The Life Of Lightning Flash

Chapter Twenty Three

I closed my wings dropping to the stone platform beneath me. Quickly grabbing mine and Rainbow Dash's attires, throwing them onto Hemlock's back with his own.

"Come on you two! Let's go!" I exclaimed readying my wings.

"Oh..errmm..I'm not too sure about this guys. It could be dangerous!" Panicked Fluttershy as she shook where she stood with a frightened look in her worried eyes.

"Aww come on! This could be awesome! There could even be somepony in trouble!" I excited myself with ideas of what could have caused all the commotion. Maybe a potion mix up gone wrong? Two evil ponies fighting it out inside? Anything!

Another huge bang cracked through the.air from the same house. A cloud of pure black smoke erupted from the second floor windows.

"Fluttershy's right! I mean just look at that!" Hemlock pointed his right fore hoof at the house which was now becoming engulfed in soarin flames.

Along with the crackling of the fire and the occasional explosion, a sudden scream came from within the house. A mare's scream by the sounds of it.

"Fine! You two stay here! I gotta head in there!" I shot off in the direction of the doomed house.

"LIGHTNING!!!" I heard Hemlock shout from behind me.

Ignoring the shouts of warning from not just Hemlock but the growing crowds of ponies too, I flew up to a second floor window.

With the clouds of smoke pouring out of the windows it was just about impossible to see inside.

Another bang exploded from within the house followed by the same screaming pony calling for help. There was no more time to waste and I had to act!

Readying my wings, preparing my body, focusing my mind and steadying my hoofs. I took a deep breath before leaping forward through the air and into the shattered window.

*CRASH*

Through the window and diving through the thick choking smoke, I soon lost control of my flight with such low visibility.

With nothing in my view and the loud sounds of the house crumbling around us, all I had to rely on was my touch and smell....well all I smelt was burning.

So with my touch alone I could already feel my body crumpled up against what seemed to be a table. Probably flipped on its side and the increasing heat against my back, I quickly jumped to my hooves and tried to make sense of my smokey and blurred sight.

Of course through all the havoc I forgot that smoke rises!

The thick coal black wall of smoke hit me like a brick. Engulfing me in seconds and taking all sense of my surroundings with it. I could feel the smoke begin to travel down my throat and clog my lungs.

My breaths heavier and deeper as the thick smoke quickly filled my mouth, throat and soon my lungs felt as if the oxygen leaking out.

My eyes began to droop as my body became more and more exhausted with almost all energy being drained out of me. Was this it?

Once again death seemed to find me and try its chance at taking my life. So far being saved and protected by others.

Not like this...not choken or ran out of breath. Then again I didn’t find plummeting into the ground a good way to go either.

As my eyes almost closed and my body threatened to weaken and drop a sudden wave of body cringing energy swooped me. Washing away all the black smoke in the room with this tsunami of energy.

My body became enlightened with all of my energy returning and my breath restoring to its natural self. All of the burning heat had now disappeared too.  I regained my balance and now all my senses. With my sight returned I could see the burning room of which I was in and oddly enough two other ponies!

One pony who was a earth pony mare sat in a corner with the most terrified look on her face. Her body dripping with sweat of obviously fear and not heat of which had still been replaced with a refreshing cool breeze. She let out a familiar scream from before. Although the room was falling apart and burning away she didn’t seem to be hurt at all!

On the other side of the room was also an earth pony but a stallion dressed in a small black cloak with just his head showing. He was levitating multiple vials of odd liquids which I assumed were potions! Unlike the mare he was very calmed in the face and focused on his doings. He continued to pour different potions into the same vials while the room was still burning away.

“Hey! What are ya doing!?” I yelled through the booming of destruction.

“Shut up! I need to focus!” Replied the stallion with an agitated tone but still focusing on his activity.

His voice was low pitched but still slightly young. His coat a darkened green and his mane a dark brown along with his tail too. His chin had but a few hairs as if he had shaven recently.

“Ya do realise this place is burning down right!?” I yelled at the stallion again.

“Yes I do! Unlike you I know what I’m doing!”

“What are you on about!?”

“The only reason you're still alive along with that silly mare over there is because of me!” Replied the stallion. He waved a hoof at me and all became black again and my body weak like before. I heard a stomp of a hoof after a couple of seconds and all was fine again. “See?”

“What? But that’s magic! And ya not a Unicorn!” I exclaimed pointing at his head.

The stallion gave out a loud sigh as he poured one more vial into another. Throwing away the empty ones left over into the fire causing yet another bang!

“Well I’m done here! Oh yeah the house....hmmm give me a minute!” The stallion calmly walked up to the mare and dragged her over to me. “Ready?.....Good!”

Before I could reply there was a flash of white light and in a few seconds our sight was returned just to witness the same room but now without the flames and collapsing beams. Of course the furniture and everything was still a mess but now safe?

“But....what? How!?” I was stuck in awe with it all! How could he just take away all of the destruction? All the flames?

“Better be off! I’ve already caused enough trouble by getting these vials.” The stallion calmly said to us both but seemed as he was now in a rush.

“Wait. Who are you?” I asked while the mare was still calming herself down.

“You’re quite the curious one. Name’s CogSwirl. Until we next meet fellow stallion.” The stallion spoke his final words before stuffing a vial into his cloak pocket and tapping the floor twice with a hoof. With that he just disappeared into a thin air and without a trace!

What the hay just happened?

Before I could ponder my mind with an explanation to it all I decided it was probably best to leave. No need to have other ponies asking questions.

Out of the building and once again back with Hemlock and Fluttershy I could finally relax.  Fluttershy dove onto me with a hug so tight. Before they began what I expected to be a wall of questions and remarks on how I’m an idiot the three of us walked back over to our previous bench. I took a seat along with Fluttershy while Hem stood opposite me.

“What in Celestia’s name were you thinking!?” Shouted Hemlock with an obvious anger in his voice.

“Somepony needed saving! I couldn’t just let her be burned alive!” I replied.

“And before that? You wanted to go in there anyway! Damsel in distress or not! You’re always looking for adventure and that's great but mate you’ve got to realize ya limits!” Hemlock added and had a fair point to be honest.

“I made it out alive didn’t I?”

“Yes ya did but what about next time!? You can’t keep going off and looking for fun when you could get killed! I don’t want to bury my own friend!” Hemlock had a single tear appearing in each eye. I understood where he was coming from. The stadium, Vulkan’s ability, the weather factory group with their insane tricks and not to mention that Manticore! I mean even my FlashBang could kill me!

This wasn’t gonna make me stop my adventurous ways but I’d finally realized how close to death I’ve come.

“I’m sorry you two.” I said looking briefly at them both.

With the whole ordeal over and my friends graceful of my return back they didn’t care much for what happened inside. Hemlock didn’t want to know and Fluttershy was still recovering from the fright.

“Soooo......wanna grab some lunch now?” I had to break the awkward silence. Plus I needed some food now!

“Uh yeah...sure. Let’s head to CloudsDale.” Replied Hemlock in a much calmer voice of his.

So for the next couple of hours we had lunch up in CloudsDale and just relaxed while waiting for the train to arrive. It took its damn time too!

After finishing our lunch and our long wait of at least 2 hours we headed down to the train station again. To our luck it had arrived! Our ticket to Canterlot was at last here!

Wasting no time in boarding the train we took our seats with our attires beside us.

“Finally! We can relax and be on our way!” I said taking my seat beside Fluttershy and opposite Hemlock.

“Dude....you smell of burnt wood and smoke.” Said Hemlock randomly with a dissatisfied look.

Fluttershy giggled at his remark and sniffed the air picking up the scent.

“Really?” I sniffed my front left hoof and also realised the not too pleasant smell. “Uhh I’ll fix that later!”

Fluttershy stared off into the distance beyond our window in the carriage. Hey eyes unfocused before quickly turning to Hem. “Hey Hemlock. Who’s taking care of Drakantus while we’re away?”

”Oh yes I’m letting a friend of mine look after him. Ermmm you two wouldn’t know her. Her name’s Star Shine. She’ good with animals and offered to look after Drakantus.” Replied Hemlock.

With Drakantus having his ability to talk he became very independent meaning Hem had less to worry about.

“Oh that’s nice of her!” Replied Fluttershy turning her head to once again stare out of the window.

Hemlock opened a book and began reading halfway through it while I leant my head back into the seat. Slowly closing my eyes and taking in my burning scent, I calmly drifted off to sleep. The continuous  rhythm of the train going along the tracks was enough to sooth my tired head.

“Liigghhttnniinngg? Wake up. We’re here now.” I heard the soft and kind voice of Fluttershy calling me from my sleep along with the poking of her hoofs in my shoulder.

“Huh?” I quickly opened my eyes to see the carriage we were in just as it was when I fell asleep. Hemlock rose from his seat and grabbed his set of clothes as so did Fluttershy. “Oh sweet! We’re here!” I exclaimed jumping up and stretching my legs and wings. Grabbing my set of attire I rushed off of the train and onto the platform with those two shortly behind.

“There’s no time to waste! Let’s head to the others.” Said Hemlock as the three of us left the platform.

“I wonder how much they’ve got done already?” Wondered Fluttershy as we began our walk through the streets of Canterlot and all it’s glory to see.

“Let’s hope a lot! Otherwise we can help.” Replied Hemlock as he briefly admired some artifact and treasure shops we passed.

“I’ve never been in the royal halls before!” I said also admiring our surroundings but my eyes were more caught on some Wonderbolt posters spread about the streets.

We walked for about ten minutes before we found the glorious stone path that lead to the royal halls of Canterlot! Lampposts and magnificent fences on both sides as we trotted up and further towards the halls.

“Oh my how beautiful! I’ve never been to the royal halls before!” Fluttershy trotted beside me almost losing her step as she admired the sights of the nearby halls coming closer into our view.

“You and me both Flutters.” I added as we approached the end of the path to meet two royal guards. One on each side of the gate to the halls and their gardens.

“Halt! State your business!” Demanded the guard to our right as he blocked our path with a spear which met with the other guard’s.. Both being stallions and both twice our size almost. With hardly any emotion on the visible parts of their faces.

“Hello good sir! My name is Hemlock and I’m-”

“HEY! LIGHTNING! HEY GUYS!!” A recently familiar voice was heard coming from the royal hall. Followed by it’s host the voice was that of Camouflage’s! The very excited and bouncy mare approached the guards from behind. “Don’t worry! These three are with me!”

Both guards nodded and lowered their weapons.

“Thanks fellas!” Said Camo as the three of us walked beside her.

“Thanks Camouflage!” I thanked Camo as we neared the hall at last.

“Anything for you guys! I mean the prom wouldn’t be possible without you three! Well and everypony else of course!” Replied Camouflage with her cheery tone.

“So how’s everything been since ya started?” Asked Hemlock as Camo grabbed the one of the large metal doors. Swinging the master door open and releasing the sight of hordes of ponies hard at work.

The whole of the hall had been decorated side to side and floor to ceiling inside! Banners, bunting, ribbons, paintings, balloons and more! All the style and stuff needed to make the building be what we wanted!

“Wow....just...wow.” I said trying to find the right words for such hard work! The hall was filled with glorious colours left right and center! Not a corner or a slab of stone had been untouched by some pony.

Through the dozens of ponies flying and racing about I saw my certain mare dash through the air towards us.

Rainbow Dash shot past everypony in her way and stopped right in front of the four of us. Staying hovered she smiled at me and dusted herself of glitter and ribbons. I jumped up beside Dash and grabbed her in a hug.

“So what ya think? Pretty nice huh?” Said Dashie proudly. It was amazing! How they managed to do this all I hadn’t a clue!

“This is something! Bloody brilliant!” I replied wrapping my foreleg round Dash’s shoulders and kissing her.

“Heheh. I’ve had to keep everypony in line! Especially Thunderlane!” Dash looked over to Thunderlane who was pinning up a banner.

“Awesome work Dashie! Great work everypony!” I replied hugging her tighter. “So what do ya need us to do?”

“Nothing! Lightning you’ve already worked ya flank off by getting us the halls and organising all of this! Hemlock and Fluttershy, I think FireSpeed wanted some help with the final set of bunting?” Commanded Dash. It was true that just like everypony else I had done my fair share of hard work and to be honest I did want a rest.

“We’re on it!” Replied Hemlock as him and Fluttershy trotted off. Camouflage followed them with the same smile on her cheery face.

“Are ya sure?” I asked looking into Dash’s eyes.

“Yup! Now go take a walk or something! Ya deserve it Flash!”

“Hehe thanks Dash.”

“Don’t mention it!” Rainbow grew a huge grin on her face before taking a sniff of the air and her face changing to that of confused. “Why do I smell burning?”

“Ermmm hehe long story! I’ll tell ya when everything’s done!”

“Whatever! Haha now go relax!”

I kissed Dash again which made her blush a little but as usual tried to hide it, before flying out of the still open door.

“Hmmm what to do? Where to go?” I muttered to myself as I hovered around the hall scanning the nearby gardens.

Then out of the corner of my eye I saw a large maze. Surrounded by what seemed to be statues.

“Hmmm let’s take a looksie!”

Shooting off in that direction I flew straight through the open metal gates and past a few statues before coming to a halt. Landing to my hooves and admiring the stone statues that were all perfectly carved. Guards, beasts, mages, warriors and more!

Until I noticed a strange statue that stood out from the rest.

A stone figure which wasn’t a pony. Not a Manticore, dragon, a griffon or even a serpent! No. This creature was more than them....it was all of them and more in one!

A paw of a Manticore, a talon of a Griffon, a wing of a pegasus and a dragon and so much more!

I carefully approached the statue and soon realised that it’s entire body was made up of every single other creature! The being stood taller than a griffon at least and was thinner than a Manticore.

It stood on it’s back two legs and was not in the same pose as the others were. It was only when I got even closer that I noticed another pony appear from behind the statue!

A Pegasus Mare who seemed calm and relaxed in her posture and face. Her coat a dark blue but her mane a flaming red mixed with orange. Her wings were most different from my own and were magnificent!

“Excuse me?” I approached the mare who was obviously focused on the statue. Fixed at her hooves and staring at the being’s face.

No response.

“Hello?”

“Oh hi there!” The mare hopped round to meet me with a sudden blossom in her step. Her voice kind and soft but nervous.

“Hey! Ermm I was wondering what.....this is?” I pointed a hoof at the statue which we stood quite a close to now.

“Oh this!? Wait ya don’t know who this is!?”

“Uhhh no? Should I?” I panicked a little at her shocked face but there was something about her that seemed soothing.

“Oh my gosh! Let me tell you all about him!” The mare grabbed me by my hoof and made me sit beside her.

“Him?”

“Yes! This is Discord! The master and puppeteer of all chaos and disharmony! He once ruled Equestria with his own rules and views of chaos. Of course...a lot of ponies didn’t like being treated with such fun and disrespect and so Luna and Celestia.......imprisoned him....in stone....and here he is now.” The mare’s voice lowered and her face saddened.

“This isn’t a statue? This Discord guy was real!?”

“Yes. He still is! His alive right here....except..his imprisoned thanks to the princesses!” She grunted at her last words.

“Wow....ermmm I never knew any of this! Thanks!”

“No problem.”

“So ya really seem to like this guy. Why didn’t everypony else?”

“Because all the other ponies are too soft! They can’t take a good joke! Or or have a laugh!”

“Well Discord seems pretty cool I guess. I mean his looks are kinda weird but hehe their pretty radical!”

“Hehehehe! Yeah I guess they are.” The mare smiled and continued to stare into Discord’s eyes. She really seemed to like this guy.

“So do ya think he could ever escape?”

“Oh that would be amazing!” The mare’s face almost dropped as her mouth let open a little dribble at the thought.

“Guess one day we might find out!”

“I hope.”

I stood up and slowly approached the statue. Meeting Discord’s foot with my hoof. The instant our body’s met I felt a weird crippling vibe come over me. My head felt dizzy and my eyes blurred while I felt as if I lost control of my balance and couldn’t move my legs. Instead of calling for help I just stayed idle and couldn’t have the energy to move.

Then my ears pricked up and my hoofs shook as I heard a low chuckle seep into my ears.

“Hahaha. Now listen young stallion for I must warn you of an oncoming storm of.....chaos.” A low, deep and mischievous voice spoke to me. I still couldn’t move from it’s grasp.

“Okay?” I thought to myself hoping I could respond back to the voice.

“Adventures will come and go along with ponies you love and know. Feeling right in this world without a care or a second word. Don’t get too comfortable for when you see that all you know will belong to me. Eventually you shall choose what ones you prefer to then let loose. Hahahahaha!” The voice riddled my thoughts with its odd question and warning.

What the buck did he mean? Feeling right with what I know? Making a choice for the ones I prefer?

All of a sudden I felt my body come back to me. My balance and my sense rushing back.

I turned round to see the mare once again and she seemed as if nothing had happened.

“You heard him didn’t you?” The mare asked but still very calm.

“Uhh I think so......yeah. What....what was all that?”

“That was Discord! He only talks to those that are right and strong enough for him.”

“Ermmm ok then. Right....well I’m gonna head off now. I need to do things!” I really didn’t feel right around that Discord statue. I didn’t want to hang around incase something else happened next.

“Oh.....ok then. It was nice meeting you!” The mare replied and quickly hugged me tight.

“Heheh you two! Thanks by the way. Maybe we can meet again sometime?”

“Yeah sure!”

“Awesome. Hey what’s ya name?”

“Sapphire Flame.”

“Nice to meet ya. Name’s Lightning Flash.”

I spread my wings and took to the air after giving Sapphire Flame a goodbye smile. The interesting and curious mare returned to the stone imprisonment of Discord.

Where to go now? Hmmmm.

So for the next few minutes I casually hovered over the amazing streets of Canterlot. Lots of shops especially but not many of interest to me.

“HALT! THAT’S AN ORDER THIEF!!!”

A strict, ear piercing and demanding shout which came from below brought me to a stop myself. I turned and looked straight down to see a lone stallion carrying some satchels. The stallion ran through a few streets before running round a corner block. Not far behind him were three royal guards in pursuit.

“Time to catch some criminal flank!” I steadied myself in the air, preparing my wings before diving down towards the stallion thief. Like a knife through butter I shot towards the thief and reached him in no time.

“STOP!” I yelled before colliding into him at high enough speeds to send us both tumbling into a lampost.

“ARRGG!!!” The stranger criminal roared in pain as we hit the ground.

Luckily the crash didn’t knock me unconscious but then again I’ve recovered from a whole lot worse.

“Not the best takedown but I think I did it!” I congratulated myself as I regained my balance and got back on my hooves. Turning to my left I saw the same stallion laying on his side and just getting his bearings.

My ears were suddenly caught by the sound of multiple hooves galloping in our direction. Looking behind me I was almost knocked out of the way by the same pursuing royal guards.

“Freeze thief!” One of the guards commanded as he approached the crook and stood over him.

Two of the guards were dressed and armoured in the exact same way but the third who was taller and dressed differently. His armour was decorated in ribbons and medals and more colour compared to the others. He must been an officer!

The officer of what I assumed to be turned to me with a smile.

“Thank you young stallion! Without you then we may not have caught up to this thief!” The officer kindly thanked me. His voice was low but still flourishing with a kind and young sense to it.

“Oh no problem! Just ya know...being awesome and ermmm helping everypony!” I replied. Never talked to an officer out of the blue before.

“You’ve done a good deed today. What is your name pony?”

Before replying I could see the other two guards grabbing the crook and forcing him against a wall and blocking him there.

“Oh Lightning Flash sir.”

“Well Lightning Flash I won’t forget this.” The officer laid a hoof on my shoulder and smiled.

“Shining Armour Sir! The criminal is ready to be taken to the cells.” One of the two guards said standing to attention.

Shining armour? A cool name for a guard but also the one who wrote me the letter about my brother. What should I do?

This guy is a captain if I remember correctly! I could ask for a reward for this! I could ask for my brother.

“Sir.”

“Yes Lightning Flash?”

“Ermmm do you remember when-”

A loud and sudden gush of air hit us both as a pegasus mare landed beside us.

“Sir Shining Armour! Major Thunder hooves needs you ASAP! It’s something to do with her squad.” The mare exclaimed but not so much in a panic but excited.

Major Thunder Hooves!? Too much of a coincidence for me!

“Of course! Sorry Lightning Flash but I must go. May our paths meet another time!” Shining Armour’s last words before galloping off and his guards and crook following.

Well buck on a stick. Whatever chance I had of knowing about my brother or finding him....was gone now. Part of me really wants to see him and another doesn’t.

Somehow the thought of my brother managed to invade my mind. With a day like today, I wasn't about to let it. The prom couldn't be ruined for me.

Turning to my right I noticed a shop's clock striking the hour. Maybe the others were done now. Only one way to find out.

Arriving at the halls once again I was greeted by the familiar face of Camouflage watching the door.

“Lightning!” She shouted as I glided by and swooped down to her side.

“Sup.”

“I think we’re just about done! If not now then definitely by tonight.” Cheerfully said Camouflage with her usual and common big smile.

“Nice! Well I’ve had my break....if ya can call it that. Ready to get to it!”

“Cool. I think Kensei needs some help with the music.”

Entering the halls once again I was still amazed at everypony's work. Through the crowds of ponies I just about managed to spot Kensei at the end of the hall.

Whizzing past the other fellow ponies in the air, I rushed to Kensei’s side.

“Sup Kensei. Need any help?”

“Hmmmm.....nah. Well I did need some help but I figured it out. Anyway how was the trip?” Said Kensei turning to me as he finished his work with a new looking music machine. A much fancier one too then before.

“Dreamy.”

“That good eh?”

“No I just slept through the whole journey!”

We both shared a short laugh and caught a few ponies attention

“See ya got a better piece of tech? Looks pretty awesome.” I said admiring the new and better looking bass machine beside us.

“Belongs to the best and only Vinyl Scratch!” Replied Kensei as his face shone with joy.

“Really? How did ya get it?”

“Xenon got hold of her and apparently she was more than happy to attend.  Can you believe this dude!? The, I’m talking about the famous one and only Vinyl Scratch is coming to us! Dude!” Kensei had always been a very hyper and smiling pony but right now I had never seen him so excited and amazed.

“That’s friggin awesome!”

“And she’s gonna be letting me help with the music!”

“Seriously dude!? Damn isn’t this like ya dream come true?”  Ever since I knew Kensei Coal he’d always bring up Vinyl Scratch when he could. His idol to his love of music.

Each of us had our own idols and heroes to one day hopefully meet.

Of course mine, FireSpeed’s and Rainbow Dash’s being the Wonderbolts! Kensei had Vinyl Scratch, Fluttershy had her dream of an animal home for all her critters and crawlers and Hemlock had his various magicians and mages to meet. Too many in too many books for me to remember.

“I know right! I can’t wait till our night!”

“Gonna be good. everything seems ready and everypony seems hyped for it!”

“Just gotta put on ya dancing shoes now.”

“Oh....yeah.”

“What’s up dude?”

“I’ve never danced before. Well I have but never like...slow or in a romantic way ya know?”

I’ve been to parties, clubs and more where I’ve danced but never a place when I’ve had to slow dance. Not with Dash or anypony.

“Hahahahaha! Dude don’t sweat! I can teach ya if you want? Just before the night.” Replied Kensei still laughing after his words.

“Really? That’d help me out a bit thanks.”

“Not a sweat. What do ya need help with exactly?” Said Kensei as we walked away from Vinyl’s awesome music maker.

“Ermmmm With my hooves? I don’t know anything.” I replied scratching my head with a hoof.

Breaking out into another laughing fit Kensei looked as if he was about to fall over.

“Ahahaha! I-I’m sorry dude......aww man we got a lot of work to do.”