm a monster to them..." "And I am the old hag on the hill... So what? Who cares what they think? I have lived just over nine years here now... You'll get over it" Storm gulped, then nodded "lets go." Comment with the word 'cheese' if you found this. "At least this time I wont be guided around by a rope." She looked over and could see Storm nodding sadly. "What are you all sad about? Life is good again." He smiled a bit "Nothing at all." He paused "lets go" He breathed starting for the door. "Something is eating you... What is it?" "Its..." He paused a long time. "Nothing, really" He finished, exiting the house. "Come on, I have been blind for over ten years, I know how to tell when someone is upset." "Look, I can assure you, nothing new, beyond the normal, is affecting me." "Well then what is the old thing bugging you?" She demanded. "I was... Banished, some time ago." He reluctantly told her. "F- For what? I told you my story... Or part of it anyway" "It was a spell... I couldn't cast it, but... Something, got into me. I cast the spell..." He sighs shakily "But with shadow magic." "Oh." She said not fully understanding the significance. "Well... Why did you get banished?" "Because, for a while, I could not stop. I completely lost control. A- And even tried to attack t-the princess..." He said with his head lowered. "Well... You found me, is that worth anything?" She asked, trying to be supportive. "M- More than you know, Rainbow." They headed to the edge of the cliff the house sat on where a railing that looks out of place is. Storm looked down, hooves on the railing, eyeing the city. "The doctor built this railing for me" She Spoke. He looked up at her. " Well, it was probably a good idea at the time." He looked down again, watching the town's ponies going about their business, some flying about with a metallic glint. "A bustling town, but stranger than any dream." He observed, scanning his surroundings with his emerald eyes. "wow... it's so beautiful" Rainbow said. "And mysterious..." Storm added. As he looked over at her he could see her looking back and forth at her metallic wings and cliff and they slowly unfold. He could see a bad idea coming a mile off. "R- Rainbow... I don't think that is the smartest thing." He said nervously. She slowly unfolded them and crouched down, Storm could see the fear in her eyes. "Rainbow, I urge you not to!" He took a step towards her, watching as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Rainbow Don't!" He watched in horror as Rainbow jumped the railing and began to fall, wings now pressed to her sides in the wind. "N- No!" He rushed to the edge, leaning over the railing, unable to help her now. He could hear ponies screaming, Rainbow fell farther and farther opening her wings less than a dozen feet above the roof tops. She went screaming into the air moving so fast Storm could actually hear it. There was a mach cone forming around here. "What the... I- Is that... Rainbow?" The doctor asked approaching off to his left. Storm nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Rainbow Dash is back, Doctor" "She has never flown on those wings! they could give out... what is she doing?!" He asked as the cone around her began to sharpen. "Your about to see how I met her, Doctor." He said watching her "I highly recommend you cover your ears." "Wait what? What is she doing?!" he demanded as the cone reached its sharpest point. "A Sonic Rainboom." He Grinned. "Welcome back, Rainbow." The cone gave way and there was a huge explosion of color. Things tremble and some windows shatter. Rainbow seems to be having a hard time controlling herself. Storm's eyes went wide "S- She is losing control!" "Oh boy... This can't end well." Storm desperately looked for a way to help, before he had time to do anything she came in at high speed hitting the ground hard and cartwheeling to a stop. Storm was frozen. The doctor reached her first. "R- Rainbow? you okay?" She was unresponsive on the ground.
