The Life Of Lightning Flash

Chapter Twenty Seven

“I wanna take this moment...to not just say my goodbyes and thank yous to everyone at Wingbury...but to address something special to a certain pony here today.” Kensei’s voice spoke clear as crystals and as loud as can be through the microphone stood in front of him. Wingbury’s main hall surrounded him and the hundreds of Pegasi stared up at his confident posture.

Standing alone but...in a very different sense, he wasn’t alone on the stage. Although myself, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Hemlock, FireSpeed and the rest of our class were standing aside near the rear end of the large cloud platform...Kensei knew we were there to support him. Whatever it was he was about to do that is, even I had no idea what the next few words to come out of his mouth were gonna be.

Urm...let me rewind a bit actually....just to make things clear.

It was only a few weeks ago that we had the night of our young lives...the night of our Prom which we all remember very well.

During those few weeks, myself and my friends kinda just…..spent each day enjoying our last moments at the academy. Constantly considering the fact that we were soon to leave as students….felt weird in a way. Soon, all of our required lessons ended by the time of our final day. Until then, I got loads of goodbyes from anyone who wasn’t in my class...well not every other pony but those that had known me. Alas, the day did arrive and not too late nor soon either.

Every single student and teacher that was not unlucky enough to be ill or fortunate enough to go on holiday, were all rounded up in the academy’s main hall. Literally…..it was almost filled to the brim of the walls due to the amount of us.

In front of everypony stood our huge stage where we usually put on any performances or activities for all to see. Well, by we I mean the drama bunch and sorts.

Skyline stood in the center of which with a microphone and its stand just in front of her.

Besides the mare on display stood Xenon Draft who fortunately found time to come and visit on our final day…..ya can tell that this made it much more awesome.

Myself and my class of about thirty of us, stood behind them. I, Dash, Hemlock, Speedy and the rest just stood there for a good half an hour as Skyline went through the whole sappy speech on saying goodbye to us leavers. I wonder how much of it actually came from her heart.

Meh..when it came to Skyline, she was always one of the teacher’s I knew the least about. Which of course I didn’t mind a single bit but something tells me that outside of work and being a teacher...maybe she was an alright gal. Although she’s always been a pain in the flank since she arrived...I never knew her fully. The only teacher I ever got to know very well was Xenon Draft. Just for everything he’s done for me and the way he’s been more of a friend than just a teacher.

“Now, I would like to welcome Xenon Draft to now give us a few words on our leaving pupils.” Said Skyline as she slowly stepped backwards and away from the microphone.

Xenon stepped forward and behind the microphone.

“As a lot of you will probably know, I’ve worked here at Wingbury for a mighty long time. As I got a fantastic goodbye and farewell for when I left this academy, I have come to do the same to the last class I worked very closely with. Come on boys and girls.” Said Xenon, with his last words he pointed a hoof at myself and my class before we all took our cue to step forward.

I was the second to be in front of us all, Kensei always being a more confident type took the spot in front as I stood just behind and beside him.

“Just like every student here, all of you have made us proud to be teachers here at Wingbury and our more than glad to have such wonderful representatives of our academy.” Xenon spoke highly and proud. He stood calm and glad as his white coat was clean and kept well as usual, along with his pure brown mane and tail that was always combed over or to the side on each end. Professional looking indeed as his Cutie Mark always caught my eye.

A pair of golden and spread wings, nothing in between them either. It symbolized not only his skill in flying but his specialty in teaching it to others.

“As you are of course leaving us today, we do hope each of you will return for a visit or two. Just this time round without the education.” Xenon chuckled at his own words, that sense of humour only teachers really got and students just smiled to keep a conversation going. Or because we generally like them. Some of us only smiled to respect his crack at a joke.

“So to continue as planned, each of you have of course, awards for your great work over the last year but out of all certificates a pony could earn, some of you have been awarded very specific and unique ones. Not to say all of you aren’t unique!” Xenon smiled towards the rest of the hall. “So without further ado!” Said Xenon with such excitement and joy in his voice. A Unicorn mare made her way onto the stage from our right, her coat a very light green. Her tail and mane were kept extremely tidy and combed into place, the light brown colour suited her well. Her eyes stood out only a tad as their dark green colour made well with her remaining image. A very professional and dark brown saddle satchel was placed on her back, two small holders on each side. She calmly stepped over and closer to Xenon as she smiled.

I’d never seen this Mare before, she obviously didn’t belong to the academy in anyway. Being a Unicorn and all made her the sore thumb in the hall of Pegasi. She couldn’t have been younger than a few years off of my age.

Her horn began to glow a dark green as a selection of what looked like certificates was drawn out of the right side of her satchel. They hovered within the grasp of her magic and stayed mid air in front of Xenon.

“Thank you dear.” Said Xenon as he smiled back at her. The certificates landed on his left front hoof which he held out in front of him. “So let’s start off.”

These so called unique certificates were given out in what seemed to be a random order….or whatever Skyline felt right. Either way! I could be getting a freaking special piece of paper!

“To the fastest Mare to come to Wingbury and having the attitude to confront any challenge, I give the Certificate of Most Adventurous and Daring Pegasus, to Rainbow Dash!”

“For always keeping his head in his books and focusing on studies over anything else, I’m glad to give the award of Dedication to Studies, to Hemlock!”

“When her class needs a helping hoof round class or especially when a garden ever needs tending to down on the ground. BlossomForth has shown her love for helping a group when she’s needed. BlossomForth has been awarded the Certificate of Academic Supporter.”

“As one of the students I’ve got to know the most personally and in my own time, of course I have spent a lot of time with everyone here and others, as the same goes for Skyline I’m sure of. This exception goes to a certain Stallion who always makes me smile and I’m happy to make him laugh at any of my old jokes. In his studies he focuses and gets his work done, in the skies he’s one of our best flyers and always brings something special to a race. Whether it’s a trick of a treat for us all. The Certificate for Most Extraordinaire Flyer goes to Lightning Flash!”

And just like the others, I walked even more forward and beside Xenon, now opposite the Unicorn Mare. He smiled at me and held my certificate on the top of a pile of two remaining ones in total.

“Well done Lightning, you deserve it.” Said Xenon more quietly as he looked to me and I carefully bit the end of the certificate, holding it in my mouth as I smiled back and walked back over to my friends.

“And sadly we reach our last certificate of this day, but it is no less important than any other. Always smiling, always making a joke and surprising ponies around the academy, not to mention his amazing talent in music. The Certificate for Academic Spirit goes to Kensei Coal!”

Kensei’s eyes widened as his ears stood up straight before he slowly walked forwards and over to Xenon Draft.

“A perfect reward for you, Kensei.” Said Xenon as he looked to my friend, almost everyones friend actually. I mean, that’s why the certificate has been given to him and he damn right deserves it.

“Tha..thank you sir. I feel honoured.” Replied Kensei as he seemed almost nervous, which for him was a rare act unless Fluttershy came into question. Kensei bit the end of the certificate carefully and then reached his head to his right side and place it onto his back. “Sir, if I may…..I have something I would much like to say. May I take the microphone?”

“Of course, Kensei. I’m quite curious of what it is.” Xenon smiled as he stepped backwards a few steps, now having all certificates given out as the Unicorn by his side stood back as well.

Kensei stepped closer to the microphone and pushed it to the side a little so he could easily face the hall and then back at us on the stage.

““I wanna take this moment...to not just say my goodbyes and thank yous to everyone at Wingbury...but to address something special to a certain pony here today.” Kensei’s voice was crystal clear but I couldn’t help but notice all four of his legs shaking a little. Not a huge amount to notice but just a hint. Every stallion and mare looked up at him from below and throughout the hall, as well as us being behind him.

“I’ve had tons of friends here at Wingbury and I have them to thank for my smiles here. My time at the academy has been greater than I ever imagined, amazing pals, great teachers and being able to provide my music and having such praises for it all…..just thanks to you all.” Kensei couldn’t stop his smile as he spoke but he took  a large gulp and his face went serious for a second before speaking again.

“Through all of it, I’ve found one particular pony who has kept me outta any dumps and in the clear blue sky and she hasn’t even had to try. She doesn’t even like the sky as much as she does the ground.” Kensei said followed by a short giggle and turned more towards us all. “I’ve never got on so well with another pony like herself, our love for animals is almost as big as my love for her. What can I love about her?” Kensei went silent as the corners of his mouth grew upwards slightly into a smile. His eyes stared directly towards Fluttershy who stood to my right. “Everything, her looks, her kindness for others. The way she hides herself away from others and not little critters, the way she giggles at the silliest of jokes at times. The inner strength she doesn’t even realize she has and so much more. I’ve never really had a Mare I’ve been interested in before….and the one I think I really care for…..I’m saying this all out in public for her. I love her….I love you Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened in a second as her pupils grew larger, her cheeks flourished a bright red. Her entire body just stopped, her lips parted a small amount but only air escaped from her mouth. Her eyes and Kensei’s just stared into each others while everyone watched. The Unicorn Mare slanted her head to the side and smiled. Kensei stepped a little closer toward Fluttershy as her front hooves began to shake.

A few mares in our group “Awww’d” and smiled at the display of love in front of us. Rainbow Dash watched on as we all did as she grinned and laughed quietly to herself for a moment.

“Fluttershy...after knowing you for these years at Wingbury, I’ve just realized more and more of my love for you. I’m always intrigued by that silent mind of yours and my own is filled with only thoughts of you. From your mane to your tail….you’re the perfect mare in this stallion’s eyes.” Kensei stared into Fluttershy’s eyes with such glee as her mouth opened even more but only quiet squeaks and breaths of panic were heard.  Her eyes raced from side to side as she watched every other pony watch herself and Kensei.

“T-to-too many ponies.” Fluttershy gasped as she quickly turned to the side and sprinted off of the stage, her head ducked down as she ran. Letting her mane cover her face, Fluttershy dashed through a set of doors in the side of the hall while Kensei stood in worry, his eyes watching where she went.

“Damn it Kensei.” The stallion himself slammed a hoof underneath him as he looked to the floor. I took a quick breath before stepping over to him. It couldn’t have been him, Fluttershy loves Kensei to bits and I’ve known it for enough years now.

“Why are ya waiting around?” I asked, my voice more stern but before he could answer as he looked to me I continued. “Get out there and find her dude. She needs ya!”

Kensei now looked into my eyes and his edges of his lips rised up before turning to the side as well. Without a word in reply, Kensei ran off in Fluttershy’s hoofsteps and left the hall while every other pony just simply watched.

Fluttershy ran through the corridor that stood just outside of the large hall, her head ducked forward as she soon came to a corner and stopped. She looked to the floor and took frantic and ragged breaths. Her heart was pumping hard enough it could feel as if it was about to explode almost.

What Kensei did was out of proportion in terms for Fluttershy to comprehend all at once, as well as having it happen in front of hundreds upon hundreds of other ponies. Where having all eyes on one pony was what a lot of competitive Pegasi wanted…...of course not Fluttershy though.

Her mind so timid and fragile, the whole situation was a mix of the best thing possible and at the same time…..the worst thing possible.

Kensei’s hoofsteps were heard running down the corridor from behind Fluttershy as she turned her head round slightly to see him from behind her mane. A duo of tears formed in her eyes as they slowly dripped down her cheeks. Kensei slowed down as he approached closer to Fluttershy, until being within a leg’s stretch distance from each other, he stopped.

“I’m so sorry for what I did….I just…..I’ve been waiting for the perfect time to tell you and I wanted it to be something special that not just everyone would remember…..but just me and you. I guess…..this is actually a one way emotion.” Kensei’s voice saddened as he sounded more depressed and tilted his head down after noticing Fluttershy’s tears. “I’ve just always had this strong feeling in my soul for you Fluttershy and I hoped you felt the same way and I’ve gone and mucked it all up!”

Fluttershy’s cheeks continued to damped with a couple more tears as she raised her head after Kensei finished his words. She looked into his now doubtful and scared eyes and suddenly stepped forward and wrapped both of her front legs round his neck, holding onto him tightly. She threw her head into the side of his neck as she smiled, her mouth pressing against his clean coat.

“I love you Kensei Coal….I've….I’ve never known what it is but you make me feel sp-special.” Said Fluttershy as Kensei’s eyes remained wide and the stallion stood worried and happy at the same time, very confused too!

“You feel the same way?” Kensei’s voice shook with worry and anticipation.

“For a really….really long time.” Replied Fluttershy as her last tears to drop, landed into Kensei’s coat.

Kensei’s smile grew wide again as he suddenly wrapped his left front leg round Fluttershy’s neck in excitement but still gently. His cheeks grew red but not nearly as rosy as Fluttershy’s.

“I dunno how I could have been blind to it…..but now….it feels so good to just let it out at last!” Kensei exclaimed as he rested the side of his face against Fluttershy’s head.

“Me too.” Fluttershy replied, her voice a little more calm now.

“Thank you Fluttershy…...thank you.” Said Kensei as he reared back his head as did Fluttershy too. He smiled at the Mare as she smiled back.

“Thank you.” Were Fluttershy’s simple words in reply.

Kensei smiled with his cheeks still red as was Fluttershy’s as well, he stared into her nervous and joy filled eyes. Her smile reflecting right back of his own. With barely any thought other than that of just excitement running through his mind. Kensei slowly leaned his head forward and towards Fluttershy’s as his lips stretched outward only a tad as soon enough, Flutters got the jist of the moment.

Her heart began to pump once again as her eyes just stared further into Kensei’s, she knew she wanted this and she knew it was right, she was only nervous instead of scared though. The fact that Kensei had admitted his love for her…...it seemed to bring out this sense of confidence in Fluttershy.

Within a matter of seconds, both of their lips met in a slow and passionate kiss, their lips moved gently against each others. Eyes now closed and their mouths attached through their exchange of romance, the two continued their kiss for a few more seconds before pulling away from each other.

The two Ponies held onto their private moment as they just absorbed each and every single beat of love that pulsed through their souls and bodies.

“I love you Fluttershy.” Kensei spoke quietly, his voice and breath like a gentle warm breeze against Fluttershy’s ear as Kensei placed his head back next to hers.

Fluttershy’s heart pounded again and again against her body, her breathes became frequent and fast before soon slowing down as she quickly dived her own head against Kensei’s neck for comfort.

“I…...I-I love you too K-Kensei Coal.” Fluttershy’s lips shook on her words but her body felt alive and lit up with her joy.

With our awards, certificates and goodbyes given out, we spent our last day altogether as a class. Chilling, messing about, just the usual things that we got up to. I personally went and found Xenon to say thank you, Rainbow Dash did the same. By the time we found Kensei and Fluttershy, we could already tell just by their faces that Kensei had nailed his plan down.

I mean, I don’t say a lot of things are cute as well…...I kinda just don’t unless they really really are ya know? Buuuut…..Kensei and Fluttershy are definitely an exception!

So our final day was mostly that and little fun things to remember it by. We all got a yearbook, photos that have captured us throughout the years and of course our certificates to keep. With it all done and dusted, everyone gladly but somewhat tried to delay heading home. I was glad to get home with Dash when we did, right after we grabbed some grub with the others and just again….chilled out!

After a long day though, me and Dash decided to hit the bedroom a little earlier than usual, an hour or so before we usually do. It didn’t take us long to fall asleep, heheh.

Eyes slowly opening, ears being made useless due to the barrage of sound around her, Rainbow Dash slowly woke up from a forgotten slumber. A heavy warm breeze swept over her entire body as she felt the dry dirt and grass underneath her.

“Wha...what the hell?” Were Rainbow’s only words as her eyesight slowly became less blurry, she reached up with a front hoof and rubbed each eye, one at a time. Whatever she expected, it was not the sight of which stood in front of her.

Surrounded by buildings, houses and shops that seemed very familiar….of course they were, it was PonyVille. The popular and wonderful town that had seemed to play such a nice role in her life even though her origin was elsewhere in the sky.

Except the town did not hold it’s usual known state of peaceful atmosphere, clean streets and beautiful simple houses, instead it was almost the opposite. Buildings were burning, falling apart from the sides to the roofs. Ponies screamed and ran for their lives and out of their homes as the streets were littered with debris and grass that had caught alight with fire.

“What the buck!?” Rainbow Dash almost screeched as her throat had become dry from the burning town around her.

Ponies around her continued to scream and run for their lives as after a few more seconds of panic and chaos, some strange figures appeared through one of the large gatherings of dark smoke.

Dash’s sight focused more on the approaching figures as her senses had all fully revived themselves from this forgettable passing out state.

As the two Pony silhouettes left the large wall of smoke, they revealed themselves to be some degree of guard each and both Pegasi. Both suited and booted in armour, one a Royal Guard and the other a soldier of Luna’s own guards…..which was odd to comprehend seeing as Dash had never seen one of them with her own eyes, only in paintings. As the two guards tiredly stepped further and further out of the smoke, their image became more clear for Rainbow Dash to see.

Both of their suits of armour had been thrashed about, torn, scraped, damaged and worn to extreme measures. Pieces were missing that allowed Dash to see the red coat of the Royal Guard, the other had a dark beige or even grey mixed with beige coat under his dark blue armour. Although they stood a good distance away, Dash could just about notice their eyes, the Royal Guard had eyes of bright blue where the Lunar Guard had eyes of pure red.

Rainbow Dash tried to get herself up from the ground but she just couldn't escape this weird imprisonment feeling holding her down. As if her body didn't want her to move yet she felt every muscle and bone working to try so.

The red coated stallion guard suddenly dropped down to his front legs bending to the ground, his body seemed cut and bruised all over from where his armour was missing in places.

“Come on damn it!” Shouted the Lunar Guard in a low and distressed voice as he turned to his companion. Neither of them held any weapons, probably lost in whatever situation was surrounding them.

The royal guard lifted up his right front hoof and grabbed his damaged helmet before throwing it aside and onto the ground. Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened in shock as her own stallion lover stood before her in a terrible state.

His mane a rainbow just like Dash’s, his face was cut from left right and to center which seemed like nothing compared to the burns around his coat and neck. His mane had been singed from fire which shortened it by half its length in the back.

“Lightning!” Rainbow Dash shouted out, she felt her words roar through her throat and out of her mouth but, no sound could actually be heard.

“Damn it Flash! Get up!” The Lunar Guard shouted as Lightning Flash looked to him and slowly stood back up. As Lightning finally looked over to the direction of Rainbow Dash, before he could spot her, a loud and ferocious roar filled the air. Not of any pony, nor a Griffon, Manticore or anything other than the obvious….a dragon and it sounded enraged.

“Shit!” The Lunar Guard shouted as he looked to the sky.

“I thought we killed it!?” Lightning Flash shouted back as he looked to the sky as well and then began to slowly hover, his wings had obviously been through too much as he only got a few meters off of the ground before crashing back down and onto his chest.

“Apparently not!” Replied the Lunar Guard as he helped Flash back onto his hooves. A roar just like before, filled everypony’s ears as it came into sight….the dragon.

It’s large and and slender body flew right over the tops of the surrounding houses. Its scales were all completely dark brown as it’s talons shone with a bright gold as the beast flew overhead. It’s size must have been larger than four houses put together.

As the dragon circled its flight path in the low sky, fire sprayed out from within it’s mouth, burning away and diminishing clouds. Rainbow Dash tried ever so harder to move but it was to no use, her strength was nothing for this invisible and unknown force that kept her on the ground.

It hurt her, it swelled up inside of her gut as the mighty dragon landed just a short distance away from her and near Lightning Flash.

“Fine! Let’s kill this thing!” The Lunar Guard shouted as he charged forward before taking off into the air. Lightning Flash went to do the same thing but as he went to lift off, his body seemed to soar out in pain as he suddenly dropped onto his chest again.

The Lunar Guard hadn't noticed this as he flew behind the dragon and out of Rainbow Dash’s sight. The dragon roared once again before it stared at Lightning and opened it’s mouth wide, followed by a wave and stream of fire spewing out and covering where the stallion Pegasus laid. Just before the barrage of flames hit him, he looked over to Rainbow Dash with a sorry look upon his face. Then….the red coated Pegasus was consumed in the flames.

“NOOO!” Dash screamed at the top of her lungs as the dragon turned to her and opened it’s mouth once again before sending the almighty power of fire towards her. The wave of flames shot straight towards her before soon taking her as well. Without any feeling of heat felt in her body, everything soon went black around her.

“GAAAAAH!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she sat up straight and now faced the familiar interiour and surrounding that was her bedroom. Nothing missing, nothing burning, nothing damaged or torn. She hadn't noticed it but her breaths were short and fast.

“Wha,....I.” Dash spoke more quietly this time as she tried to comprehend everything around her and why it was so different from what had just stood before her own eyes.

A loud and typical snore broke the nightly silence in the room as Dash slowly turned to her left and noticed Lightning Flash laying belly up beside her. His mouth opened with each snore and breath as his two left legs were rested against his own body, his two right legs were rested against Dash as he spread himself out in that manner.

Dash lept onto him with both of her front legs wrapping around Lightning Flash’s neck. His eyes shot open as his mouth did the same simultaneously. Air escaped the stallions mouth abruptly as he quickly scanned all around him with only his eyes, before then watching over Dash who now lay on top of him.

“Arrrr…...did you really have to wake me up? It’s not even daylight outside!” Flash complained as he rested his head back and only then did he notice the tears that shed from Dash’s eyes and onto his own coat of red fur. “Dash….what’s wrong?”

“Don’t ever! Don’t you dare or ever think about it!” Dash shouted, demanding which just confused Lightning Flash even more.

“Don’t what?....what’s got you all panicked!?” Flash grew more worried.

“You died…..I saw ya die.” Dash had trouble talking over the crying, crying of which was always something that Rainbow had rarely let her friends see. She had her reasons not to let others see her cry or get emotional but even she knew that times would come where she wouldn't be able to bottle up emotions forever. Lightning Flash was the pony she could just…..let it out with. He did the same to her with equal and loyal trust.

“I...it was a dream, Dash. I’m here and you’re hugging me….really tightly too.” Lightning replied.

Dash kept silent as a few more tears left her eyes and landed onto Lightning Flash some more. After a few more seconds, Rainbow lifted up her head to stare into Lightning’s eyes.

“You need to promise me something….got it?” Said Dash as she calmed down her voice some more.

“Urm..yeah of course….whatever it is.” Replied Lightning Flash as he raised an eyebrow at Rainbow.

“Alright…..you’re never joining the guards. Ever. Don’t ask why and don’t even argue because I-”

“I don’t want to….ever.” Flash cut Dash off in mid sentence which threw her off for a second but she let out a sigh of relief before letting her head fall onto Lightning’s chest again. “I never wanted to….you know that. What I want to do with my life is to be in the sky with you….nothing else.” Flash stared into Dash’s eyes as he smiled.

The tears on Rainbow’s cheeks had begun to soak into her own coat and face. She moved her front left leg from around Lightning’s neck and instead, above her own head. “Yeah…..I guess my dreams just….ya know, get the better of me. Must just be tired.” Dash scratched the top of her head with her hoof, looking to the side.

“Heheh….ya silly butt.” Flash smiled a little as Dash looked back at him.

“Hey...I ain't worried….just a bad dream of course...caught me off guard.” Replied Dash.

“Whatever you say.” Flash nudged his head upwards as he looked into Rainbow Dash’s eyes. She stood up a little and stepped forward a little bit so her head was just above Flash’s. “Come here!” Lightning wrapped his front right leg round Dash’s neck and pulled her closer before he rolled onto his right side and pulled Dash with him so she was facing him, giggling away.

Lightning Flash grabbed the end of the bed covers with a hoof and pulled them up to cover himself and Dash, reaching up to their necks.

“Now...no waking me up alright?” Said Flash in a joking tone.

“Me wake you up? You’re the one that snores!” Dash replied, shouting and smiling at Flash.

“What? How do I?” Flash asked, confused and almost dumb witted for a moment.

“One night I’ll get proof for ya.” Dash yawned and closed her eyes. “Not tonight though.”

“Heheh, good luck with it.” Flash grinned as he also closed his eyes, the two Pegasi soon fell back into their wanted slumber.