The Life Of Lightning Flash

                                                                                         Chapter Ten

I stood in shock as he introduced himself. We had actually found him! After all our searching and travelling we finally met Storm Shadow!

"Storm Shadow? Wow! Our we glad to see you!" Rainbow Dash said in shock as we headed into his living room all together.

"You've heard of me huh? Wouldn't completely surprise me. Please sit while I fetch us all something to drink." Storm Shadow replied as he walked into his kitchen.

"Heard of you? We've been searching for you for days! We need your help!" Dashie said impatiently waiting for him to help.

"Well I'm sorry if I've caused any inconvenience for you all. Well now that you've found me I suppose I'll do my best to help. But first please introduce yourselves." Said Storm Shadow as he walked back into the living room with a tray of mugs. Each one filled to the top with hot chocolate.

"Wow thanks! Haven't had hot chocolate for ages!" Said Hemlock as he grabbed a mug off the tray before any of us could move.

"This is way too much of a welcome for some ponies you don't even know!" I said as I took my mug of hot chocolate.

"It's quite alright! I have a....I have a sudden good feeling about you all. Felt as if you all needed a warm welcome!" Replied Storm Shadow as he sat down.

While enjoying our beverages we all introduced ourselves to Storm Shadow. He said a bit about himself as well. We briefly told him why we had been looking for him. He was very interested in mine and Vulkan's abilities. Him and Hemlock spent a few minutes reminiscing  about their travels together. The whole set of our conversations dragged on for a few more hours and by the time the living room clock struck eleven in the night everypony was already half asleep.

"Well seems to me you've had quite the challenge! I think you should all get some shut eye for tonight though and I'll help you tommorrow." Said Storm Shadow as he stood up.

"Thanks Shadow! I'm knackered. Where can we sleep?" Replied Hemlock as he yawned with exhaustion.

"I've only got three bedrooms but I suppose I'll sleep down here tonight. Once you go up the stairs you'll see three doors down the hallway to you right. To the left is the bathroom." Added Storm Shadow.

"Many thanks Shadow. Me and Drakantus will take the room closest to the stairs. I like to be able to get downstairs fast!" Replied Hemlock as we left the living room and started to ascend upstairs.

"That's just because you like to get some breakfast before everypony else!" Rainbow Dash added with a giggle.

"Whatever." Replied Hemlock as we got to the top of the stairs.

Hemlock and Drakantus took the room closest to the stairs, Vulkan took Storm Shadow's bedroom next to it. Me and Dash took the room at the end of the hall. From outside the cottage seemed pretty small but from within it was quite big.

Myself and Dash unpacked our things randomly on the floor. Our room was very nice being fitted with a large wardrobe, nicely designed cabinets, a double sized bed and a pretty big window which looks out onto the back of the cottage.

Without any thought and care I just pounced onto the bed taking in its comfortable pillows and sheets. Sleeping on a cloud is nice and all but a luxurious double bed is quite a competitor when it comes to comfort.

"I don't think I've been so tired in months! It's good to finally get a cozy warm rest." I said lying on my back staring up at the ceiling while Dash went to the bathroom. I was so pleased we had found Storm Shadow and couldn't thank him enough for letting us stay and agree to helping me and Vulkan!

A few minutes later and the cottage was silent, everypony must have been asleep by now and Rainbow Dash walked back into the room. I layed with my eyes shut and almost drifting off to sleep waiting to feel Dashie lay beside me but then to my surprise I was forced to open my eyes when I felt her lay on top of me wrapping her legs around me. She embraced me in a huge hug and whispered..

"Goodnight Lightning."

I looked at her to see her smile and close her eyes as she fell asleep on top of me. I was overcome with a sudden burst of comfort and joy. Usually when we slept together Dash would always sleep beside me and occasionally hug me but usually just liked to feel me next to her. I was glad that she felt so comfortable sleeping with me that she even wanted to sleep on me! Whenever something like this happened in our relationship whether it was small or big, I always felt as if our love for eachother had evolved and increased. This was a great feeling, to know Dashie was so happy being with me and that she knew I felt the same!

It was even easier for me to fall asleep with Dashie on top of me! I soon drifted off to sleep as I felt her body warmth combine with mine and her heartbeat slowly tune into my head like a calm beating rhythm.

Next morning I woke up with Dashie still on top of me asleep and the sun's bright beams of light breaking through the window's blinds. I could hear the others chatting downstairs, probably preparing breakfast. I carefully began to move from underneath Dash and gave out a loud yawn accidently waking her. Her head stretched upwards as she opened her eyes looking at me and then smiled.

"Morning sleephead. Was I a good sleeping cushion?" I said as she climbed off of me.

"Heheh. I thought you might like it. You were quite comfortable." Dashie replied as got off the bed and stretched.

"We better go get some grub. The others might get ours if we're not fast!" I said as I flew out the door with Dash following me.

We got down stairs and went into the living room to find everypony all sitting together like we did last night. None of them had any food and were all still waiting for something to eat. Probably waiting for me and Dash to wake up first. Hemlock sat in a big armchair next to the fireplace with Drakantus lying in front of him, Vulkan had just got up and out of his seat and went into the kitchen. Storm Shadow sat next to Hemlock in the armchair beside him while reading a book.

"Look who's finally awake! I was gonna wake you both earlier but then I noticed how comfortable you both looked!" Said Hemlock with a chuckle.

"Thanks. We got anything to eat?! I replied while Dash shyed away giggiling.

"Yeah Vulkan was just about to cook us up some food but we wanted to wait for you two to come down." Storm Shadow added as he turned a page in his book.

"Cool. After we've had some grub can we head outside to study my skills?" I asked while taking a seat next to Dashie on the sofa.

"All in good time Lightning. Do not rush or you will lose concentration. We can discuss more once we've filled our bellies!" Replied Storm Shadow putting down his book.

Vulkan being a surprisingly good chef managed to cook us up a fantastic breakfast! While we all enjoyed our morning treat me, Vulkan and Storm Shadow discussed todays plan for the both of us. The plan was that Storm would help Vulkan control his magic by experiencing it in action, even though Vulkan warned us not to make him. It was decided though, Vulkan wanted help but was still afraid he would hurt one of us in the process.

After finishing our breakfast we were all except Drakantus escorted outside by Storm Shadow and were led to a lone, large and open field, miles away from the forest surrounding his cottage. It was here that we would experience first hoof what Vulkan Fireheart was capable of. All of us except Storm and Vulkan sat in a line a little bit away from them two.

With no time to waste Storm got Vulkan to unleash his most powerful magic with his bracers on. We were all anticipating Vulkans abilities but at the same time were all kinda afraid. With out any hesitation Vulkan stood ready and began to build up the power inside of him. His broken horn began to glow brighter and brighter until it even began to spark! The bracers on his fore legs began to shake and rattle rapidly almost breaking off of him.

His body started to boil and shine almost as bright as the sun. The ground around Vulkan then suddenly ignited in a ring of fire surrounding him. He then with the ring of fire still burning around him launched a single ball of fire directly above himself and into the sky, the single ball of fire then exploded and divided into four, all of them zooming off into the clouds.

"Wow! How'd he do that?!" Shouted Hemlock as he jumped up in amazement.

"That was awesome!" Shouted Rainbow Dash also jumping into the air above Hemlock.

"Hahahaha! That was pretty damn cool!" I added in agreement.

Vulkan soon calmed down and turned to Storm Shadow, by doing so the ground around him was immediately extinguished but still very burnt.

"Well. What do you think?" Vulkan asked.

"That was quite impressive Vulkan. You are very talented in your magic! Now try something even bigger but without your bracers on." Replied Storm Shadow as he took notes on Vulkans performance.

"I'd rather not. Somepony could get hurt and I don't wanna cause any more damage." Vulkan replied in dissagreement.

"Maybe the reason behind your previous failures is because your always doubting yourself! But who am I to make you embarrasse yourself and prove to us all how much of a failure you really are. Go ahead, don't try to fix the problem just run away from it just like everything else." Said Storm in a depressive and dissapointed tone. He was really being quite harsh on Vulkan but thats when it happened.

With all the rage building up inside of him, Vulkan couldn't take the stress any longer. His body began to boil once again, he started to shine brighter than before and his horn sparked franticly. His bracers vibrated around his fore legs before finally breaking off. This was becoming quite frightning to watch but also interesting at the same time.

The ring of fire ignited around him once again but then suddenly turned into a huge ball of fire engulfing Vulkan inside it. From within the ball of flames a sudden tornado erupted and grew upwards towards the clouds. I could feel the heat from where I was sitting, I felt as if I was being toasted alive! Once the tornado of fire reached the clouds it then suddenly retracted back into the ball of fire. A second later the whole fire display was sucked back into Vulkan and than exploded in a wave of heat outwards around him. We were all overcome in the sudden wave of heat that spread for miles but luckly didn't reach the cottage.

The force from the explosion knocked me and the others off our hoofs and onto our backs. I quicly stood to see if everypony else was okay. They were also getting up from being knocked down. The field we were in was once clean and filled with pure green grass but was now nothing but burnt and dry dirt. I was surprised to still be alive! After I made sure Hemlock and Rainbow Dash were alright Storm Shadow checked on Vulkan who was found laying in exhaustion on his belly.

"VULKAN!? Are you alright?!" Shouted Storm Shadow as he ran over to his aid. Me and the others followed him but our only response from Vulkan was that of moaning. He didn't seem to have any physical injuries but then again I never did study volcanic health issues.

"I can't see any serious damage but he doesn't seem to be able to get up." Said Storm Shadow.

"Uh..I'm fine....don't touch me!" Shouted Vulkan as he climbed to his hooves.

"You're hurt, you need to rest." Replied Storm.

"No i'm fine. I just need to catch my breath. Is anypony hurt!?" Said Vulkan as he jumped towards us in panic.

"No we're fine! We were more worried about you!" Hemlock replied.

"I'm sorry for everything I just put you all through. I guess I should just leave before I-"

"Shut up and stop thinking so damn negative! What you just did was amazing! Even if you almost burned down the local wildlife!.. Heheh!" I interrupted him trying to boost his spirits. I never liked seeing my friends think so negatively and be doubtful about themselves.

"Yeah his right! If you think so badly about yourself than you'll never be happy with what you can do!" Added Rainbow Dash.

"Really? You're sure you don't want me to go?" Vulkan asked.

"Of course not! You're our friend and you'll always be." Said Hemlock as we all moved closer towards Vulkan embracing him in a group hug.

"Well looks like you don't need cheering up from me. What I said earlier Vulkan, I didn't really mean it. I just knew you needed that little extra kick in confidence. Well done." Storm Shadow added ending our group hug.

"Thanks everypony!" Shouted Vulkan in joy.

"As for me further helping you....I guess I can help you understand your abilities more and how you can control your anger and focus it into a more direct and careful source of magic. It may take a few weeks though. You're welcome to stay with me until then Vulkan." Said Storm Shadow.

"Cheers Storm! I greatly appreciate your help but before we head back aren't we gonna see Lightning's swag?" Replied Vulkan turning to me in interest.

"Oh yes of course! Well Lightning Flash you wanted to show us your ability?" Storm Shadow asked me.

"Yeah I do! I don't know if I can replicate what I did though! It kinda just happened when I was focused on beating my opponent." I replied nervously as I jumped into the air ready to fly.

"Well why don't you just fly like you did that day and think about what was going through your head when it happened. How did you feel?" Storm asked me again.

"Well I felt excited and I was determined to win! Not just for me but for my friends, school and..and Dashie." I replied turning to Rainbow Dash who began to slightly blush.

"It was in the middle of a lightning storm too!" I added.

"I guess your gonna have to race somepony then. Rainbow Dash you're up!" Storm Shadow shouted without any hesitation. Dash hovered beside ready to race.

"Try not to hit a tree this time Flashie." Rainbow Dash said obviously trying to encourage me.

"Alright I want you two to race back to the cottage as fast as you can! Dash put everything you've got into it, that way Lightning will try super hard to beat you!" Storm Shadow shouted. The cottage was quite a few miles back giving us some time in the air. Storm Shadow took  deep breath before saying..

"On your marks."

"Get Set."

"GO!"

In a second we zoomed off towards the cottage. Me and Dash were at equal speeds to start with and were right beside each other still. She soon dashed off ahead of me but I was determined to beat her! I focused all of my thoughts on getting faster, about my friends and all the same thoughts I had that day.

Then it happened! A sudden barrage of lightning erupted from the sky no different from before, as I got faster so did the Lightning! It was working! My wings were swarmed with small particles of lightning which started to multiply by the second! Then with a sudden shot of focused speed I zoomed towards Dash overtaking her and quickly reaching the cottage.

I did it again! It was like before. I almost teleported in front off her due to my speed! Seconds later and Dashie arrived beside me once again. She hugged me and we kissed in joy of my achievement.

A few minutes later and the others arrived at the cottage, me and Dash flew down to meet them. Their faces were filled with shock and glee.

"Was that it! Your fantastic move!? That was incredible!" Shouted Vulkan as he brohoofed me.

"Impressive Lightning Flash. Now that I've seen it in action I can get a definate answer. Before I do though..how do you feel? Are you tired, exhausted or dizzy?" Storm Shadow asked as he opened a book out of his bag.

"No. I actually feel as if I can do that again! I feel like my energy has been tripled or something! Is that normal?" I replied with joy.

"Well it makes the answer for your move more understandable. Before I carry on I suggest we head inside because I think your little trick caused quite the rainstorm." Said Storm as he opened the front door into the cottage.

Once back inside the cottage we all sat together in the living like this morning. I quickly went to have a shower to clear my mind of todays events. Once dry I returned back downstairs where we would discuss more about my ability.

I entered the living room to find Dash napping on the sofa, Hemlock playing a panflute to Vulkan and Drakantus who both seemed to enjoy it.

"Lets talk in the kitchen Lightning. We wouldn't want to disturb their fun." Said Storm Shadow as I followed him into the kitchen.

"So have you found a reason behind my ability?" I asked while standing very impatiently.

"Yes. I think so anyway. It seems to me that when you focus enough of your energy and thinking into racing and overtaking your opponent you manage to summon lightning from the sky around you. This causes you to interlink your speed with the power of the lightning, then the lightning builds up around the source of its existence that being your body. Still following?" Said Storm Shadow while he read his book.

"Yeah so far." I replied.

"Good. With the lightning building up around your body especially your wings you are able to transfer this new source of energy into a sudden shot of speed. When this happens a loud strike of lightning cracks the sound barrier, one much louder than the rest. In this sudden boost of speed you are then able to actually move at the speed of light but for a limited distance. To put it simply you can control lightning and move at its speed. Very interesting and impressive by my standards. I've never heard of anything quite like it!" Storm Shadow added with amazement

I stood in amazement at what Storm Shadow had just said. This was amazing! I could control lightning and move at its speed! I could even move faster than Dash or even a Wonderbolt! But I guess my ability was limited.

"I dont know what to say. I'm super hyped about all of this! I completely understand all of it! This is so awesome, I can't believe it! I can control lightning. Thanks Storm Shadow." I replied as I jumped with joy.

"Thats quite alright. It's been an interesting lesson and study for me as well. In a minute I was gonna clear up this storm so you could practice some more." Added Storm.

"That would be great! Thanks!" I replied.

So Storm Shadow cleared up my creation of a storm and for the rest of the day I practiced controlling the lightning and creating it. After hours of practice I finally managed to control lightning without having to race. It became quite easy but still required a lot of concentration and focused thinking. Storm said if I continued to practice my lightning creation abilities I would eventually be able to do it with even less effort.

When we got back we all decided that we would head home tommorrow except for Vulkan that is. He wanted to keep training with Storm Shadow and eventually master his fire skills. I slept extremely well that night probably due to the days events. What also helped me sleep was Dashie sleeping on top of me for the second night in a row. She really did feel comfortable sleeping with me.

I woke up next morning to the sound of Hemlock playing his panflute downstairs. He was getting much better each time he played it. Dash soon woke up after me and climbed off of me and out of bed.

"Yawn"

"Good sleep?" I asked Dash as I got up and stretched my legs.

"Yeah. Thanks to you. Heheh." She replied.

We headed downstairs together just to find everypony exactly how they were yesterday morning. Vulkan had also just walked in from the kitchen while carrying a tray full of toasted sandwiches. He layed them on a table and sat on the sofa. Me and Dash joined him on the sofa as we grabbed a sandwich each. We had a brief discussion of the quickest way back home.

"Alright so it's settled. We will head directly into Canterlot and catch a train to PonyVille where we will then head back to CloudsDale." Hemlock said finishing our discussion.

"Hey Flash I was just wondering if your lightning teleport trick thingy had a name? You know like how Rainbow Dash has her Sonic Rain-Boom." Hemlock added finishing his sandwich.

"Actually I have! I was thinking about it last night just before I fell asleep. I was gonna call it The FlashBang. Sounded pretty swag to me!" I replied with a big grin on my face.

"That's pretty awesome Flashie." Dash said poking me in the side.

"Yeah thats cool. Suits it kinda too!" Vulkan agreed.

After our small chat about my trick we packed our remaining things and said our goodbyes to Storm Shadow and Vulkan Fireheart just before we left. We stood outside and bidded our farewells.

"I guess this is goodbye friends. I'm sure our paths will meet again though." Vulkan said as he shook each of our hooves.

"I hope we do. Goodluck with your magic Vulkan." I replied.

"I am most grateful for all of you to track me down and give up so much just to find me. I'm very glad we met. If you ever need me again though just send a letter this is my permanent home now." Added Storm Shadow as he also shook all of our hooves.

"I can't thank you enough for all your help Storm. I'll be sure to keep you notified on any changes in my abilities. Goodbye you two." I replied.

"Goodbye and Farewell!" They both shouted as us three and Drakantus headed on our trip back to CloudsDale. Our travelling routine was to stay the same, me and Dash in the air with Hemlock and Drakantus on the ground. It took us about a day and a half to get back to PonyVille where we dropped off Hemlock and Drakantus at their house. Me and Dash then headed back to CloudsDale. I really wanted to check out Canterlot some more when we caught our train but I wanted to get home sooner.

When we arrived back in CloudsDale everything seemed to be the same as it always was, which was good because we didn't want it any other way.  We decided to quickly rest at our favourite restuarant, the same one me and Dash had our special date in. Upon entering we were jumped by Fluttershy, FireSpeed and Kensai who had thrown us a welcoming back party! It was obvious Kensei did a lot of the planning mostly due to the music and the amount of cakes!

"Welcome back you two! We're so happy to see your both still iin one piece. Nah just kidding but we have missed you!" Kensei shouted with joy as he hugged me and Dash tightly not letting us move a muscle. Once he finally let go I giggled and replied with...

"We're glad to be back!"

"You've gotta tell us all about it! What happened? We heard you got into a fight!?" Kensei asked anxiously waiting for an answer. I smiled at him, FlutterShy and FireSpeed and said...

"We'd better sit down because this'll knock you off your hooves!"