The Life Of Lightning Flash

by LightningFlash

Rating: mature
Tags: Romance, Comedy, Adventure, Slice of Life, Sad
Length: 97483

A biography/fanfic of my pony: Lightning Flash!

"Follow ya dreams. If ya fight hard enough and keep trying than you'l eventually reach them. It just takes effort and love." To most ponies Lightning Flash seemed normal and even he himself thought the same. Was it only upon living through life's terrible and weird fates and finding his love, destiny and dreams was Lightning finally able to realise his life wasn't so normal as he thought. Follow the life of Lightning Flash as he finds friends, discovers his true talents, hunts adventure and the truth and finds his soulmate.
Note: This is my first fanfic and any advice, help or criticism is welcome! Just be descriptive! I know the first 1 or 2 chapters aren't amazing but please bare through! I promise it gets a whole LOT better!!! Thanks for reading. =D

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-03-13 23:34:35 UTC

Chapter Two: That Eventful Day

                                                                                    Chapter Two

From that day I decided that pursuing my dreams in flying and being the greatest flyer in the clouds was my primary goal. But I wasn't sure of how to go about doing it. So I spent all of my free time flying around my neighbourhood and constantly setting myself new challenges to overcome.  I even went to a summer flight camp where I saw my fair share of talent from other Pegasai.

My father loved to tell me stories about famous flying Pegasai and their tricks, tales and dreams! He also told me about a great city in the clouds and its beauty; Cloudsdale. I decided I wanted  to move to Cloudsdale and tried to convince my parents but my attempts were in  vain as they wanted me to graduate from Manehattan High which ment staying in our current home.

The only problem being I didn't want to stay there and finish my education at ManeHattan High, I didn't enjoy my lessons, I hardly knew my friends and there wasn't any fun to be had in flying within the school grounds...of my degree anyway!

After constantly practicing and trying to better myself, I had grown extremely confident in  my flying even going as far as to making my own tricks and maneuvers. I loved doing barrel rolls and dodging buildings at high speeds.

Whilst heading back home one day right after I had finished my daily amount of flight training I noticed an advertisement on a bulletin board in the street. The advert was for a WonderFlight Show hosted by the one and only WonderBolts! it was to be hosted on the upcoming Saturday and was based quite close by.

Travel and distance didn't matter much to me anyway because while flying I had  been constantly increasing my endurance and stamina which also came in handy when I was i n a hyperactive mood.

So with father by me on that very eventful day to be, I bought our tickets and arrived earlier than needed to the stadium of which the events were to be held in.  Once in our seats and having a few minutes before the opening cermony started I was gobsmacked by the ridiculous  amount of ponies waiting and gathering in the seats around the stadium centre.

But one pony in particular caught my eye. She sat in the fourth row of seats below me, her pure cyan coat, her flourishing rainbow mane. Wait!  She had a rainbow mane just like me! I thought to myself.

She was beautiful! She refused to sit and instead hovered with sheer anticipation for the events to begin.

The opening ceremony was great but short and nothing compared to everything else the WonderBolts did!

But nothing would compare to the feeling I was about to experience in the last few moments of that day. ....

Chapter Three: My Chance

                                                                                       Chapter Three

After finishing their last trick the WonderBolts announced a surprise flight audition where they would pick two very lucky ponies to come up and show off their skills.

They turned on a spotlight( for it was late at night now) and pointed randomly into the crowd. My heart skipped a beat as the spotlight hovered ever so close to me but instead stayed upon the mysterious cyan pegasus with the rainbow hovering four seats below me.

I could almost feel her excitement and joy just by looking into her eyes as she arose from the crowd with pride. In a blink of an eye she had already appeared by the side of one of the three WonderBolts.

They  discussed very little small talk before she zoomed off into the night sky, ready to show off her talent.  Her moves were totally awsome! Better than anything I could do!

In fact they looked very familiar for some reason. Actually everything about her seemed familiar; her moves and her looks. But where had I seen this Cyan Pegasus  before?

Before I spend another second on the thought, the rainbow maned mare had finished her display and was standing proud next to a much older looking stallion, by the looks of him I could tell he was a teacher possibly hers.

The spotlight began it's second sweep across the thousands of ponies who were all sharing the same anticipation. I knew it wasn't going to but I still hoped it would pick me. Usually I wouldn't think so negatively but I knew I didn't have great luck.

I closed my eyes hoping, begging and wishing for the spotlight to pick me, but my eyes were forced open by a light breaking through my eyelids. My heart stopped just to be restarted again by the sheer excitement rushing through my entire body. It was me! I was chosen to show off my skills and prove my love for flying.

In a second I dashed to the sides of the WonderBolts. The rainbow maned mare and her probable teacher were with me too but they didn't say anything.

"Show us what ya got! And remember to be yourself out there!" Said by a WonderBolt with a dark blue mane and a very enthusiastic tone in his voice.

Without any more thought I took my place in the sky for everypony to see. What I did exactly isn't what matters but how I felt while doing my moves does! Throughout my many barrel rolls, dives, twists and turns I was more nervous than I had ever been! But at the same time I felt completely awsome!

To finish my act I decided to attempt my very own signature trick. One I hadn't practiced greatly.

Chapter Four: Night to Remember

                                                                                         Chapter Four

I had been trying to perfect this move for months. I called it "The Diving Bolt." I would start by climbing up at high speeds to a high enough height, stop and then dive to the ground in a controlled spiral of barrel rolls. At the last second before hitting the ground I would thrust upwards and with all my speed fly to my previous height and return to sender.

I got my inspiration for the move back in summer flight camp after seeing another pegasus attempt something quite similiar but without the barrel rolls

It was time to show everypony the awsomeness of Lightning Flash! I started my climb upwards and was ready to start my spiral, as I started my continous barrel roll downwards, a sudden lightning storm erupted from the clouds above.

(The stadium wasn't in the sky you see.) As the lighning grew stronger  and more frequent I lost my concentration and couldn't control my speed! It was as if my speed had been increased greatly since the lightning erupted. I was on a one way ticket ride to the ground.

I was paralzyed while falling to my death which was to be witnessed by thousands. I was going so fast I couldn't even control my wings. Was this really it? The end? I didn't know what to think or do, well there wasn't anything I could do!

Seconds from being the death of the famous foolish pegasus, my heavy fall was brought to an abrupt end. It couldn't have been any closer! I could feel a strong grip on my tail. Whoever or whatever was stopping me from faceplanting the ground, I owed them my life!

My saviour softly dropped me on the ground, once I had gathered my senses and nerves I turned to finally reveal my hero's identitiy. I sat in wonder as I looked upon the grinning face of the mysterious rainbow maned mare who had already proved enough of her skills tonight. This mare was truly something, she hovered above me accepting all of her praises and cheers without a sense of modesty. I couldn't blame her for showing off but that didn't stop her from checking on me.

"Nice mane. Just try not to burn it up in the atmosephere next time!" She advised and then giggled. I wasn't sure whether to take what she said as a compliment or not.

"Thanks. You weren't so bad out there yourself!" I replied with a chuckle. She grinned at my response but before she could reply the WonderBolts had appeared by our sides along with my father and her probable teacher.

"Thank Celestia your alright!" Yelled my father as he embraced me with a hug.

"We're glad your both safe and on the ground." Added the WonderBolt with the dark blue mane.

"I'm fine. Thanks to her!" I replied while pointing to the rainbow maned mare.

"That was some great work from both of you!" Said the other WonderBolt; this one with an orange like mane and different from the other with a female voice. I turned to my saviour who was now standing beside  me. Her eyes gleamed with joy, this was obviously very important to her.

The WonderBolts left in a hurry leaving us four to ourselves while everypony else began to leave. The old stallion who accompanied my savior stepped towards me and said

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xenon Draft and I am a professional flight teacher at Wingbury Academy. As I watched your fantastic capabilities of flight I couldn't help but wonder if you would  like to attend at Wingbury Academy with my dear student here?"

I couldn't believe what he had asked me!  To be able to attend at a flight academy!

"Yes! Of course! A million times yes!....Um if thats alright with you dad of course?" I replied turning to my father.

"Your dream is your destiny I guess. You've already proved enough of your love for flying tonight son."  Replied my father with a proud smile.

"Then it is agreed! You will start your enrollment in a week." Agreed Xenon Draft.

The smile on my face almost felt like my jaw was gonna break.

Chapter Five: True Friendship

                                                                                          Chapter Five

My father and Xenon walked off to go chat probably about my enrollment at Wingbury, leaving me with the rainbow maned mare.

"I guess this means you're my new competition!...and friend.  Names Rainbow Dash by the way!" She said smiling.

"Cool to meet ya Rainbow Dash! I'm Lightning Flash!" We shared a smile and then it hit me! I had seen her before!

"I remember you! You were the pegasus who pulled off the Sonic Rain Boom back in summer flight camp! Your awsome!" I shouted suddenly with joy.

"You were there huh? Yeah I know. I'm awsome." She responded proudly with no modesty included. Again. I somewhat admired that about her.

"I can already tell we're gonna be good friends." I added.

And so a week passed and I had left Manehatten High, now starting at Wingbury Academy! I spent my first few days finding and getting used to my classes along with being escorted round by Rainbow Dash who showed me everything I needed to know about the academy. I quickly learn't and memorised my timetable and layout of the academy.

On the other hoof I made good friends with some of Rainbow Dash's buddies. Such as one pony who shared much in common with me and Dash.

He was called FireSpeed and loved to fly and race with me and Dash but could get quite competitive, ah who am I kidding! We all got very competitive! But we never let it overcome our friendship. I loved  asking him about his home and time in CloudsDale which is where a lot of the students lived. He also had a famous sister who was a DJ. They didn't get to see eachother often though but when they did they made the most of their time together.

Then there was a pony who I kinda felt sorry for but they always managed to cheer me up just like a lot of my friends! His name was Kensai Coal. Being born in a small village called Greensburg where most ponies didn't even know of its existence. Life there was peaceful until he had to be extracted to a hospital in CloudsDale due to a tornado ravaging his hometown. He only lived with his mother after the move because of his parents divorcing. His younger brother decided to stay with his father. He tried to make sure his mum never felt alone but her depression soon led to crime and evading the law.

This made life extremely tough for Kensei but it didn't change his personality. He was a shy pony but if you managed to get through his initial barrier you would find a very funny, loving and awsome party throwing stallion! Rainbow Dash even asked him to plan a welcoming party for me! It was Radical!

It had everything. Cakes, balloons, music which he supplied us with. Kensai was a great DJ and could easily mix up a few of his own jams and tunes! He would constantly go on and on about his dream to work with the famous Vinyl Scratch. He also had a nack for technology and how things worked which came in handy quite a few times!

He was amazing with animals and adored being around them. Which brings me on to the next friend, who of which was kinda similiar in the fact of loving animals. She was also extremely shy, I mean she couldn't even say her name properly to other ponies! But when she was near animals she was in her true form.

Her name was FlutterShy, she didn't have many friends her best one being Rainbow Dash! She was quite the odd one. Being a pegasus who is afraid of heights! I mean what? She was ever so kind though, sharing her lunch with us when some of us didn't have any bits to buy our own.

The five of us were all born in the same year with just a couple of months between our birthdays. It went in this order: FireSpeed, Kensei, Fluttershy, Me and then Rainbow Dash.

A lot of the pegasai at Wingbury Academy could get very competitive when it came to racing and always tried to better eachother on the academies many leaderboards. One of the best was of course Rainbow Dash. I was soon to climb up those leaderboards, showing off skills in every race. I was quite well known to a lot of the other pegasai but definatly not all of them. There were many students at Wingbury Academy.

By starting my new enrollment at Wingbury I couldn't stay in my current home for it made difficulties for my new friends and education. Two weeks after starting my enrollment me and my father moved to CloudsDale, a dream come true!

My mother went to live with my aunt back in Trottingham, she wrote to me and my father often. I wrote back when I wasn't swamped with work and hanging out with my buddies.

My friendship with Rainbow Dash had grown rapidly since that eventful night. We shared all the same classes, interests and spent all of our free time racing each other and hanging out with our other friends.

We also loved visiting our favourite places together such as the Weather Factory. Before I moved to CloudsDale, Dash had even offered that I stay at her house!  I felt as if..no I knew our friendship was growing so strong I even wanted to ask her out on a date!

But everytime I went to ask her I never had the guts to do it. When I did feel as if I could finally ask her there was always something that caused me to miss my chance.

I wondered if I would ever get my chance to ask......

Chapter Six: A Dash Of Love

                                                                                           Chapter Six

Two years past and my life was going great! I was a fantastic student, I had become one of the best flyers in Wingbury Academy and my friends loved me, just like I loved them. My family was well and my father had got a new job as a Pre-School teacher. But the thought still lingered on my mind and it had been for the last two years; could me and Rainbow Dash be more than just friends? Would asking her out ruin our friendship? Would it ruin the trust between us and our other friends? I was afraid. Afraid that if she disagreed with me I would lose my bestest friend and risk everything with my friends.

I hadn't told anypony about these feelings which made it worse on me. But one day I decided I wanted to tell somepony, but who? I wrote to my mother about this but she just told me that if it is meant to be than it will happen. But I couldn't just wait for a miracle to happen, could I?

Maybe I should tell my father? Then again my dad did have a bad habit for getting too involved with other ponies problems. I mean I didn't want him asking out Dash for me! That would look awful. But I needed to tell somepony that could actually help me.

It was a Wednesday and Dash was busy training for an important race against another school with FireSpeed so she missed lunch that day. I on the other hand wasn't involved in that race so I went to lunch alone. I didn't mind eating on my own it kinda gave me time to just think.

As I bought my lunch I went to find myself an empty seat but noticed a very lonely Fluttershy sitting on her own which was strange because she usually visits the nearby forest below where she would eat her lunch.

I walked over and sat beside her. "Hey Fluttershy! I'm suprised to see you here for lunch." I said with a smile.

"Oh hi Lightning. Well I've got this exam coming up and I need to study extra hard. I'm..k..kinda nervous about the whole thing." She replied before taking a bite into her salad and then turning a page in her study book.

"Well I'm sure you'll do fine!" I replied enthusiastically while giving her a friendly nudge.

Maybe I could tell Fluttershy about me and Dash? I mean she's good at keeping secrets and is very understanding.

It was settled, I would get Fluttershys advice on what to do!

After taking a bite out of my sandwich I turned to Fluttershy who's eyes were focused on every last word in her book. "Hey Fluttershy can I tell you something?" I asked her.

"Sure Lightning Flash. What's on your mind?" She replied in her ever so soft and calming voice.

"You gotta keep it a secret though okay?" I asked while scanning the tables near us with my eyes.

"Oh..uh.. I'll try." She said nervously. Fluttershy was always unsure about keeping secrets and thought she would always spill the beans by accident when in fact she never did.

"Well....its about Rainbow Dash you see." "What's happened? is she hurt!?" She interupted with worry.

"No she's fine! But I...well..I don't know how to tell you." I replied unsurely. Fluttershy was staring into eyes  waiting to hear what I had to say. Then she laid her hoof upon mine on the table trying to help me keep calm.

"Just say it how you're thinking it." She said with a soft smile.

"Me and Dash have always been really good friends, we've always been there for each other and I don't want us to stay friends. I...I want her to be my special somepony!" I burst out in a slight whisper.

Fluttershy's facial expression went from interested to relaxed and happy.

"That's so....ADORABLE!!!" She shouted and then noticed the other pegasai who had turned their heads to towards her. "Oh..uh..sorry." She added.

"Uh..thanks I guess. But I need your help! I don't know how to tell her!" I replied while my cheeks grew slightly red.

Fluttershy looked out of the window when I suddenly felt two hooves touch my shoulders.

"Hi Lightning!" Shouted Kensei from behind giving me quite the scare.

"Jeez Kensei you startled me!" I responded with a smile of relief.

He sat down beside me and asked "So what ya talking about? I heard Fluttershy shout which we all know is out of the ordinary!"

Fluttershy turned towards him and smiled before looking back at her book.

"Can ya keep a secret?" I asked him.

"Of course!" He replied.

"Well I've always felt like me and Dash could be more than friends but I haven't bee..."

"Been able to tell her! And you want me to help!" Kensei interupted with excitement. "Uh.. sorry do carry on." He added.

"Well yeah and I need yours and Fluttershy's help. But nopony else must know!" I replied.

"Uh..well.. I just remembered that Hearts and Hooves day is this saturday. Maybe you could show Dash your feelings then." Said Fluttershy.

"I completely forgot about Hearts and Hooves Day! Well done Fluttershy!" I replied with a huge smile. Fluttershy smiled and turned back to her book.

"Way to go Fluttershy! You always know what to do!" Said Kensei trying to build Fluttershy's confidence also causing her to blush a little as she carried on reading.

It's not really a surprise that I forgot about Hearts and Hooves Day. I mean I've never done anything for it before.

"I could help arrange a secret date for you and Dashie!" Added Kensei with a grin.

"A secret date huh? Sounds good but how exactly would it work?" I replied while scratching my head.

"Well..I could set up a romantic lunch for you and Dash at her favourite restaurant. I could tell her they've got a special daily offer or a meeting with some pony. That's sure to make her go!" Kensei responded with a giggle.

"That sounds as if it could actually work! Thanks Kensei!" I replied with a hug.

"Who dares doubt the mind of Kensei Coal!"Heheh!" He replied.

"I'll make the arrangements with the restuarant." Added Kensei.

And so it was agreed. I would admit my love to Dash on Saturday. I just hoped everything would go without a hitch and that she felt the same about me! Who knows maybe she's too nervous to ask me! Wait what am I saying! Rainbow Dash nervous? Never!

Until Saturday I acted very normal and calm around Dash while sometimes hinting towards Hearts and Hooves Day. Such as asking her "Got any plans this saturday?" She would respond with "Nope! No races, no schoolwork. Just a normal day." She obviously didn't realise it was Hearts and Hooves Day.

Finally Saturday came and not too soon or late either! i woke up early and had breakfast with my father. We sat opposite each other while eating this always made conversations easier.

"Got any plans today? You know it's Hearts and Hooves Day right?..Ah who am I kidding you've probably got all the mares head over hooves falling for you!" He asked with a huge grin on his cheery face.

"Uh..maybe..I don't know." I replied but I didn't wanna tell him. I was still nervous in case it all messed up.

"Don't worry son you don't have to tell me! Just remember to be yourself and she'll see the real you!" He replied before taking another mouthful of his breakfast. This made me feel a lot better inside.

I finished breakfast and went to see Fluttershy in the forest below. I had to be at the restuarant at 1 pm sharp. It was just past 11 am now so I had some time to kill.

I found Fluttershy tending to a family of squirells near their home while I hovered closely above. "Hey Fluttershy! How are you today?" I asked.

"Oh hi Lightning. I'm fine. Just tending to my woodland friends and all. Are you nervous about your date?" She replied while quickly looking up to me and then back to her squirells.

"Yeah kinda. But I'm also extrremely excited about it." I replied.

"It's good to be nervous you know. It'll make you feel that much better when you've told her. If..she agrees that is...I-I'm sure she will though!" She responded with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks Fluttershy. I'll leave you to your squirells. See ya!" I said as I flew off back to CloudsDale.

I headed home to grab my gift for Rainbow Dash. It was a rainbow deisgned gem. I don't know how the merchant I bought it off of got it and I didn't care! I just hoped Dash would love it..and love me.

By the time I got the gem all wrapped up and ready it was just past 12 O'Clock. I went to the restuarant and waited at the designated table. The place had only a few other customers. I waited patiently for Dash's arrival. It had just struck 1 pm and I watched the entrance as Kensei walked in followed by Dash.

"Told ya your mystery guest would be waiting for you and with a special dish too! His at your usual table and I'll leave ya both alone!" Said Kensei as he left.

Dash walked over only noticing me when she got close. "Lightning? What are you? Wait!" She asked with a very confused face.

"Please sit." I replied.

She sat and couldn't stop playing with all of the fancy table decorations.

"Kensei just randomly came up to me a few minutes ago and said to follow him because someone was waiting for me here and that it had something to do with Hearts and Hooves Day?" She asked with the same confused look on her face. "Please explain Flash."

I took a deep breath before saying "Well Rainbow Dash your the most awsome friend I've ever had! We've always been there for each other, we love the same things, we have the same cool friends and...well...your also the most beautiful, coolest, and greatest pegasus I've ever had the pleasure of knowing!"

At this point Dash was trying really hard not to blush at my words but her attempts were useless. "I want to be more than friends. I want to share the rest of my life with you! So I have one question for you." I said and then I took another deep breath before Dash said "Would you like to be my special somepony?"

She had took the words right out of my mouth! She wanted what I wanted!

"You've felt the same way?" I asked with a feel of relief and excitement.

"I was never sure of it but when you joined Wingbury academy I felt this weird but warm devotion towards you! At first I didn't pay much attention to it but the feeling grew more and more intense as the years past but I never wanted to say anything to you! I was worried  you had somepony else in mind." She replied with a smile of relief.

Suddenly my natural instinct kicked in and without any more thought I dived over the table, almost knocking off our plates and kissed Dash on the lips. It felt so right! It felt so awsome! Dash didn't resist it and let our connection of love continue. As I looked into her eyes I felt more joy than ever before, more than when I was flying, more than that day at the stadium.

As we stopped I sat back into my seat and noticed a single tear drip down Dashie's left cheek. She wiped it away with her left hoof.

"Well...I guess that sums it all up then." I said with a strong smile of relief, joy and everything else that is great!

"Heheh! I..I love you Lightning Flash." She replied while blushing and smiling axactly like me.

With another sigh of relief and the same smile on my face I replied...

"Not as much as I love you."

Chapter Seven: A New Love. A New Friend

                                                                                     Chapter Seven

The rest of our meal which was most delicious, dragged on for a few hours making our conversation very relaxed, calm and quite slow. There was quite a lot of time between each dish to eat.

This must have been the longest and maybe biggest lunch I've ever had! But then again there was that special offer that one time in the academy's canteen.

This was definitely the best lunch I've ever had though and thats not just because of the food! I could tell Kensai had put a lot of work, planning and bits into mine and Dash's special meal.

Everynow and again I could catch a quick glimpse of Kensei peering through the front door, obviously checking that everything went without a hitch. I guess when he said "I'll leave you two alone now" he actually meant "I'll spy on you both and hope you don't notice!" He never was the best at being sneaky!

I couldn't thank him enough for all of this though. I guess telling my friends about my true feelings for somepony was actually a great idea! I doubted them when I thought otherwise.

Without them none of this would have probably happened. I should have known they would be able to help! I''l be sure to always remember this, of course I'll remember this day!

As the afternoon went on, talking to Dash didn't feel much different then anytime before. I was just so relieved after this whole thing, after telling and showing her how I felt.

Her feeling the same way towards me couldn't make me feel any more happier! This feeling inside of me was completely new to me! It felt so wonderful! I had never loved a pony who wasn't family before.

The only family I could love was my father and mother really. By now I had tried to forget about my brother, I never told anypony about him. That doesn't mean I don't love him anymore, it just makes it hard for me to think of him in a positive way.

Ah! I hate it when these types of thoughts get into my head! But nothing's going to ruin my good mood!

After me and Rainbow Dash had finished our last bite to eat we still stayed sitting for a while. We both just felt so comfortable together now. We carried on with our normal and laid back conversation stopping every now and then to just look into each others eyes. I know this must sound very lovey dovey and soft but if you've ever been truly in love with someone then you'll truly understand.

Even if your time with that person didn't last you'll never forget that warm feeling inside!

Ah I went all Philosphical and stuff for a minute then. I don't know why I do that sometimes.

"So how's your training for your big race going?" I asked Dash while looking into her gorgeous eyes once more.

"It's going great! Me and FireSpeed are totally pumped and ready to go!" She replied confidently.

"Great! I can't wait to see you wipe the clouds with the other school!"  I replied in excitement.

"I wish it could be three against three then you could help too!" She said.

"Sucks! Don't worry though! Me and everypony else will be cheering for you!" I replied but who was I kidding! Dash wouldn't be nervous, she was always confident in herself winning.

With that said we got up and left the restuarant. As I opened the door with Dash close behind me I was expecting Kensei to jump scare me and ask "How'd it go!?"

But to my surprise he wasn't there, or he was just good at hiding. Rainbow Dash grabbed me by a hoof and asked

"Does this mean our date is over?"

"Dashie. Everyday with you is like a date and it always will be! Our love for eachother will never end." I replied while holding onto her hoof.

She smiled and then hugged me tightly. I couldn't believe this day! I now felt as if everything we wanted to tell each other had been said. I felt so, dare I say it once again! So relieved and awesome!

We embraced our hug for a few seconds before letting go.

"So whats next on your to do list for today?" Dash asked still smiling.

"Well how do you feel about me beating you in a race to PonyVille?" I replied with a cocky attitude.

"Your on! Ready? 3,2,1, GO!" And she was off in a second!

I immediatley zoomed off after her. I managed to catch up to her pretty quickly. I had only beaten Dash in a race once and she was exhausted that day. That didn't stop me from coming close a lot of the time.

PonyVille wasn't too far away, well not for us anyway! I had only visited there a couple of times. Of what I remember it was quite small and there was a farm where they sold the best cider in all of Equestria! Damn that stuff was good!

The farm's family were nice and friendly as well! I couldn't remember their names but I do remember their faces. There was a big red one who was always doing the hard labour work, an old granny who still kept her end of a hard days work.

There were was another. But what was her name? Before I could day dream a second longer I realised my lack of concentration had distracted me from noticing the group of trees in front of me!

Then "CRASH!" I had gone head first into a cherry tree. I awoke from my crash with a stabbing pain in my forehead. I slowly opened my eyes to see a dark red stallion pegasus sitting opposite me with confusion and interest. He had a long black mane and tail and white tipped wings.

He was sitting beside a bag spilling with books. This stallion was obviously some sort of an egghead. I didn't always mind that though.

"Wh-what happened?" I asked while scratching my head.

"Seems to me that you got distracted while flying over head and crashed into this cherry tree." He replied.

"H-how long have I been unconscious!?" I asked desperately.

"Just about twenty minutes or so. Don't try to get up too fast!" He advised me and then started packing away his books into his bag.

"Well it was nice meeting you-" "Hemlock. My names Hemlock." He added.

"Nice meeting ya Hemlock! I'm Lightning Flash! Sorry but I gotta dash to PonyVille!" I replied as I grabbed my bag with Dashie's gift in it.

"Hey maybe I could come with! I live there you know." He said with a smile.

This guy seemed cool but  I wanted to spend the rest of my day with Dash who was probably waiting for me at the town centre.

"Uh..Yeah..I guess but I gotta meet somepony too!" I replied kindly.

"Thats cool I'll leave ya to your business when we arrive." He responded calmly.

And so we headed of to PonyVille together. This stallion didn't seem to bad. For an egghead.

"So where do you live Lightning?" Hemlock asked.

"In CloudsDale. I also go to Wingbury Academy." I replied.

"Really! I go there too! I'm currently studying animals and plantation. How about you?" He replied with much interest and joy.

"Huh really? Must have never seen you before! I'm studying the awesome wonders of flight and our great pegasai ancestors." I replied.

We were soon to arrive at PonyVille. As we arrived I instantly noticed Rainbow Dash sitting upon a small cloud above the town hall. She had also noticed me. Dash appeared in front of me in a blink of an eye.

"What happened? Where were you? I was WORRIED!!" She asked with an angry look on her face.

"Uh-well-I kinda...ummm" I couldn't tell her I crashed! Even though it would cheer her up!

"He kinda collided with a tree I happened to be sitting under." Hemlock said with a slightly nervous smile.

"What?! Ahahahahaha!" Was her only response as she fell on her back laughing. I couldn't help but giggle as well! Even Hemlock joined in the fun! After a friendly exchange of laughter about my accident I suddenly noticed how late it had got! The town's clock tower showed that it was almost eight pm!

Today really had gone in a flash! Proves right the term "Time flys while your having fun."

"Who's your new buddy Flash?" Asked Dash as she finally stood.

"His names Hemlock and he helped me recover from my..collision. He goes to Wingbury like us!" I replied.

"Really? Well nice to meet ya Hemlock! Any friend of my Coltfriend here is a friend of mine!" Dash replied as she offered Hemlock a hoof shake.

"ColtFriend eh? Heheh!" Hemlock accepted Dash's hoofshake while somehow finding it funny that me and Dash were going out.

"Whats so funny? You never heard of love? Haha!" I asked Hemlock.

"It's just cute how you both have similiar manes and attitude and your dating." He replied kindly.

"Whatever! Hey we'd love to stay and chat but it's getting late! I''ll be sure to catch up with ya soon!" I replied while grabbing Dash by the hoof and hovering above Hemlock with her.

"Looking forward to our next meet!" Shouted Hemlock as we flew back to CloudsDale.

Once we arrived back in CloudsDale I escorted Dash home. It was really dark and late and I could read the tiredness on Dashies face. I felt the exact same way. Before reaching her front door I turned to her and handed over my gift. She unwrapped it in a second and as she layed her eyes upon it, I swear to Celestia I'd never seen her smile so much!

"Today was certainly interesting Dash and of course awesome! Well..Goodnight Dashie!" I said, but before I could open her door for her she swung me around and gave me a goodnight kiss on the lips. Of course I had already kissed her but I think she felt like returning the favour.

"Goodnight Lightning." She calmy said as she let go of me and opened her front door while  grasping her new gem in her hoof. As her door closed behind her, I started to fly home.

When I finally arrived home I found my father asleep in his bedroom and I went to mine.

My bed exactly how I left it this morning, I jumped into it and shot off straight to sleep.

Chapter Eight: Destiny Strikes Twice

                                                                                       Chapter Eight

A week passed and as usual everything was swell!

I hung out with Hemlock some more and it turned out that we had a lot in common with each other. Not so much in hobbies and activities because he wasn't a big fan of racing and I wasn't at all interested in learning about plants. But we shared the same opinions and thoughts on certain things. Making our philosphical based converstaions drag on for quite a bit!

Hemlock also loved animals as much as Kensai and almost as much as Fluttershy. I introduced them to Hemlock and from then onwards their friendship grew greatly! Hemlock even had his own pet dog! I don't think Hemlock had many friends but that had now changed!

He would usually love to tell me about his favourite teachers and ponies who have inspired him. This was interesting and all but I was just glad he had some close friends now. It was the least I could do to repay him for checking on me that day.

On the other hoof, me and Dash were doing fantastic! I had told my dad about me and her and I even wrote to my mother about us. They were both very proud of me and were amazed at how great our first date went! We decided to make sure we always had our own special alone time with each other, just so we didn't have to worry about everypony else.

Today was Sunday and I had decided to wake up earlier than usual for today was the day of Dash and FireSpeed's big race!

I went downstairs and made myself something basic to eat. My father was busy with a load of paperwork, probably related to his teaching duties.

After finishing my small breakfast I decided to have a shower and get ready to go out. I found having a shower was a love of mine and always has been, not that I didn't mind getting down and dirty though!

Once dry and ready to go I wanted to quickly check on my father as he was swamped with paperwork still but I was interrupted by a cluster of loud knocks at the front door.

With my dad busy I opened the door only to find a very worried and panicking Rainbow Dash standing in front of me.

"Lightning I need your help! It's all ruined and we're not gon-" "Woah! Dashie calm down! I'm sure everything's gonna be alright!" I interrupted her before she could continue.

She sat down in front of me and tried to keep calm. I put my hooves behind her back and hugged her tightly knowing I would be able to make her feel more comfortable.

"Whatever happened you know I can help. Now explain everything." I said while I was still hugging her and rubbing her back with my hooves. We then let go of each other as she took a deep breath and said..

"I got a note from FireSpeed a few minutes ago saying he had injured his left wing attempting to master his new trick while flying through Everfree Forest. I need a new partner for todays race otherwise I'll be disqualified!" She said in a more calmer but still panicked tone.

"Don't say another word! I'd be more than happy to help my beautiful marefriend win! I've even been studying the rules and set course." I replied with a smile of pride.

Dash's eyes grew bigger with excitement. She jumped off of her hooves and into the air where she stayed hovering and shouted..

"You're the best! Now we're sure to beat the rest!"

Seeing her so happy put a jolt of relief back inside of me. It was a sudden decision to make but I regretted none of it! I shut the door behind me and followed Dash to the starting area where we would meet our competitiion.

We arrived at the cloud stadium resting just above the infamous Ghastly Gorge. We were both bedazzled by the amount of Pegasai waiting in their seats for the race to begin. Now I started to feel nervous. Upon entering, Xenon Draft appeared by our side and led us to the starting point.

We stood alongside our competition, who looked quite fierce and emotionless in their stances. Both of them being stallions, big and strong kinda made me more nervous about racing them. I had always felt nervous around competition that was almost double my size.

The hosts of the race, two stallions who of which I had never seen before announced our arrival.

"Good Morning Everypony! We are so glad you could make it today! As you all probably know, our four wonderful contestants here are going to give us quite the show!" One of them announced loudly and full of pride.

Everytime they spoke I began to feel more and more nervous. But I kept reminding myself of my awesome skill in flight and the fact of having all my friends watching me made me feel a lot better!

Dashie quickly leaned towards my ear and whispered..

"Bet we can beat 'em in 10 seconds flat."

She was obviously trying to help calm my nerves and it helped. I resisted the slight urge to giggle.

"Onto the rules! There will be no physical or verbal contact of any sort towards your competition. The first contestant from both schools will start at the same time. They will then have to race eachother through Ghastly Gorge, avoiding any obstacles in their way. Once reaching the opposite end of the gorge you will meet your teamate. You and your teammate will exchange a quick tap of the hoof before handing the race over to them." He announced before taking a deep breath.

"The second pair of racers will then have to compete in a simple and straight forward race to PonyVille and then to back here! Understood? Good!" He added.

Rainbow Dash was to take the Ghastly Gorge course, putting me in place for the final race. Before they started one of the announcers asked me and my opponent to follow him to the halfway point. Before leaving I gave Dash a quick high hoof and said..

"I'd wish you luck but you don't need it!"

Dash replied with a simple smile of joy.

Once we arrived at the halfway point we waited for a little while until the starting whistle was blown. I knew Dash wouldn't keep me waiting! It wasn't too long before I could see her coming towards me. The only problem being that the other opponent wasn't too far behind.

He must be good to be able to stay reasonably close to Dash, but there was no doubt about it, Dash would reach me first and then I would win us the race! Me and Dashie exchanged a quick tap of the hooves before I zoomed off ahead of my opponent!

I felt great knowing we had the advantage, but I couldn't let my over confidence get the better of me. We still had a small journey to PonyVille and back. I kept my concentration on what was in front of me but that didn't help when the worryiing and terrifying happened.

Out of nowwhere the clouds above us turned almost as dark as night, thunder and lightning erupted from them without any warning. The only thing I could think of was that night at the stadium where I had my incident.

Since that night I was forever worried when Lightning struck around me. I tried to keep focused but was distracted by my opponent overtaking me. I had to win! For Wingbury, my friends, family and of course for Dash.

I focused all of my strength and energy into soaring forward. The lighning grew stronger and more frequent. But out of nowwhere it happened, just as it did years ago! The lightning grew stronger as so did my speed! But this time I could control it!

I could feel the wind fighting against my face and entire body as I flew faster than ever before! I felt a sudden surge of speed and strength along with a boost in energy. Was the lighning affecting my speed?

Then with all this power building up inside of me I could feel and see small particles of lightning actually gather and collect around my body, especially my wings. I felt so powerful! Then with a single strike forward I cut through the air and in a flash was not far behind my opponent but instead miles ahead of him!

It was as if I had almost telported ahead of him! I had barely noticed that I had flew threw and around PonyVille! I couldn't believe the speed I was going! It was only seconds before I reached the finish line. I was welcomed with cheers so loud Princess Celestia could probably hear them in Canterlot!

I hovered above the announcers with pride and by now the lightning around me had stopped. I accepted all of my praises without much modesty! In a second Dash appeared in front of me, embracing me in a kiss. She then smiled and raised a hoof along with mine in pride.

"Did you see that!? I was awesome! Could this get any better Dashie!?" I shouted with excitment!

"Well you might want to look at your flank." She replied with a grin.

I looked at my flank in confusion but instantly realised it. I had finally earned my Cutie mark! It was a Lightning Bolt with sparks! It was official, this day couldn't get any more awesome!

I had always worried about not getting my cutie mark, that I may never earn it. But today I found my speciality, purpose and power! I had some sort of relation with Lightning. But before I could ponder my mind on the thought any longer Dash pulled me down to the winners ceremony below.

"What a brilliant, fantastic and legendary race! What you two did was mind blowing and I think I speak on behalf of everypony here when I say we'll never forget it!" Said one of the announcers as he handed me and Dash our trophy. We held it up above our heads with strength in our teamwork and love in our hearts.

As the announcers, most of the ponies and our competition left, me and Dash were instantly swarmed by our buddies. They flew over in such a rush just to congratulate us, first came Kensei shortly followed by Hemlock and Fluttershy.

"I can't believe what you did out there! Do you even know what you did Flashie?" Asked Kensei whose eyes were gleaming with excitement.

"Uh. Not completely no. The whole thing just kinda happened!" I replied.

"I am also quite curious about your new found ability. I will make it my new goal to achieve, to find the reason behind your cutie mark!" Added Hemlock with much interest.

"Yeah that would be cool! Thanks Hemlock. But I wasn't the only pegasus of wonder out there!" I replied turning to Dash who was too busy admiring our trophy to pay attention.

"Well. I'd better be getting home to tend to my dog. I'll let ya know if I find anything!" Hemlock added before heading back to PonyVille.

Before the rest of us left we were stopped by Xenon Draft awaiting our leave by the gates. He stepped forward and said..

"I can't express how proud I am of you both! You have done our academy proud! I will be sure to put your new trophy on display for everypony to see! Also one more thing. Congratulations on earning your cutie mark Lightning Flash, I always thought it would be linked to your name. It's actually quite funny, you and Dash here have quite similiar marks!" He gave a short laugh before taking the trophy and heading back to Wingbury Academy.

"Well. What now?" Dash asked as she turned to me.

"I think we should notify FireSpeed on our awesome achievement!" I replied.

"Well he should be resting at home.  So lets go!" Agreed Dashie as me and her zoomed off towards FireSpeeds house.

I was kinda worried that FireSpeed would be annoyed with me, taking his place and all. Ah what was I thinking this is FireSpeed I'm thinking about! He always puts our friendship before racing.

We arrived not too soon and knocked on the front door only to hear FireSpeed shout...

"Come to my window!"

Me and Dash flew up to his open bedroom window to see FireSpeed resting in his bed. We slipped in and sat at the end of his bed.

"I don't suppose you've heard about our defeat have you?" Dash asked while trying not to smile.

"Wait you lost!? I'm so sorry I wis-" "Ahahahahahaha!!" Dash rudely interrupted him, falling off his bed and rolling around on the floor.

"You jerk! You had me worried!" Was his only response.

"Don't worry FireSpeed we did amazing! It's a damn shame you couldn't take part." I added while Dashie was still rolling around on the floor laughing.

"Nah, don't worry about it! I see it was a good thing you took my place anyway!" He replied pointing to my cutie mark. I simply replied with..

"Well I guess today was pretty awesome! Heheh!"

Chapter Nine: To Hunt A Storm

                                                                                     Chapter Nine

With that triumphant day still in everyponies thoughts, life followed as normal.

A few months passed, I was now fifteen years old.  Myself and Dash were still being praised by everypony at Wingbury Academy everynow and again. It was good to see that everypony was just as happy as we were. Well almost as much!

But none of this disturbed me from finding the reason behind my cutie mark. It was oh so fascinating but still so confusing, I had some sort of relation to lightning and not just with my name! It had kept me wondering ever since that day.

One day after school I decided to check on Hemlock and see if he had made any progress on his studying into this mystery. Ever since my race he had always made sure he put some time and effort into finding the reason behind my ability and cutie mark. I had never actually been to Hemlock's house before but I knew where it was.

With the sun beginning to set I finally reached Hemlock's home. For a pegasus he had quite the odd taste in houses. He lived in a tree. A short, fat, chode like tree that was without a missing leaf upon it.

I knocked on his front and only door and  my welcoming call was made up of his dog's loud barking.  After a bit more barking Hemlock eventually opened the door leaning his head out to see me standing there.

"Oh hey Lightning! I was just putting some more research into your new found cutie mark and what may have caused it!" He said with a welcoming smile as he ushered me indoors.

"Oh cool! That's actually what I came over to talk about!" I replied as I entered his treehouse.

The tree was completely hollow just like PonyVille's libary but was filled with half the amount of books and also a wide variety of plants and herbs.

"Quite the place you have yourself here." I commented while hovering around his many bookshelves.

"Thanks! Just don't go upstairs because that's where Drakantus rests." He replied while he calmly gathered together a pile of books. Drakantus was Hemlock's four year old Doberman who he had since he was a puppy. He was just about under a meter high, very muscular build and had a dark black coat and tan. He was extremely friendly towards those he knew but was still quite boisterous.

"i've been gathering all the books I could find about lightning and its properties, cutie marks and their history, speed and weather to see what connection they all share with you! But alas my attempts have been in vain. Not completely though!! Of what I can tell...you may or do have some sort of control over lightning and it's speed! Amazing right? But I still don't quite understand a lot of it." Hemlock announced with glee and great interest.

"Sounds epic! I guess that could explain that move I pulled off in the race." I replied as I turned my head to look at my wings.

"Exactly! But I'm afraid reading isn't going to be enough. We're gonna need to test your capabilities again in some practical tests." Hemlock replied before putting away another book.

"Then what are we waiting for?! Lets go already!" I replied zooming towards the door but before I could open it Hemlock butted in with..

"Um well. The only problem being I wouldn't be able to test your results fairly and perfectly, meaning we wouldn't get a straight answer. I was never trained for flight tests. Sorry." He then drooped his head and ears thinking he had dissapointed me somehow.

"Hey don't worry about it! You're an amazing help and I can't thank you enough for what you're doing! We just need to find somepony who can help too!" I replied with a grin trying to cheer him up. Hemlock was more help to me than he thought.

To be honest I didn't know who else could help. I just hoped Hemlock did.

We both sat opposite each other, silent and confused at what to do next .

"Aha! I've got it! I know somepony who can help! Hemlock suddenly shouted jumping to attention.

"Great! When can we meet?" I replied also standing in excitement.

"Um...well. There's another problem. I don't know exactly where he is. He travels a lot you see." Hemlock added with a doubful look on his face as he sat back down.

"Oh. Well that's good!..What's his name then?" I replied sarcasticly.

"Storm Shadow. His a unicorn who's reasonably famous for his fantastic magical arts in storm and weather magic! I traveled along side him a while back, his older than both of us but he should be able to help!" Replied Hemlock in excitement as he jumped up onto his hooves once more.

"Do you have any idea where he could be?" I asked hoping for a good answer.

"Well of what I can remember when we travelled together....he mostly travelled between PonyVille, Canterlot and Stalliongrad. Don't know why just did!" He replied as he scratched his head.

I quietly sighed at his response. This unicorn seemed like he didn't want to be found. I couldn't just give up though, this was so important to me!

"Looks like we're gonna have to hunt down this mysterous unicorn ourselves...and we're gonna need some time to do it in!" I said as I also stood. I felt as if I was about to give a speech!

"Good thing we got the next two weeks off of school then eh? Responded Hemlock with a grin.

"That will be more than enough time to find Storm Shadow! Now all we need is a team to go find him. I would go alone but it's onlly because of my friends that I've got this far and have earned my cutie mark!" I added proudly with a big smile on my face.

"You know we've got that! But if we take too many of us, we'll be sure to slow down and possibly lose focus. So I think only a few of us should go!" Added Hemlock.

"Yeah your right. Okay then! I will ask Dash and FireSpeed while you ask Fluttershy and Kensei. We'll then see who really wants to go! Then on next Tuesday we will all meet here and set off together!" I said jumping into the air.

"Agreed. We will meet next Tuesday!" Added Hemlock bringing our conversation to an end.

And so it was settled. I left Hemlock in peace as I returned home for a good nights sleep. Tomorrow I would ask Dashie and FireSpeed, Hemlock would ask Fluttershy and Kensei. I knew Dash would be up for the challenge and now with FireSpeed out of his bed again I had a feeling he would be too!

And so tomorrow came, another sunny, warm day in CloudsDale.

I went to school as normal and waited until lunch to ask Dash and FireSpeed about Storm Shadow. As today was the first day FireSpeed came back into the academy after his incident everypony was curious about his wing and recovery. He got swarmed by ponies asking about him and making sure he was alright. Luckily the crowds had dispersed by lunch time making it easier for me to talk to him.

I bought my lunch alongside Dash who of which I always spent every minute of the school day with along with our free time outside of school. Ever since our special day we decided to spend as much time we each other as possible. After buying our lunch we sat down opposite FireSpeed and made casual chit chat.

"You seem a lot better now FireSpeed. Looks like you got lucky with such a speedy recovery!" I said giving him a friendly smile.

"Yeah.Its good to be back. Especially to see how great my friends are doing!" He replied before taking a bite out of his lunch

"Do you two know where the other three are? I saw them earlier but they disappeared before lunch." FireSpeed added looking between me and Rainbow Dash.

"You mean Fluttershy, Kensei and Hemlock? They always eat lunch together in the nearby forest." I replied. They had began doing this since just before FireSpeeds accident. They sometimes joined us for lunch.

"There's no need to worry about them! Let 'em tend to their little woddland friends!" Dashie added after taking sip of her drink.

"Hey I've got an important question for both of ya. I was talking to Hemlock yesterday and he said he knows somepony who can help figure out my connection to lightning and its effects on me. Problem being is we're gonna have to hunt him down ourselves. Wanna help?" I asked the both of them knowing I would definately get a yes in response.

"Anything for you Flash!" Shouted Dashie while raising her glass to the ceiling.

"Sounds like fun I guess. But when will this be happening?" Asked FireSpeed.

"I knew you'd both be up for the task! We'll meet next Tuesday at Hemlock's place." I said with joy.

It was done, I had got Dash and FireSpeed to come along which wasn't hard really. Later that day I was visited by Hemlock who told me that Fluttershy and Kensei Coal would not be coming with us due to having to look after some animals in their "time of need" somewhere in the forest.

I didn't mind them not coming because I knew they were happy doing something together, something they loved.

A few more days passed and we had begun our time off of school. By Tuesday everypony had to be packed and ready to go. We had quite a journey ahead of us and luckily  FireSpeed managed to find a map for us to use. Hemlock decided to bring his dog Drakantus along. This worried me, it would mean he would be restricted to the ground. He was fine with it and so we planned our roles for the journey.

Hemlock and Drakantus would stay on the ground and look for any tracks or evidence of Storm Shadow being around.

Myself, Dash and FireSpeed would watch over the both of them from above while one of us scouted ahead. We would swap roles everynow and again, giving each other a chance to relax a bit.

We set off straight after lunch on Tuesday, meeting at Hemlocks to check our gear and suppllies and to go over the plan.

Everypony was ready and set to go! Our journey had begun!

Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty straight forward and boring as we left PonyVille and headed towards Canterlot. We would have taken the train but none of us had enough bits for the ride. None of us minded though, we all prefered to travel by hoof and wing anyway.  Not much happened for both days, just more walking and flying while practicing our routine as we traveled. For both nights Hemlock and Drakantus shared a tent while FireSpeed slept in his own one, me and Dashie didn't bring tents all we needed was some clouds.

We shared a cloud each night and tried to keep each other warm. I never really had trouble sleeping before but when I slept beside Dash I felt more comfortable than ever! I felt as if this was a big step in our relationdhip, sleeping beside each other for comfort and warmth. I could sense she felt comfortable sleeping by me just by watching her sleep.

It was Thursday morning and we were all woken up by Drakantus's loud barking at around about 11am. I slowly opened my eyes to see Dashie curled up beside me. She was also beginning to wake up and slowly uncurl. I stood as I stretched my legs and wings before swooping down towards Hemlock's and FireSpeed's tents.

"What's your dog barking at this time?" Moaned FireSpeed as he slowly left his tent yawning.

By now the barking had stopped and Dash was hovering above their tents.

"It was probably just a fox. His calmed down now anyway." Replied Hemlock also appearing from his tent while stroking Drakantus.

"Well with that great wake up call I think we should get a move on. Round up your stuff and lets go!" I said while slinging my satchel over my back.

While everypony gathered their things FireSpeed whipped out his map and studied his bearings.

"Where are we Speedy?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well we've gone past and around Canterlot like Hemlock advised. We're about quarter way to StallionGrad." Replied FireSpeed as he put away his map.

"Lets hope we find Storm Shadow before reaching StallionGrad. Lets go!" I added in a more serious tone as we headed off.

We had dismantled our tents and were ready to go. With Hemlock and Drakantus patrolling the ground, me and FireSpeed hovered overhead of them while scanning the nearby enviroment for any danger. Dash scouted up ahead and would notify us if there was a problem.

"So Lightning, why is finding out about your cutie mark so important to you?" FireSpeed asked as we casually flew through the low clouds.

"It's not just the mark you see. It's about that move I pulled off during the race. I mean I went faster than a WonderBolt could imagine and most importantly lightning actually gathered and formed around me! If thats not extraordinary than I don't know what is!" I replied.

We both went silent after that. There wasn't much else to discuss between us as we carried on searching. I started to feel bad about dragging my buddies along with me on this journey and just hoped we would find Storm Shadow soon.

My negative thinking was soon wiped away an hour later by the sight of Rainbow Dash soaring through the clouds in front us and towards me and Speedy . In a few seconds she appeared hovering right in front of us with her wings beating rapidly in excitement.

"You're gonna wanna see this! Follow me!" Dashie said before zooming off ahead, FireSpeed quickly followed her.

Before I followed them, I flew down towards Hemlock and his dog.

"Be sure to catch up, but stay hidden ok? Just in case theres trouble. Be careful" I advised them before dashing off ahead of them.

If anything was to happen to any of us I wanted to make sure at least one of us would be safe enough to escape and send help. It may sound negative but I always planned ahead on these types of things. I wouldn't be able to deal with the guilt if one of us did get hurt or even worst. Killed.

I quickly caught up to Dash and FireSpeed who were both sitting upon a single cloud. I hovered beside them as they were both busy watching a group of three ponies threaten a lone, cloaked and unrecognisable pony.

"What in Celestia's name is going on down there?" Asked FireSpeed in confusion.

"I don't know...but we're about to find out." I replied before swooping down to this strangers aid. We couldn't just leave him there to be beaten and assaulted by these thugs. At the same time I could also be endangering the safety of my friends.

I had to take charge and hopefully help this mysterious pony.

To the small groups surprise we appeared in a second standing between them and the stranger, standing in line and feeling confident beside each other. I stood tall and proud between Dash who was on my left and FireSpeed on my right.

"Who the hell are you?!" Said the thug who stood directly opposite me while slowly getting closer. He was also standing in line between his two pals. They all seemed to be a couple years older than us in appearance.

"Somepony who's telling you to back off!" I replied angrily.  All three of them were earth ponies and stallions. The one in the middle was reasonably big and had a dark brown coat with a grey mane, the one on his left was shorter and had a light green coat with a ginger mane. His other pal was probably the smallest out of the bunch with a light grey coat and a dark purple mane.

"Well kid why don't you and your little friends go fly back up to your puffy little cloud and leave us to our business. Which you and your pals have nothing to do with!" The same pony replied looking stressed in his eyes.

"Now everypony just calm down! I'm sure we can work this out. What exactly do you want with this pony here, he seems innocent enough." FireSpeed said trying to defuse the conflict.

"Innocent!? That unicorn your protecting just burnt down half our village! We want justice but before we could catch him he got away and we've been tracking him since!" Said the pony with a light green coat and seemed just as angry as the other

two.

"I'm sure he did it by accident! If you would kindly let us speak to him?" FireSpeed added.

"No! We're taking him into custody!" The brown coated pony replied.

We didn't even know this unicorn but I felt as if I couldn't just leave him. At this point I was up for believing that anypony could help us find Storm Shadow. Even if it meant a suspected criminal.

The pony with a brown coat stepped forward and pushed his way between me and Speedy. FireSpeed turned towards me as if to ask "What now?" I gave him a quick wink hoping he knew what I was up to. With taking my reply into thought FireSpeed quickly jumped in front of the brown pony and span 160 degrees before kicking him in the face with his back legs, almost knocking him to the floor!

"Oi! Get him!" Shouted the pony with the grey coat.

The pony with the brown coat along with the green one chased after Speedy as he flew back into the forest we had left and where I presumed Hemlock was hiding. The grey pony ran past me and straight towards Dash. As he passed me I leaped into his side knocking him off the path. After standing back up I then followed after Dash and the unicorn who ran off in the opposite direction of the forest, leaving the other pony behind.

I was overcome with a wave of adrenaline and bravery as we evaded our pursuers. I knew FireSpeed would eventually lose them while also getting them lost. After sprinting a mile or two we were reunited with Hemlock and Drakantus.

"That was quite the ruckus you caused back there!" Hemlock said catching his breath.

"All for our new accomplice here." Added Dashie.

Our mystery pal finally revealed his face but he didn't seem familiar to any of us. The first thing that caught my eye was his broken horn. I didn't even know they could break! He then removed his rag of a cloak from his body. He had a brownish red coat with a spiked black mane and tail.

But apart from his broken horn there was something else not quite right about him. His body was cracked on the surface as if he was made out of rock but as I looked closer I noticed a slight glow emitting from between each crack. This unicorn was extremely strange. His eyes were pure orange and looked as if they were about to bleed.

"Woah! What's up with your body!?" Dash asked in amazement as she stepped closer towards him.

"Excuse my friend. I think what she means to say is you have quite the interesting coat! How is that?" Hemlock added politely trying not to offend the unicorn.

"That's quite alright. Before I explain anything I should introduce myself. My name is Vulkan FireHeart and I as you can see am a unicorn. I was visiting a nearby village when during a night's stay there I was suddenly assaulted by a fellow pony. With all the stress of the situation going to my head I accidently unleashed some of my magic and well...kinda burnt down some of the village." Our mysterious new accomplice replied.

"So thats why you were being chased! Sounds pretty bad. That still doesn't explain how your coat is so wierd?" I replied in interest.

"Well you see...I live in an active volcano. To put it shortly my body has evolved with the element of fire. My body is actually around about 50% Molten Lava, that's the explanation for my interesting coat. Most of my magic is based around fire but the problem is I've always had trouble controlling it since my horn got damaged. Thats why I wear these bracers to help control it." He replied looking at his forelegs where he wore the bracers.

"Quite the life you got there. We're just glad we could help." I replied with a cheery smile.

"So where are you all heading?" Vulkan asked.

"We were in the middle of searching for somepony. Maybe you know him? His called Storm Shadow." Hemlock replied. I was kinda surprised that Hemlock just came out and told him. It had nothing to do with Vulkan but I didn't stop him. At this point anypony could help us. Except those thugs of course!

"Storm Shadow huh? That's awfully odd, after destroying that village I decided to find that unicorn. I hoped he could help control my magic. Maybe I can come with you?" Vulkan replied hoping we'd take him with us.

"What's the harm aye? We can find him together." I replied as I shook Vulkans hoof in agreement.

We carried on travelling in the same direction. Hemlock, Drakantus and Vulkan stuck to the dirt road while me and Rainbow Dash flew overhead. We travelled for about an hour before being caught up by FireSpeed.  He flew beside me and Dash in exhaustment.

"Finally lost them! See ya got a new friend! Sorry to say but unfortunately I can't go on much longer. This whole journey's been fun and all but it's just not for me. I'm gonna head back to CloudsDale and tell everypony your all ok. Good luck." Said FireSpeed before zooming off behind us.

"Well that sucks! I'd much rather have Speedy with us than this walking firework." Said Dash as she sighed loudly as we carried on flying. Sadly I kinda agreed with her, it was a shame that FireSpeed had to leave us but I didn't hold it against him. I was also worried that staying with Vulkan would get us all caught up in his crimes.

We kept travelling till the sun begun to set, we were all quite tired by now. We hadn't found anything or anypony since our encounter with the thugs. The remaining light from todays sun was slowly depleting and I knew we had to rest for the night. Before telling the others we should rest I soon noticed a small cluster of lights emitting from the overcoming darkness of the night ahead of us.  As we flew closer and closer towards the lights I was able to identify the source of lights as a small cottage. It seemed to be very alone from any other structures but was surrounded by a small forest.

"Hey look everpony! There's a cottage up ahead!" Shouted Hemlock from below. His tiredness had lowered his awareness of the area around him otherwise he would of realised the cottage earlier. Me and Dashie flew down beside Hemlock, Drakantus and Vulkan and walked with them as we approached the cottage. Once we had reached the front door, everypony standing behind me with tired eyes, I knocked on the door a couple of times. The door was soon opened by a unicorn who stood tall but old and wore a welcoming smile on his face.

"Hello there! If it is shelter you seek than you have come to the right place! You all seem tired so please come in!" The old unicorn said as he welcomed us in.

"Thanks! We all could really do with a goodnights sleep. I'm Lightning Flash by the way." I replied as I entered with the others behind me. He closed the door behind us and then turned to me and said..

"Good to meet you Lightning Flash! You're all welcome here. My name is Storm Shadow."

Chapter Ten: Fire and Lightning

                                                                                         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!"

Chapter Eleven: Homecoming

                                                                                        Chapter Eleven

We all sat round a table which had been beautifully decorated for our return by Kensei, Fluttershy and FireSpeed. In the centre there was a chrome coloured cake stand filled with a wide variety of cupcakes. Each of us had our own individual plate with knives and forks. There were balloons and bunting on the walls all around us. They obviously really did miss us!

Me and Rainbow Dash spent a few hours explaining everything to them. They were amazed at our tale of epicness!  They were all shocked when we told them about Vulkan and his magic along with how we had to save him. They felt kinda jealous but also glad they didn't come with us.

Before leaving the restaurant we ate all the cakes and were stuffed with our missed treats of which we never had on our journey.

"Well if ya ever get another awesome cutie mark or trick and it leads to an epic journey of answers for it. I'll be sure to tag along!" Said Kensei as we left the restaurant.

"Good to hear! But I dont think I'll be having another cutie mark. I hope not!" I replied.

"We should go welcome back Hemlock and Drakantus. We should surprise him at his house." Fluttershy suggested in a slightly excited but nervous tone.

"Yeah! Can't forget about him! We're gonna need some more cakes though. I guess I'll have to visit the bakery in PonyVille for more." Kensei added with a smile.

"I'll get those for ya! Haven't actually visited that bakery before!" I replied.

"That'd be great thanks! Here's what we'll need." Kensei replied as he whipped out a pen and paper from a pocket in his jacket, than writing down the cakes they wanted. He than handed me the list while putting away his pen and paper.

"I'll get right on it! I'll see you three later!" I said jumping into the air ready to go.

"See ya Flashie. I'm gonna go see Xenon Draft and some other ponies now anyway." Rainbow Dash replied walking towards the academy's grounds.

I rushed off to PonyVille, excited to finally see the bakery I've heard quite a bit about. I believe it was called Sugar Cube Corner? I've heard many rumours about it's fame for amazing cakes and delicacies. I've never really had the chance or reason to go check it out before though but today I finally will!

I arrived in PonyVille in just a couple of minutes and dashed straight to Sugar Cube Corner. I entered alone with no other customers in sight and couldn't help but gaze and stare at the many cakes surrounding me. There were so many! All beautifully decorated and placed ready to be eaten.

"Excuse me sir, may I help you?" I heard a very joyful and feminen voice say behind me. I turned around to answer her.

"Well actually yes, I've got a l-" I was interupted by the mare who gave out a loud gasp as I showed my face.

"What!? Is something wrong?!" I replied in shock and confusion. But without a reply she ran passed me and out the front door. I stood confused and was worried in case I had accidently upset her or done something wrong. With a worrying sensation in my body I walked up to the counter when another mare appeared from around the corner.

"Oh hello dear. I see Pinkie didn't stay long. Sorry about her she's just a bit...random sometimes. Can I help you?" The mare said in a very kind and generous tone.

"That's a relief! I thought I had commited a crime or something! Uh-Anyway! Here's a list of what I need please." I replied handing over Kensei's list.

"I'll be back in a mo." She replied walking off behind the counter. A few minutes passed and the blue coated pony with the pink mane returned holding two bags of cakes. She placed them on the counter in front of me.

"That will be 40 bits please." She said awaiting my payment.

"Thanks. Here ya go." I replied, handing over my bits from my satchel and grabbing the bags. I calmly left the shop but I still felt nervous as I wondered where that pink mare ran off to. The shopkeep said her name was Pinkie, certainly suited her looks.

I quickly flew to Hemlocks place where I reunited with Fluttershy and Kensai who were both sitting outside Hemlock's house.

"Hey you're back and you got the cakes." Fluttershy said with glee in her voice as she waved at me as I approached them both.

"Sure did. Now what's your plan?" I replied, handing over the bags of cakes to Kensai.

"Well he just left with Drakantus, so we were gonna get in through his window and set up his surprise party inside! So sneaky! I'm like a ninja!" Kensei replied laying the bags on the ground as he demonstrated his own personal kung fu moves in front of us.

"Well I'll leave you two to get on with it. I'm gonna go see my dad real quick." I said as they flew up to Hemlock's open window.

"Alright. Just be back here in about twenty minutes!" Kensei replied just before entering Hemlock's place.

I started my flight back up to CloudsDale and in a hurry I flew back home. I was so excited to see my dad again! I arrived home and opened the front door. We never locked our front door when one of us was inside, didn't need to. The whole neighbourhood was full of friendly faces. I entered and called for my father.

"DAD! Im home!...Where are ya old guy?!" I shouted as I looked in the living room and then the kitchen. No sign of him. I then heard a faint yell from upstairs, I could recognise my fathers low tone. I rushed upstairs to my dads bedroom just to find him laying in his double sized bed with a dreadful sick look on his face. The rest of his body was hidden under the covers with only his head and fore legs visible. He was sweating buckets and his face was almost as pale as snow. His eyes tired and his nose dripping rapidly.

"Dad! Whats happened to you!?" I yelled in panic as I rushed to his side and hugged him. He pushed me away with whatever energy he had left inside of him.

"Don't! I wouldn't want you getting this too. Just yesterday morning I became struck with this awful flu and it's been eating away at my energy since. I haven't been able to get help because I've not been able to leave the house. I feel as if my body is giving up on itself." He said in sorrow.

I sat beside him on the bed, teary eyed. When he said those last words "I feel as if my body is giving up on itself" they hit me harder than that collision with the trees.

"I'm so sorry dad. I haven't been here to help you. We've got to find help!" I replied wiping away the constant tears from my eyes.

"It's not your fault. I need to get to the CloudsDale clinic." He replied, trying to lift himself up but falling back down again.

"There's no time to waste dad. Lets go!" I shouted suddenly gaining new hope and picking my dad out of bed.  With one of his fore legs around my neck and mine around his, we steadily flew out of the house and to CloudsDale clinic. He became heavier and heavier to carry and he could barely flap his own wings. I put all my energy into carrying him and to keep heading to the clinic but I got weaker and weaker from my previous journey. Just before collapsing myself I quickly noticed Derpy Hooves and Rainbow Dash fly around the corner and shouted for their assistance.

"DASH! HELP!!!" I almost shouted myself breathless. Within a split second they both turned around and dashed to my aid.

"What happened?!" Shouted Dashie as she slumped my fathers left wing and fore leg over her back. Derpy stood in worry waiting to help but didn't know how.

"I just came home and found him sick in his bed! We need to get him to the clinic!" I replied in a determined but panicked tone.

All three of us flew straight towards the clinic, me and Dash carried my father while Derpy zoomed off towards the clinic to alert them of our emergency. Just before we arrived I had just noticed that my fathers hoofs and wings had started to bleed without any physical injury. His nose started to drip with blood and I couldn't stand to see him in this state any longer.

We entered and there were a small team of nurses and a doctor awaiting our arrival with a stretcher to carry my father on. They took him off of me and Dash and strapped him onto the stretcher.

"Who's his relative here?" Asked one of the nurses as she glanced between us three.

"I am." I replied.

"We're gonna need you to come with him but the rest of you will have to wait here in reception I'm afraid." She replied grabbing me by the hoof as she pulled me alongside her as we followed the doctor and stretcher down the hallway. I quickly looked back at Dash and she could easily read the worry and panic on my face. She didn't respond in any way except from the equally worried look on her face.

We eventually entered a room where they parked the stretcher and began diagnosing my father.

"What's his name?" The nurse asked me as she finally let go of my hoof.

"Crimson Flash." I replied.

"And your his?" "Son. Lightning Flash." I interrupted her knowing what she was gonna ask.

"Well Lightning Flash we need to know everything that happened." She asked in a quite calm tone.

I explained everything to them, how I found him, that I went on a trip when it first happened, the symptoms. It was hard for me to talk without almost welling up in front of them. After telling them everything, the nurse escorted me out of the room and sat me down on a bench in the hallway. She softly stroked my mane trying to keep me calm, her touch was gentle and I felt as if she understood how I felt. Being a nurse she's probably seen it tons of times.

After an hour the doctor finally left the room and sat down next to me. He turned to me with a worried look on his face. Whatever he was about to tell me obviously hurt him to say, I could read it in his face.

"Lightning. After some diagnostics and checks we've finally come to a conclusion. You're father is sick with a deadly flu which is very fast acting causing his body to rapidly lose energy and strength. Luckily it is not contagious and therefore you can see him. The flu is just random to get and there is no known cure but it also depends on the pony's body whether they survive or not." He said removing his glasses.

"So...w-will he live?" It was not easy for me to say but I didn't hesitate in saying it. I knew I had to ask but I didn't want to consider him dying.

"Well after som-" "JUST TELL ME!" I interrupted with rage and bursting into tears. I stared into the doctors eyes and I could read his answer before he even said it.

"....No. No he won't. We suspect him to pass away in the next twelve hours or less. I'm...I'm so sorry. I've seen many a pony die here but it never changes the way I feel when they do. You are allowed to see him if you wish." He replied calmly but with a single tear falling from his left eye.

"I need to see him alone." I replied still shedding tears from my eyes but speaking in a serious tone.

"Of course. Take as long as you need. We'll be waiting right here." The doctor replied.

I stood up and opened the door to my dads resting area. He lay still attached to many wires and devices. I struggled to look at him like this, laying helpless, depending on machines to keep him going for whatever time he had left. I sat in a chair beside his bed, directly in line with his head.

"Son. I'm so sorry." My father said turning his head towards me.

"No I should be the one who's sorry. I wasn't there in your time of need. I was selfish and busy with my own wants and dreams. You layed helpless without any aid while I enjoyed my journey across Equestria. I'm such an idiot  to have left you!" I replied as my eyes filled with more tears  and my cheeks became soaked in my sadness.

"Hold your tongue boy! You have nothing to regret, nothing to say and you don't need to make me proud of you in any other way.You are the greatest son I could have ever had. You've lived your life proving to me how determined and worthy you are of your dreams. There is nothing that could have stopped this because one can not deny destiny but can maybe delay it. With all my inner strength I am fighting my death just so I may say goodbye to you." He stopped to catch his breath for a second.

"Dad you're the best father I could ever ask for. You were an inspiration to me. You always tried to help me and advise me on the best thing to do. You always helped me pursue my dreams when everypony else gave up on me. How can I live without you? I don't want to say goodbye." I replied as he put his hoof over my mouth and than wiped my eyes gently with it.

"You've got fantastic friends, amazing talents, a bright future, a beautiful marefriend and to top it all off. You have determination, hope and joy in you heart. Living your life will be a challenge but you'll overcome any obstacles you come across. You're not going to need me. I know I'm the closest family you have but your friends are your true family too." He replied as he lifted his head and then laying it back into his pillow.

"Thank you dad...... I Love you...I love you so damn much! I will never forget you or any of our memories together! I will continue to make you proud dad." I replied slamming my hoof into his bedside table.

"I couldn't be any prouder of you Lightning. Thank you and remember that I always love you." He said as he slowly closed his eyes and passed away.

I sat staring at his old, calm and wise face. He looked so peaceful and at rest. I continued to cry my heart out sinking my head into his chest. Finally the doctor came in and pulled me away from my father so I could look and listen to him.

"Lightning I can't heal your sorrow and depression. That's just something you will have to overcome and live with. Destiny is what decides our future and paths in life. That doesn't mean we can't fight it and try for ourselves though. There are many terrible things in life but you've just gotta smile and enjoy the great things in life. You've got to live your life learning each lesson that comes your way. Follow your own path and have hope and faith in what you believe and feel. The world, universe whatever we live in is made up of so many mysteries and we don't even know half of them, anything is possible even things we don't know. I hope this helps because it did for me." He ended with a small grin.

"Thanks Doc. I just don't know how to feel right now." I replied drying my face of my remaining tears.

"Just before you talked to your father he gave me this note. Said it was for your mother." The doctor added handing me the note. It had been folded many times and on the front it said "To my beloved Pennyl" My mum. I would post it to her with a small personal note of mine saying how I'm coping.

All of this was happening pretty fast but I felt as if I could keep up with it all. So many feelings and thoughts were rushing through my head. I was devasted by Dad's death but what he said to me brought me some closure in how to cope. It was difficult to think that my dad was dead, where would I live? I guess I could live alone in my current home but I'm afraid I would eventually drive myself insane with thoughts about my father.

Me and the doctor slowly walked out of the room but before we left I turned around and rushed to my dad's bed. I hugged him tightly and whispered into his ear..

"I'll always love you dad. Goodbye."

I than kissed him on the cheek before returning to the doctors side at the door. We walked into the hallway and the nurse had gone but we continued to walk, I walked with my wings tucked in and my head drooped. The doctor stopped and turned to me once more  before saying..

"I believe your friend is still waiting for you."

Friend? Only one of them stayed? It was pretty late now anyway. I looked up as we entered the reception and saw Dashie sitting in a row of seats, her eyes shut and her mouth open.

"I'll leave you to see her. If you ever need me just come back and ask for Doctor Meta." The Doctor added as he walked past me and began speaking to a nurse.

I walked to where Dash was sitting but before I got within leg range of her she woke up and jumped to her hooves. She looked at me and was anticipating a report on my father but she soon read the emotion on my face. She knew what had happened but she asked anyway.

"Is he..Is he alright?" Dash asked nervously.

I stood as I shook my head slowly at her and saw her face grow with sorrow. From her eyes two single tears dripped down her right cheek.

"I'm so sorry Lightning. I wish there was something I could do but...I can't." Dash said as she pulled me into a tight warm hug.

"His gone Dash. My dad's gone. I'm slowly losing my family, my dad dead, my mother far away and old and...my brother and what he did." I replied while accepting every second of our hug. The only pony who wasn't family who knew about my brother and his departure was Rainbow Dash. I trusted her enough to tell her anything now.

"Don't remind yourself of your brother, you'll only feel worst. Your father was important to a lot of ponies He won't be forgotten, I promise." Dash replied rubbing my back with her hooves.

"Thank you Dashie. I really need somepony right now." I replied crying and letting my tears soak into her mane,

"You know what? I think there is something I can do. Seeing you'll have your home to yourself I don't want you to be alone. It'll only make things worse for you. You could live with me?" Dash replied as she slowly let go of me.

"R-R-Really!? I couldn't. That'd be asking too much!" I replied in shock as she offered me a new home.

"Well my mother left me when I was younger to go seek adventure and my father lives in ManeHatten and visits me occasionally. I've already told you this before and I don't want either of us to be alone. I love you Lightning." Dashie replied embracing me in another hug.

"Not as much as I love you. I'll grab my stuff tomorrow but for now i just wanna rest." I replied with a slight smile.

"Then lets go home." She said while letting go of me and wiping away my tears with her hoof.

We casually flew to her house without saying anything to eachother, we kept very close as we usually did when we flew together. I had been over Dash's house a few times before and had even slept over once. Her father didn't always like me sleeping with Dash and was afraid I never truly loved her but somehow I think he was slowly beginning to learn the truth.

We arrived at Dash's place at about 9pm and as we did I slowly came to a halt while she opened her front door. She ushered me in and upon entering I was overcome with a sudden warmth and comfort in my body. For the last couple of hours I had felt so cold and empty but when I entered her living room I felt warm and almost happy.

I sat down on her sofa while she went into the kitchen. I just sat staring into space but without any thoughts going through my head, I didn't know what to think. My mind felt calm but empty. I asked myself "Do I like this feeling?" It didn't feel bad but it didn't feel good either. Maybe all of todays events had just ransacked my mind of any sense and proper thought. I needed some sleep. Badly.

Dash entered the living room again but this time holding a glass of milk. She laid the glass of cold perfectly looking milk on the small table in front of me.

"I know how much you love ya milk before you go to sleep." Dash said with a cheery smile.

"Thanks. Once I've drunk this I'm gonna go straight to sleep. If thats alright?" I asked being in her house and all.

"Of course! Before you nod off to sleep though just remember this. This is your home now too. You don't need to ask me for anything. Oh and you can sleep in my bed with me." Dash replied with a huge smile of joy. I could tell she was excited about me living with her. This managed to cheer me up.

I finished my glass of milk and headed to the bathroom before going to sleep in Dash's room. She didn't seem very tired and decided to stay up a little longer while I headed off to sleep. Upon laying down on her bed and closing my eyes with all of todays events re-occuring in my head I quickly fell asleep.

Next morning, the last day of my week off of school and I was gonna spend it moving my belongings to my new home. I woke up at about lunch time, I guess I really did need a good sleep! I went downstairs to see Dash but she wasn't there, so I went into the kitchen and found a note she must of left. It read..

"Morning Flash

I've gone to tell the others about last night so you won't have to. Feel free to have anything to eat. I was gonna ask them to help you with the move. If they agree they should meet you at your old place at about 1pm Hope ya slept well!

Dashie"

I was glad she went to tell them because if I did it myself I'd probably burst into tears again. I could still tell she was excited about me living with her, the way she wrote "at your old place" It was my home yesterday and now my old place today? It was hard to think I was leaving my house behind but i couldn't have lived there alone.

I made myself some breakfast and freshened up in Dash's...I mean our bathroom. I left just after 1pm, I had to go meet the others. I flew there knowing they were all gonna either surround me with hugs or walk around me hoping they don't trigger any of my emotions. I would prefer the hugs and that's what waited for me when I arrived.

Upon arrival I saw Hemlock, FireSpeed,Fluttershy and Kensai waiting for me. No Rainbow Dash though. As I landed in front of them they all rushed towards me and swarmed me in a group hug. None of them looked at all happy and as if they had cried just mintues  ago.

"I know Dash has told you everything that happened and I'm never gonna forget it and I'll never lose these feelings inside but I can't mourn forever. I don't want to bring you guys down with me." I said embracing our hug.

"I can't imagine how you feel Lightning." Replied Fluttershy.

"I'm so sorry for your lost. Your dad was important to all of us and we'll always remember him." FireSpeed replied.

"I'm glad to see you're not letting it beat you. Always try to smile right?" Kensei said as we all let go of eachother.

"Yeah. Now we've got a lot of work to do. Lets get to it!" I said enthusiastically trying to cheer everypony up.

"Yup! What should we all do?" Asked Hemlock.

"Well I've called for some delivery carriages to come by and help take your stuff away to your new place. They should be here in about half an hour." Kensei replied.

"Thanks Kensei. Alright I want Hemlock and FireSpeed moving any and all food from the kitchen and put it into some boxes." I asked noticing the abundance of boxes they had all brought with them.

"Sure can do boss! Lets go Speedy!" Hemlock replied grabbing a couple of boxes and entering the house.

"Okay. I want Kensei and Fluttershy to grab anything from the living room that's not furniture or pictures. You know the important stuff." I asked hoping they understood.

"Sure thing. We know what we're looking for!" Replied Kensei as he and Fluttershy grabbed a few boxes and entered the house. i grabbed a few boxes myself and followed. I wanted to empty mine and my dads bedrooms. As Kensei started searching the living room I stopped him to ask.

"Hey do you know where Dash is?"

"After leading us here she said she had to go post a letter or something. I wish I knew completely dude." Kensei replied.

"Thanks Kensai. I'm gonna head upstairs." I replied knowing what Rainbow Dash must of meant. She must have gone to write to her dad and tell him about me staying with her, he would probably be alright with it but I guess Dashie wanted to make sure in advance.

For hours and hours all five of us worked to the bone extracting all of my belongings out of the house and into the carriages. I couldn't help but stare and play with anything I found in my bedroom or my fathers. Everything had its own little memory and it's own use. I think the others decided to steer clear of coming upstairs probably trying not to disturb me. I was so grateful for everything they were doing.

At about six in the afternoon we had managed to get everything out and sent to my new home, the only things that were left was the furniture and any old paintings my father had bought randomly. We stopped to have something to eat in the kitchen when Rainbow Dash finally arrived and was happy to see that everything was going so well. We were all biting into some sandwiches Hemlock had made for us when Dash entered.

"Whaz up guys!?" She shouted excitedly.

"Hey Dashie! We missed ya! Could of used your help too!" I replied jumping off of my seat.

"I knew I would be needed. But I'm afraid having all this awesome and cool really takes it outa me!" She replied with a cocky grin.

"So in other words you just had a nap on some random cloud somewhere?" FireSpeed said giggiling at what he said.

"Hey all work and no sleep makes Dashie a tired girl. Looks like you got all the work done anyway!" Dash replied with the same cocky grin on her face.

"I'm glad you were able to come by Dashie. I hope what you did went well." I said looking at her with a smile. She looked at me knowing that I knew what she had done, she smiled and said...

"Yup. Sooo...what we gonna do now?" Dash asked while she scratched her head with her left foreleg.

"Well I still need to put all of my things into your place." I replied.

"Ours. Our place. Heheh." Dash replied reminding me of this whole big change. I was still getting used to it all.

"Hey tell ya what, me, FireSpeed and Hemlock will go to our place and put your stuff indoors. You can sort it all out tonight. While we do that you three could go chill out somewhere?" Rainbow Dash suggested jumping into the air ready to go.

"Sounds good to me! Lets go you two." Replied Hemlock in agreement and sounded almost excited about it.

"Thanks you three. I guess we'll meet ya later than." I replied looking back and forth between the three of them. The three of them left to go to mine and Dash's place while me, Kensei and Fluttershy stayed behind.

"So what do you wanna do?" I asked finishing the rest of sandwich I had almost forgotten about.

"We could go visit the forest?" Suggested Fluttershy in a hushed tone.

"Sounds good to me!" Kensei replied slamming his hoof onto the table.

"Alright. You two will have to show me around though. You both know that place better than I ever will." I replied standing to my hooves.

"Oh how wonderful!" Fluttershy said jumping into the air with joy. "We could go tend to the rabbits or-or we could feed the ducks! N-N-No! We should check on the badgers!" She added as her eyes widened with excitement. It was weird seeing Fluttershy act like this, she was always so quiet and well shy. I turned to Kensei and noticed that his eyes were glued on her with a shine of love and glee. He obviously found this cute about Fluttershy and now that I think about it..he had always acted a little like this around Fluttershy. Almost like he had a crush on her sort of like how I fancied Dash before we actually started going out.

We immediatly left and headed towards the forest with Fluttershy in front leading us with excitement in each flap of her wings. As me and Kensei followed I couldn't help but notice how he followed her with such care and grace. He seemed afraid or nervous to get to close to her probably trying to not make her feel uncomfortable but at the same time he wanted to follow her forever. We soon arrived at the forest and as we landed I was amazed at it's beautiful atmosphere and enviroment.

I rarely visited this place and so I was easily bewildered by its beauty. Fluttershy trotted off towards the nearby lake but before Kensei could catch up I quickly grabbed him by the shoulder and he turned towards me, his quite suspicious eyes looked deeply into mine.

"Kensei I was just wondering....well because I don't see Fluttershy as much as you do. Do you have a..crush on her?" I asked knowing he would be completely honest with me, I mean he was the one who helped get me and Dash together.

"Well..yeah. I've had this craving feeling to be with her every possible second I could for quite a while now. Why do you ask anyway? Is it that obvious?" Kensei replied with a look of worry spreading across his face.

"Well kinda yeah. Not so much that I think Fluttershy would notice though. You now I'm here to help if ya need me." I replied letting go of his shoulder.

"I know. Thanks for asking. I'm just waiting for the right moment you know, it doesn't feel right to tell her just yet." Kensei stabbed the ground with his hoof as he replied.

"I'm sure the day will come when it's just right. Patience is priceless Kensai." I added giving him a cheery grin. Once finishing our conversation we finally returned to Fluttershy's side to help her feed some ducks. We stayed in the forest for a few hours tending to many animals and creatures. After checking on some chipmunks I decided to head home while Kensei and Fluttershy stayed behind. I flew back to CloudsDale and after arriving there I soon noticed I was flying towards my old house. It felt weird to look at my house so empty and abandoned, knowing my life there was over. I knew it was for the best though and I was extactic about living with Dashie but that didn't stop me missing my father. That reminded me I still needed to post his letter to my mother and so I did before arriving at my new home, Dash had given me an old set of keys to keep.

Upon entering I noticed a blockade of boxes in the hallway and soon saw a rainbow mane stick out from behind them. Rainbow Dash stood from behind the boxes in joy of hearing my arrival.

"Hey Flashie! It's about time you returned! I've already unpacked some of your stuff into the living room and kitchen. Good thing too, our supplies of food was getting real low but that's fixed now! I 've left everything else in their boxes." Dash said smiling.

"Thanks. I'm gonna quickly unpack my stuff upstairs and than we can do whatever you want." I replied grabbing a few boxes before heading upstairs.

"Cool. I'll be waiting." Dashie replied excited for me to finish unpacking.

It took me about an hour to unpack all of my stuff. A lot of my photos and little things I decided to keep in cabinets and small wooden boxes. Some of the stuff that was my fathers own and involved my mother I either kept hidden separate from everything else or I was gonna post it to my mum. After I finally finished unpacking I headed downstairs to spend the rest of the evening with Dash, I felt as if she deserved all of my attention after all she's done to help.

For the rest of the evening and night we just sat and layed together on the sofa and chatted about anything else going on in our lives. We spoke about the Wonderbolts, something we would never cease to love. I even told her about Kensei having a crush on Fluttershy, I did so knowing she would only try to help and not interfere too much.  After having some snacks and something to drink I wanted to get some sleep but before I could move Rainbow suddenly curled up beside me on the sofa absorbing my body warmth. Her ear brushed against my cheek as she buried her head into my shoulder. Dash had always been slightly smaller than me in size but just by a little. I think this made it more comfortable for her when she cuddled me or when we slept together.

I wrapped my forelegs around her and she soon fell asleep in my grasp. My eyes growed weary and my eyelids fell putting me fast to sleep.  My final thoughts were that I was lucky to have such a great family of friends even after what had happened.

They were my medicine to my terrible cold caught by lost and separation. Unlike most medicines this one tasted sweet and warm.

Chapter Twelve: To Buck a Tree

                                                                                      Chapter Twelve

A year passed with life carrying on as normal, I was sixteen years old now. Each morning got easier to wake up to still and always knowing my father was no longer there. By now I was used to sleeping in Dash's house which I never called it that anymore, she would hit me if I did. It was our home.

I kept practicing my lightning abilities and sent my reports back to Storm Shadow when I could. Apparently Vulkan FireHeart had finished his training and went back to living in a volcano not too far from Shadows house.

Kensei slowly and carefully tried to act more romantic with Fluttershy but even Kensei lost his nerve sometimes. Hemlocks dog Drakantus had grown to full size now, being as big as to level his head with shoulder almost. FireSpeed kept volunteering for any and every race possible, no surprise to any of us!

A few months after I moved house Rainbow Dash's father came to visit. I had already seen him about twice before. He was proud in his attitude and focused in his actions. He was quite alright with me staying with Dash even though we worried he wouldn't. By the way he acted around us I could tell he felt like he was slowly letting go of his daughter but not in a bad way. The way a father wants his daughter to always be his little filly but is sad to see her grow up. This didn't stop him being proud of her.

For the last couple of weeks Wingbury Academy wanted to get me and my class to do some work experience. We all had our own plans and ideas for what we wanted to do. Hemlock was given the option to work in Celestia's personal garden! Xenon thought he deserved it after his hard work in his plantation studies. Apparently Xenon Draft and Celestia were old friends!

Kensei and Fluttershy got to work in their favourite forest and help many other ponies tend to the animals after their long hibernation. I could tell Kensei was extactic about this. FireSpeed had to go to a junior flight school to help teach the younger pegasai to fly. He loved the idea of being able to show the younger generation how to race and fly.

I personally wanted to work in the weather factory but Dash got the last placement. So Wingbury signed me up for work at Sweet Apple Acres in PonyVille. Not too bad I guess except from the fact that I know nothing about apples except they taste good! I had gathered a basic reconnaissance of the acres and its surrounding just so I knew where I would be working except from inside the barn that is.

Today was everyponies first day at their work placements, we would all work for two weeks. As usual I had to wake up early and get ready to go to PonyVille, me and Rainbow spent our couple of hours before work explaining our plans together and we were both very excited to start. Once we had breakfast and were ready to go we said goodbye to eachother with a simple kiss as we usually did, except we never really said goodbye to eachother much. We were almost always together, for school, hanging out with friends and when we just chilled out at home. It was kinda weird saying goodbye for once.

On my way to PonyVille I noticed that everypony in my year or above at Wingbury had a work placement somewhere, everypony was busy getting caught in a rush hour for their first week of work experience. All of the nearby businessess and shops must have been packed with students. I guess this was good for business though, having some free employees working for you as long as they didn't mess up that is. Talking about messing up, upon flying into PonyVille I instantly noticed Derpy Hooves with some delivery ponies. They were outside SugarCube Corner where I remember meeting that weird pink mare. They were unpacking some boxes out of their carriage and taking them inside the bakery. Having some extra time before work due to waking up earlier than needed I decided to pop over and see how Derpy was doing.

"Hey Derpy! Need any help?" I asked appearing beside her noticing she had quite the delivery to unpack.

"Uh..No.. I've got it!....Oh no!" She replied dropping two of the boxes she was holding. The noise of many fragile objects breaking from inside those two boxes attracted the attention of a short and fat pony a little older looking than us who popped his head out from behind the other end of the carriage. I presumed he was Derpy's boss.

"Oh no. The boss is gonna be real mad!" Derpy said as he walked closer towards us with a miserable look on his face.

"I'm sure he'll understand if you remind him it's your first day and all." I replied trying to build her confidence. By now he stood in front of us investigating the dropped and smashed boxes.

"What happened this time Derpy!?" Her boss shouted furiously with his face growing more and more red with rage. I was waiting for steam to burst out of his ears!

"Uh..well. I kinda dropped some of the deliveries again. S-Sorry." Replied Derpy hanging her head in shame.

"Um. Excuse me sir. I'm can asure you this was a complete accident caused by me. You see I came over to talk to Der-"

"Who are you?! And why are you getting involved?!" The boss interrupted me rudely almost headbutting me in the face.

"Well If you didn't interrupt me I was going to say how my friend here accidently dropped those boxes because of me. I distracted her by asking her if she was having fun being bossed around by a complete jerk with anger management issues. Guess not." I replied with a cocky tone and an intimidating grin on my face. It always felt good when I outsmarted or stood up to a bully.

"Excuse me! How dare you talk to me like that! I will have you fir-wait..you don't work with us." He replied scratching his head in interest of who I was.

"No I don't and I suggest you cut my buddy here some slack. Otherwise the YPWP bosses are gonna have to hear about how your treating a new volunteer." I added striking some worry into his so proud attiitude. The YPWP also known as the Young Pegasai Work Placements organisation were the ponies who organised and helped plan our weeks at out work experience placements. They didn't look kindly to bosses mistreating their student employees.

This turned the look on the boss's face from furious to that of worried and almost sweating a little with fear. I love my impact on ponies sometimes!

"Alright! I'll forgive her this time. N-Now get outta my face kid." Replied the boss as he turned around and went into the bakery in a slight tantrum.

"Thanks Lightning. You didn't have to do that. I am kind of a clutz ya know..I'm just not sure why I keep making silly mistakes." Derpy said as she stared cluelessly into the pile of smashed boxes.

"You gotta stop being so negative about ya self! You just had a bit of a derp moment thats all." I replied placing a hoof on her shoulder.

"I guess your right."

"Of course I'm right! I'm never wrong therefore I am totally epic and will always be!" I replied jumping into the air thrusting a hoof upwards. Derpy giggled and a cheery smile grew on her nervous face.

"Well it'd be great to stick around and irritate your boss some more but I gotta get to my own work place! See later Derpy Hooves!" I shouted as I flew away from the bakery and headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. I was kinda nervous about working with some ponies I barely knew. I mean I had seen their faces quite a bit but I couldn't remember their names.

I soon approached the acres barn and right away I could see two ponies completely different in appearence standing beside eachother obviously waiting for me I guess. They both stood in front of the open gate to the barn. The one on the right was a stallion standing tall while chewing on a single piece of wheat.

He was twice the size of the mare beside him. Covered in a bright red coat with an orange mane and tail. He had a very muscular build and a blank emotionless expression on his face. I remember seeing this stallion around the acres while I flew nearby sometimes, I also recognised the mare beside him. She stood patiently next to the stallion, rubbing her left foreleg with her right hoof.

The sun's bright rays of light seemed to almost soak into her light blonde mane and bounce off her orange coat. Unlike most ponies she had her mane tied back along with her tail too. I landed gracefully in front of them both, the mare looked directly into my eyes with a welcoming smile while the stallion studied me with his eyes slowly and carefully.

"Well hi there sugarcube! You must be our new worker. Name's AppleJack." The mare said spitting on her right hoof and offering me a hoofshake.

"Nice to meet ya! I'm Lightning Flash!" I replied spitting on my hoof as well and than shaking hers. I never did spit shake much but I did like it!

"Nice meeting ya Lightning! This big 'ol stallion here is mah brother Big Macintosh." AppleJack added turning to the stallion beside her.

"Eeyup!" Was his only reply.

"It's good to meet both of ya. I'm ready and willing to get started!" I replied.

"Well it's good to have such an eager volunteer! I got quite the set a jobs for ya." AppleJack replied.

"Now remember AJ that this is his first day, don't wanna overwork his abilities." Big Macintosh said as he layed a hoof on AppleJack's shoulder.

"I know Big Mac. Ya think I'm dumb?" Replied AppleJack stamping her hoof into the ground.

"It's alright. I'll keep up to the task!" I said spreading my wings and holding my head high with confidence.

"Good to hear but I don't think ya wings are gonna help much here." Replied AppleJack as she studied my wings.

"Well I'll leave ya two to get started. I gotta go help Granny Smith and remember AJ take it easy." Big Macintosh said walking off and than around the barn.

"Argh! He really gets on mah nerves sometimes. Sorry about dat." Said AppleJack.

"Thats quite alright. I hate it when ponies don't trust me either or underestimate my abilities." I replied.

"Well let me show ya around and than we can have at it!" AppleJack said walking into the barn as I followed. It took us about an hour or two to get around the entire acres. The land was huge! I was shown everything in the barn, where all the animals were kept and where her family's house was.

Usually I didn't like the idea of keeping a diary or journal, always found it boring and pointless. For this week though I decided it would be a good idea to keep one. So here it is:

Day 1: After meeting AppleJack and Big Macintosh and being shown around the acres I helped AppleJack with bucking some trees. Something I had never done before unless you count ramming a cherry tree with your head. I had never seen a pony so physically strong! She could buck a dozen trees in under a minute without a breath of exhaustion. Something I could never do, she would buck ten by the time I had bucked three completely. I could easily get from one tree to the other in a second but making sure all the apples on a tree were gone was difficult. I never focused my strength in my back legs, more in my wings. AppleJack didn't mind though and she advised me to practice tomorrow instead of moving onto any other jobs.

Day 2: I spent most of today bucking more and more trees. I needed to practice and strengthen my legs. It slowly got easier and needed less effort eventually. I spent lunch with AppleJack and her grandmother who was called Granny Smith. She was kinda nuts but a funny pony to be with. Whether she meant to or not! It was nice of AppleJack to invite me for lunch and for this whole experience.

Day 3: By now I could feel my legs getting stronger when I helped buck trees only slightly though. For the first time I helped AppleJack who I now got used to calling her AJ like everypony else with selling some food in PonyVille. Business was pretty good today and quite a few ponies were curious of who I was. I introduced myself to them all and was glad to see so many happy faces.

Day 4 and 5: For my last two days of working with AJ for this week I bucked more trees just like before and helped Big Mac carry apples back and forth from the trees to the barn. A lot of my jobs were constantly repeated each day which I didn't mind because it got that much easier each time! On friday I assisted AJ in feeding the pigs and we had one of our usual conversations which went like this....

"So what's life like in CloudsDale? I couldn't imagine living in the clouds maself." AJ asked as she finished feeding the last of the pigs.

"Very calm well apart from the usual race around town. Which I usually took part in or my friends did. Racing is a huge thing in CloudsDale that and weather control." I replied cleaning up some spilt pig food.

"Sounds mighty fine! I do love a good race and rodeo! Got many a friends and family up there in the clouds?" Replied AJ.

"Yeah. I'm friends with a lot of pegasai at my academy but my best friends are Kensei Coal who is very cheery and loves to throw parties!" I replied.

"Sounds like a fine fella. Almost reminds me of another pony here in PonyVille. Anyway please do carry on!" She replied as we finished our jobs inside the barn and started to walk outside.

"Well then there's my very plant and animal obsessed friend Hemlock. He loves reading and caring for his dog Drakantus. Then ya got Fluttershy who loves animals more than I think is possible almost. She's very kind and caring but at the same time is very nervous and strangely enough is afraid of heights. Weird for a pegasus I know." I carried on turning to AJ as we walked out of the barn.

"Fluttershy ah? I think I remember selling her some apples. Yeah that's it! She comes by the market quite often. Quite a delicate one she is. That Hemlock fella seems pretty interesting." AJ replied taking much interest into my descriptions of my buddies.

"There's my friend FireSpeed who is very competitive in his racing but is a great guy to fly with. Me and him used to always share in common the fact that we didn't have our cutie marks that was until I earned mine." I said looking at my flank to admire my epic cutie mark.

"Mighty fine mark might I say so myself!" AJ added commenting on my mark.

"Thanks. Last but not least there's my awesome marefriend Rainbow Dash. We share almost everything in common and now I actually live with her in her house. Well our house." I added while I just imagined Dash in my mind, missing her company. Each day we worked neither of us got home until very late meaning we didn't get to hang out much. I began to really miss my time with my friends but I did like working with AJ too.

"So ya know the one and only Rainbow Dash ah? Well that's how she calls herself around these parts. Quite a cocky and proud pony may I say so myself. She does love to strut her stuff around and above PonyVille. It's good to hear ya have yourself a special somepony I guess." AJ replied as we approached a selection of trees.

"So how come ya live with dat Rainbow Dash and not ya family? If ya don't mind me asking." AppleJack asked walking over to a tree.

"Well..I..I just do. My friends are my only family in CloudsDale. My relatives live quite a bit away from me you see." I replied but I didn't wanna think about my father too much around most ponies so I never mentioned it to her. With me saying that I started to buck another tree and noticed AJ look at me with a suspicous stare on her face. That was our only conversation that involved my family.

I spent my well earned weekend with my friends and listened to their stories. Both mornings I decided to sleep in and stay with Dash, I missed spending time with her so much I felt as if I needed to truly cherish ever second with her. I could tell she had missed me too along with everypony else. Apparently everypony else kept a diary on their time at work experience too!

Day 6: It felt kinda weird getting back into work after the weekend off which seemed to fly by. For the second time I had to help AJ with sales in PonyVille market which I quite enjoyed. We sold apples all morning and by lunch time it had got extremely busy. What surprised me was that Fluttershy came to visit me.

Just as I finished serving a customer I soon noticed Fluttershy navigating her way through the many stands and ponies around them, very carefully trying not to bump into them. I jumped into the air and waved my hoofs shouting..

"Hey Fluttershy! Over here!"

AppleJack was instantly struck with confusion and as she was about to jump into the air and grab me by the tail to bring me down she also noticed Fluttershy walking over a bit faster now. She approached our stand carrying a saddlesack the same one she always had.

"Hi Lightning. I wondered if you were going to be selling with AppleJack." Said Fluttershy as she attempted to hide her face with her mane obviously being very nervous of AJ.

"So ya remember my name do ya? Good to once again make your acquaintance miss Fluttershy." Replied AppleJack tipping her hat to Fluttershy.

"Oh yes I'm very good at remembering faces and names. As well as animals, places and much more." Said Fluttershy no longer hiding her face as she almost exploded into a blast of interest and no longer being shy.

"Hey Fluttershy where's Kensei?" I asked looking side to side with both eyes while landing back inside of the stand.

"He had to treat some injured porcupines. I really wanted to help but the others ordered me to get some food for everypony." Replied Fluttershy in a slightly annoyed but worried tone. She was obviously worried about the animals but I sensed something else. Maybe she hated being away from Kensei and that she felt as attached to him as he did for her.

"That sucks but I'm sure the porcupines are fine!" I replied trying to cheer her up.

"And Kensei." Fluttershy muttered under her breath. That was all it took to know she felt attached to Kensei. Whether he knew or not I wasn't going to say anymore about them or the animals. I didn't want to screw anything up for the both of them.

"So what can we be getting ya! We got apple brownies, apple crumble, apple pie, apple raisin drop cookies, apple buttercake and just about anything apple!" AppleJack said pointing to the many different dishes which surrounded us in the stand.

"Uh....I-I think I was given a list of foods to get from the others. Let me just find it." Replied Fluttershy as she opened the side of her saddlesack and began scrounging the inside for her list until finally finding it and placing it in front of AJ.

"These please." She added.

"Alrighty than! Give me just a mo while I gather all ya grub!" Said AJ walking around and behind the stand to collect more food.

"It's nice to be able to chat to ya Fluttershy. All of this work experience has really cut into our time to hang out not just us but for the others too. You and Kensei are lucky to be together. Working together I mean!" I said almost letting slip the thought of Fluttershy and Kensei going out. I don't think she noticed though. Thank Celestia!

"I do miss us all hanging out but it's not like this is forever. Just while we work." Replied Fluttershy giving me a smile trying to brighten my mood.

"Yeah I guess that's true...Wait what if when we're all older and get jobs we will stop talking to eachother! I couldn't imagine any of us never speaking to eachother!" I suddenly realised worrying about our future. I would never want to lose my friends. I was right when I told AJ that my friends are my only family here.

"W-W-Well I-I don't think we'll ever leave eachother. I mean you and Dash live together, Kensei and FireSpeed always take everyone other anything else. Hemlock and I would be.....lost without you four. Me and him never had any real friends before we all met." Replied Fluttershy becoming nervous of my sudden tone of shock and shouting.

I stood looking at my hooves for a second before Fluttershy suddenly leaned over the front of the stand and picked up my head with a single hoof, looked into my eyes and said...

"I would never give up my friends Lightning Flash and I know you wouldn't either!"

I was caught off guard by her sudden boost in confidence and determination. She retreated back into her normal shy self and jumped backwards hiding her face once again.

"Yeah! You're right Fluttershy! I guess all this working has brought out a negative thinking about me. Thanks. I see why Kensei reall-uh oh..nevermind!" I replied almost making another stupid mistake. Fluttershy threw her mane aside of her face and stared at me curiously almost creeping me out. I was kinda starting to hope AJ would be quick so Fluttershy could leave before I revealed Kensei's secret. I really suck at keeping secrets!

"Ah! I think I gone got it all for ya sugarcube!" Shouted AJ appearing from behind the stand with two bags of food.

"Oh thank you AppleJack. Here's my bits. Thank you." Replied Fluttershy placing the required amount of bits in front of her.

"My pleasure sugarcube! Come back now ya hear!" Replied AJ in a enthuastic voice.

"Goodbye Lightning." Were Fluttershy's last words before she trotted off carrying her two bags of delicacies on her back.

Day 7: Today was pretty normal as me and AppleJack carried out our normal duties of bucking more trees. Although I had now become pretty good at bucking trees I decided I wanted to try something new. I wanted to put AJ's theory to the test: Could my wings be of any use here at Sweet Apple Acres? For the rest of Tuesday I carried on with my usual jobs while constantly ransacking my mind for ideas with a trick that could easily empty a tree of its apples.

Day 8: I arrived early as usual to meet AJ by the barn like we did each morning. I landed only a metre in front of her as she finished munching on an apple. Go figure!

"Good morning Lightning! How ya been?" Asked AJ after swallowing the last of her apple and chucking the core aside.

"Good thanks! I think I've finally come up with a trick for emptying the trees of the apples!" I replied with a proud shout.

"Well..lets hear it!" Replied AJ eager to hear my plan.

"To start off I will climb up to a decent altitude before diving down towards my targeted tree. Just before hitting the tree I will level my self with the top of the tree, in a split second of time obviously and circulate it with enough speed to create a small tornado around the tree. The power and current of the tornado should hopefully pull all of the apples out of the tree and if powerful enough also do the same to any nearby trees! I will finish by halting to a complete stop after that and than all of the apples will drop to the ground." I announced to her pointing a hoof into the air and rehearsing the said moves with it.

"Sounds pretty complicated but I gotta say that's some good thinking right there! Hope ya can show me it in action!" Replied AppleJack who was now very excited to see my trick.

"Lets get bucking! And um..flying I guess." AJ said as she stood on her back legs with her front two rolling in the air. She zoomed off ahead of me towards a patch of trees ready to be bucked. I instantly followed her to the trees and just before reaching them I rocketed up into the clouds ready to begin my stunt. If I had tried to do this trick before meeting Storm Shadow I probably would have activated the "Flashbang" which in this case would result in me being splattered in a tree. I had been practicing my control over it since our meet and now felt as if I was in tune with it. It was hard for me to accidently do such a thing now as long as I kept focused.

I started my dive downwards towards a paticular tree which was accompanied by four others in an almost perfect patch of trees. This one was directly in the center and with AJ standing beside one of the five trees on the outer edge I soon came into close contact with the tree. Upon reaching the tree's top I instantly in a flash leveled myself with it and began circulating it quickly increasing my speed and very soon creating a small tornado of dust and dirt surrounding the tree.

I kept the tornado going for about four seconds before flying off course and bringing myself to a stop and hover above AJ. Once the dust cleared out of the air me and AppleJack noticed the pile of apples from under not just the designated tree but under all the others too! I landed next to AJ who's jaw almost hit the ground once she noticed that the trick worked.

"Awww Yeah!!!" I said hovering just beside AJ who shook her head to try and focus.

"Well was that awesome or was that AWESOME!" I added still proud of my found trick. Although it may not be bedazziling or huge it still got the job done and looked pretty cool too!

"Well darn nug it! Looks like ya proved me wrong Lightning. Mighty good flying." Replied AppleJack punching the ground with a hoof.

"Heheh. I'm glad ya liked it! Although that was cool and all it would kinda get tiring after a while." I replied. We carried on bucking for a couple of hours, I pulled off the trick a few more times and it was effective everytime! Like a lot of my tricks I had to name them. I called this one the "Apple Dasher." Seemed kinda appropiate.

Day 9: Today I helped AppleJack deliver some food into PonyVille which took quite a while. Nothing out of the ordinary just some common customers awaiting their food. As soon as we arrived back at the barn Big Macintosh was standy ready and eager to see us, we approached him calmly as he suddenly galloped towards us in a hurry.

"Hey Big Mac! What's the rush?" I asked.

"AJ! A couple dozen cows just got loose and are heading around Everfree forest and than probably to PonyVille! I couldn't handle them myself so I was just about to get ya." Replied Big Mac notifiying us of the crisis on our hooves.

"Well aint that just dandy! Now I gotta go herd 'em all back 'ere!" Replied AppleJack dropping her saddle sack ready to sprint off.

"I'm sure I could help? I've never dealt with herding and stuff like that before but I can still lend a helping hoof." I replied hoping I could help out.

"That'd be mighty helpful of ya Lightning! Guess ya haven't let me down yet. Hope ya wings aint tired 'cus you're gonna need 'em!" AppleJack replied and without another thought ran off towards the herds direction. I looked at Big Mac who responded with a simple nod and then..

"Eeyup!"

I leaped into the air and quickly caught up to AJ and flew beside her as she sprinted without a breath of exhaustion. No matter how fast she ran her hat would still stay perfectly on her head. I began to wonder if she had glued it on or something!

"Alright SugarCube when we approach the herd I'm gonna sweep 'round behind them while ya'll stay in front of them leading the way. Got any questions?" Said AJ as she didn't even turn her head to speak to me.

"Yeah. Why do always call everypony SugarCube?" I asked. I had always wondered why she did. She turned her head to me as she continued running at her current speed but before she could answer we immediatly caught sight of the herd of runaway cows.

"Stick to the plan!" Shouted AppleJack as she tightned up behind them. I didn't have a second to spare and dashed forwards in front of the herd taking lead of their charge. AJ was making sure there were no stray cows while I had to lead their direction. I kept focused on what was in front of me and soon enough we brought the herd to a stop. It was a lot easier than I thought!

I stopped alongside the herd of a couple dozen cows and ran to AJ feeling so happy at what I did. All of the cows stayed put and didn't dare try charging off again.

"Damn fine herding Lightning! Ya got apple family blood in ya!" Shouted AJ as she trotted towards me.

"Heheh. Cheers AppleJack." I replied happy with how she commented on my work. She took off her hat wiped her forehead with it. I began hovering beside her as we escorted the herd back to the barn and turned to her to say...

"Soooo AppleJack about my question....."

Chapter Thirteen: A PARTY!!!

                                                                                     Chapter Thirteen

Today was my last day at Sweet Apple Acres and I was sad to experience my last set hours there with AJ and Big Macintosh.

I was also excited to finish my work experience and to finally hear how everypony else had been doing. It was gonna be nice to return to my usual schedule and routine but I didn't want today to just fly by.

I arrived at the barn alone and to my surprise nopony else was there. Neither AppleJack or Big Macintosh were waiting for my arrival but instead I found a single slightly mud stained note pinned to the barn door. It read:

"To Lightning Flash

Sorry me or Big Mac aren't there to see ya. We had to make an emergency delivery in PonyVille. When ya ready head over to Sugar Cube Corner, I'll meet ya there!

AppleJack"

Of course being AJ's writing there were quite a few grammar mistakes but that didn't stop me from understanding her note. I quickly popped inside the barn to feed the pigs before heading into PonyVille.

I didn't have much of a breakfast today so I just hoped AJ wouldn't mind me grabbing something to eat at Sugar Cube Corner. I don't think I've been to a more tastier bakery! It only took me a few minutes to reach Sugar Cube Corner and when I arrived the place was desolate with ponies. The curtains were shut with not a single flare of light slivering into the bakery, the door shut tightly and not a single sound from inside. Quite odd.

I approached the door and slowly opened it being cautious of my weird surroundings. As I opened the door completely my eyes were blinded with a sudden explosion of light from all around the room and my ears were pierced with the loud screams of..

"SURPRISE!!!"

"Woah! What!?" Was my only response rubbing my eyes trying to recover from the blinding light which had now deminished itself so that I could see the entire room clearly.

"I told ya'll he'd be surprised!" I heard AppleJack say as she appeared in front of me. I quickly looked around me and noticed everypony in the room. Big Macintosh was standing next to a table of cakes with Mrs Cake on the other side. Mr Cake was behind the counter and in front of me was AJ.  The room was filled with bunting and balloons along with many cakes stacked on each table.

"What is all of this AJ?" I asked finally absorbing in everything around me.

"It's a surprise party silly!" Shouted a pink mare who jumped in between me and AJ before she could reply. Wait this was that same mare from before, the one that ran off at first sight of me.

"Wait I know you! You legged it as soon as ya saw me!" I said in surprise of her being here.

"Yeah I remember you too! Oh I love memory games! Oh uh what day was it yesterday!?" Replied the pink mare with a ridiculously curly mane and tail that seemed to bounce with every jolt of movement.

"Uh what?" I replied.

"It was Thursday silly! I guess I won the game! Oh I'm Pinkie Pie by the way!" The pink mare replied still fulfilled with excitement and hyperness.

"Hi Pinkie Pie I'm Lightning Flash. Is all of this for me?" I asked staring at all the cakes slowly and carefully.

"Of course! AppleJack came to me and said she knew a certain pony she wanted to congratulate and celebrate his hard work! I never refuse a party! Or Cupcakes! Mmmm do you want some cupcakes!" Replied Pinkie Pie jumping over towards a table filled with cupcakes. All of which were decorated individually and differently.

"Uh sure! So you did this for me AJ?" I asked walking over besides Pinkie as she handed me a cupcake and than grabbing five more for herself.

"Sure did SugarCube! Thought ya outta get some praise for all ya hard work and help!" Replied AppleJack walking next to me as she grabbed herself a cupcake too.

"Thanks AJ! I really didn't expect this!" I replied biting into my cupcake. It tastes so damn good!

"Well that is the point of a surprise party! You aren't supposed to expect it!" Pinkie said finishing all five of her cupcakes in one go!

"Heheh I guess so! I can't thank you enough for all of this you two!" I said wrapping my two forelegs around their necks pulling them both into a group hug.

"All the work you've been doing around the acres is enough of a thank you Lightning." Replied AJ.

"Just party!!!" Shouted  Pinkie Pie jumping out of our grasp and into the middle of the room to begin dancing.

We carried on partying for a couple of hours. The cakes were amazing! AppleJack tried to convince to Big Mac into dancing at some point but her efforts were pointless. He wouldn't budge from his spot beside the table of cakes and milkshakes. Pinkie Pie never seemed to tire herself out which was pretty odd.

The party had caught me completely by surprise and by the end of it everypony except Pinkie were quite tired. When the party finally came to an end me, Big Mac and AJ left and returned to the barn. Big Mac went back to his usual jobs while AppleJack  stayed with me as we decided to buck some trees. We chatted as normal while we worked sometimes reminding eachother of the crazy antics at the party.

It was about five o'clock when AJ said I could finish my days work.  It was a bit earlier to leave than usual. She was being extremely kind and generous towards me. I just tried to pay her back by working as hard as possible. I could tell our friendship had really grown since our first meet. I think AppleJack really liked hanging out with me, it was pretty crazy how much you could get to know somepony just through bucking apple trees. Just before I left work I walked with AJ to the barn to drop off some apples.

"So what ya gonna be up to now that your shift is finished?" Asked AppleJack as we walked beside eachother.

"Probably gonna meet up with my buddies for something to eat and see how their work places went. We haven't really been able to talk much because of us all being very busy and some of us having work to complete after our daily shifts." I replied.

"Sounds mighty fine. I'm gonna be checking up on little Applebloom later. Make sure she's ok with GrannySmith and all." AJ replied.

"Alrighty. Hey AppleJack even though my work and time here at Sweet Apple Acres is over I want to make sure we still get to hang out occasionally. Can't forget a friend now can I?" I said knowing she'd agree.

"Sure will have to Sugar Cube! When I'm not working and all of course!" Replied AJ agreeing with me. We finally reached the barn and dropped off the apples we collected.

"Well I hope I'll see ya real soon Lightning Flash. You were a mighty fine help round these parts." Said AppleJack offering me a hoofshake.

"I'll be sure to visit whenever I need a good lunch! Or some apple bucking practice. It was great fun working with ya AJ. Thank you." I replied hugging her tightly. I felt kinda close to AppleJack by now. How a teacher becomes friends with their student. That's what it was like between me and AJ.

Me and AppleJack finished our goodbyes and I flew back to CloudsDale hoping everypony else had finished work too.

Last Sunday we all decided that after we finish our last hours of work we will all meet at the local restuarant in CloudsDale. With that in mind I headed straight there and once I arrived I instantly noticed FireSpeed sitting outside reading a book.  I sat beside him and had to nudge him a little so that he would notice me here with him.

"Oh hey Lightning! Guess I was really wrapped up in my book!" Said Speedy.

"That's alright! Guess you finished early too huh?" I replied sitting down next to him.

"Yeah. They cut my shift short as a thank you for working so hard. I said my goodbyes to my teachers and class before heading here." Replied FireSpeed closing his book and shoving it into his satchel.

"I literally just said goodbye to AppleJack and than left. They even threw me a thank you party!" I said with a gleeful smile.

"A party eh? Better than one of Kensei's?" Asked Speedy.

"It was good! Not better than Kensei's though! A challenging opponent to his." I replied. Kensei's parties were the best!

"I wonder when the others will be here?" Said FireSpeed.

"Hopefully soon." I quickly looked around us to see if I could see the others arrive.

"Enjoy your week than?" FireSpeed asked.

"Sure did! At first I didn't think I would enjoy working at Swe-"

"Hey Look there's Kensei and Fluttershy!" Interrupted FireSpeed as he noticed Kensei and Fluttershy walk round the corner.

"Oh sweet!" I replied.  We flew over to them and landed in front of them both catching them by surprise as they chatted to each other.

"Hey you two!" I shouted with a huge smile.

"Heya Flashie and Speedy! Almost startled us!" Replied Kensei.

"Just got off of work?" Asked Speedy.

"Yes." Fluttershy said simply as appeared from behind her mane.

"Cool. Now we just gotta wait for Rainbow and Hemlock." I replied.

"Shall we wait for them in the restaurant?" Suggested FireSpeed turning towards me.

"I agree plus I am kinda hungry! What about you Flutters?" Added Kensei turning back to Fluttershy.

"Okay. I  guess I'm pretty hungry too." Fluttershy agreed with Kensei.

"Lets go then!" I said turning around and flying towards and into the restaurant.

We entered the restaurant and all sat round a reasonably large rectangular table. Kensei sat opposite me next to Fluttershy who was next to Speedy. The table came to an end to my left due to the wall. The last two empty seats to my right. We ordered a few drinks and a couple of sandwiches and when they arrived at our table we were instantly distracted by Hemlock walk through the door followed by Rainbow Dash.

"Hey guys! Over here!" Shouted Kensei waving a hoof at them both trying to signal our table.

"You're already here? Coolio." Replied Hemlock as he approached the table.

"Hey guys! Whaz up?" Added Dashie as she sat beside me and then Hem sitting on her other side.

"Just ordered a couple of drinks and sandwiches. Glad we're all finally together!" I replied nuzzling Dash's mane.

"Well on my way here I bumped into Hem and we came here together. It's cool to all be together again too." Replied Dash.

"So anything interesting happen on your last days of work?" Hemlock asked but to nopony inpaticular.

"Just got let off early and a few little gifts from my students." Replied Speedy.

"Well aren't you quite the teacher!" Said Dashie teasing him a smile.

"Well me and Flutters weren't working with the nicest bunch of ponies so they didn't really give us anything for our work." Added Kensei looking at each of us briefly and then setting his eyes on Fluttershy.

"Hmm well that sucks! You two are amazing with animals!" I replied pointing at them both.

"After a couple of days working with them we realised they weren't much help. Me and Flutters decided that we would try to sneak off occasionally when the others were busy. We wanted to look after the animals but not with them." Added Kensei while he grabbed one of the drinks off of the table and taking a sip.

"That kinda sucks. Atleast you two got jobs doing something you both love and together as well. Unlike Lightning who didn't plan on bucking trees on some acres." Replied Hemlock looking over to me.

"Yeah so how was it Flash?" Asked Kensei.

"Pretty awesome actually!" I replied suddenly gaining everyponies attention except Speedy who was too busy enjoying his sandwich.

"Really?" Replied Hemlock, Dash and Kensei all perfectly synchronised in time.

"Hahaha...Yeah! I didn't think I'd enjoy working on some acres but to be honest.." I took a sip of my drink before continuing. "I really enjoyed it!" I replied with the others still curiously staring at me.

"Heheh. Sorry about taking the last placement at the weather factory." Dash apologised laying her head on my shoulder for a few seconds.

"Don't worry about it Dashie. I'm  sure it was awesome." I replied nudging her in the side with my hoof.

"Awesome? Try the best ever!" Replied Dash almost leaping into the table from her seat.

"That good eh?" Hemlock asked grabbing one of the many drinks from the table.

"It was so awesome! I got to see how they gather and create all different types of weather!  I had a tour around the entire factory and met some radical ponies." Rainbow Dash couldn't sound more happy and yet exhausted. "Of course I got given the job best fit for me. Spreading and taking care of the spectra for rainbows. I told them about my Sonic Rain-Boom and they were super interested!" Dash added sitting back down.

"By them you mean?" Asked FireSpeed intrigued about who she was referring to.

"My teachers! Clockwork Thunder and Dr Atmosephere, Clockwork had a pretty cool job. She collected thunder bolts and was pretty high up in the factory's ranks. I didn't see Dr atmosphere as much as her though." Replied Dash.

"Hey did ya get to visit the rainbow factory itself?!" I asked excited to hear more. I had always heard weird rumours about that place. Some good and pretty interesting, others not so pleasant.

"Well kinda. I got to see quite a bit of it but they didn't let me in the restricted zones where they said "The magic happens." Guess it must all be really top secret. I think Dr Atmosphere mainly worked there, there was something odd about him. The way he acted and spoke was just.....creepy." Dashie replied turning her exciting news into a whisper as she mentioned Dr Atmosphere.

"Hmmm. Some doctors are just born weird and creepy." Kensei added. With that being said a silence fell upon the table, we all had something to drink and eat. A waitress came and took our next set of orders.

"So FireSpeed you never actaully told us about your work place.....neither did you Hem." Kensei said looking at them both while they finished their meals.

"Yeah! Don't be keeping secrets now!" Dash added poking Hem.

"Neither has Fluttershy." FireSpeed replied looking across to Fluttershy.

"Well she worked with Kensei so I doubt she wants to say how mean their jerks of partners were." Dash replied also looking at Fluttershy who had by now raised her head from eating.

"Oh umm. Well...Kensei kinda said it all. We just tended to all the little mamals and creatures. L-Like we usually do." Fluttershy said including herself back into the conversation.

"So? Who's gonna speak first!" I asked Hem and Speedy.

"Mine was pretty cool I guess. Wish I got to show off some more though!" Replied FireSpeed at last.

"Whatcha mean?" Hemlock asked.

"It was fun and all but a lot of the time I just taught the younger ones how to stay in the air and speed up a little. I wanted to show off my own skills ya know." Replied Speedy with a deep sigh.

"All in the day of a teacher. I think you'd make a fine teacher one day Speedy as well as a wonderbolt or famous racer. That's why they picked you to work with them." I said trying to cheer him up. I knew what it was like to be a teacher. My father had been a teacher for years not just to his students but to me too. So many lessons and so many questions to still ask...

"You're right there I guess. I did enjoy it though. There were some students who reminded me of us! There was an overconfident little colt who always took his wings over his hooves. He reminded me of you Dash!" Replied Speedy pointing at Dash and then giggiling.

"Hey what are you hinting at!?" Asked Dash suddenly confused and irritated.

"Oh nothing. There was a very shy one who always apoligised for every mistake she made." FireSpeed looked over to Fluttershy followed by the rest of us. Fluttershy hid behind her mane as our eyes fell upon her.

"W-What?  D-Do you mean me?" Fluttershy asked minimizing herself by slipping under tha table slightly.

"Hahaha! Don't worry Fluttershy...ahh good times." FireSpeed replied looking back at his drink which was half full.

"Well Hem? Anything interesting happen while you were picking flowers?" I asked trying not to giggle.

"Hmmm very mature Flash. Well..." Hemlock replied scratching his chin and looking up at the ceiling as he thought. "Lets see..I got to learn about many different rare and wonderful plants, met some royal gardeners and a well known herbalist...oh and I met Princess Celestia!" He added.

We all stared without a single blink from each of us at him in suprise. Our jaws almost hitting the table at his brief news. None of us had ever got even close to meeting royalty let alone the Princess herself.

"That's....super cool!" Replied Kensei recovering from the shock.

"What was she like?" Asked Fluttershy bursting with anticipation and impatience.

"Heheh. Hmmm...She was very generous, kind, intelligent and might I say beautiful. She was what you would expect but like times that by ten! She knew exactly what she was talking about  all the time." Replied Hemlock.

"Don't be getting a crush on a princess now." I added teasing him just for fun.

"Shut up Lightning." He replied sharply turning back to me.

We spent another hour going into a bit more detail of some of our work's events. I told them all about my tornado trick and my surprise party. Hemlock told of Celestia's royal grounds and his work with her personal herbalist. FireSpeed mentioned his top students and their capabilities.

Kensei and Fluttershy said a tale about an injured family of otters and how they treated them back to good health. Rainbow Dash went on and on about the different departments in the weather factory.

"Well sounds like everpony had an awesome two weeks. Even though I had a barrel of fun...I gotta say I missed you guys and gals so much." I said looking at everypony individually and seperately. "It was weird not hanging out with everypony..." I added and noticed Fluttershy stare at me and wink. With that simple sign she reminded me of our previous chat about this.

"Agreed." Hemlock replied.

"Definately strange." Kensei added.

"Yeah" Dash agreed leaning back in her seat.

"Well I don't know about you but I was glad to be rid of you all! Just joking!" FireSpeed replied and instantly getting smacked round the back of his head by Kensei.

"Ow!" Speedy yelled getting caught by surprise. We all shared an immediate laugh and giggle at their little dispute. Like Dashie I leaned back into my seat and wrapped a foreleg round her neck pulling her in for a hug.

"Ahhh. It's good to be back."

Chapter Fourteen: To Hate And Care

                                                                                     Chapter Fourteen

Our work experience was a great treat and challenge to bring our school year to an end. A week later and we broke up for our summer holidays. Not much happened for us on the last day, all the good stuff happened to the graduates who we never really talked to.

We barely talked to the older ones mostly due to a lot of them being pretty boring and way too sophisticated. Throughout the day I just kept thinking and imagining what it'll be like when I and the others graduate. Being eighteen and leaving school.....it's a pretty strong and interesting thought. Where would I get a job?

That was a question that kept playing on my mind but I tried not to ponder with it too much.

For this summer holiday each of us had our own things planned but for a lot of the others it was like visiting family and such.

I personally planned a trip to go see my mother and see how she is. Just me nopony else. I hadn't actually seen her in years, just wrote to her occasionally. I decided I would visit her on the fourth day into my summer holiday while the others just chilled and relaxed. They understood and agreed when I told them I wanted to go alone. That wasn't my only plan for the holidays though..

Me, Dash, Hemlock, Kensei, Fluttershy and FireSpeed all agreed that we wanted to go chill on a beach somewhere for the day! None of us had really been to a proper sandy and hot beach before so it sounded like a great idea! We were to go for a whole day almost and would be sometime after my return from my mother's place.

The day when I was going to see my mother came and not too late or soon either. Everypony else was too busy chilling and doing just about nothing but chat and hangout!

I woke to the usual sight of the morning's bright warm sun breaking through mine and Dash's bedroom curtains. For once I woke up without Dashie laying beside me or on top of me.

I got up slowly and stretched my legs and wings as usual. I went to the bathroom to freshen up a little before heading downstairs. My nose was suddenly overcome with the smell of melting cheese and toasted bread. Mmmmm.

I walked into the kitchen to find Dash placing three toasted cheese sandwiches onto a plate then grabbing a glass of orange juice. She turned to me as I entered the room.

"Morning Flashie!" Dash said carrying the food and drink into the living room.

"Morning Dashie. Is that for me?" I asked looking at both her and the food.

She laid the plate and drink on the table by the sofa. "Sure is!" She replied.

"Sweet!" I shouted jumping onto the sofa and then diving my head into the pyramid of sandwiches, munching away at each one as fast as I could. I could get very hungry in the mornings!

"Eheheheh! Thought I'd better make one of your favourites as a leaving gift." Dash said sitting down beside me.

I finished eating my second sandwich and then turned to Rainbow as I wiped my mouth of any crumbs. "You're so awesome!" I replied hugging her.

"Heheh. Yes I am!" Dashie replied.

"I'm gonna head off soon. Got most of my things packed and just gotta make a quick visit someplace." I said taking a few gulps of my glass of OJ.

"Oh....Ok." Replied Dash drooping her head and her eyes all in one single movement.

"What's wrong? Do ya want me to stay for a little bit longer before going?" I asked turning to her with a curious glare.

"Yeah...a little." She replied lifting her head back up.

"Okay then! It's not a problem!" I replied looking back at my last sandwich and then diving into it once again.

"Cool. Thanks." Replied Dash.

Last night I made sure Dash was happy with me going away. I kept her smiling throughout the entire night and day but she obviously preferred me to stay. I finished my breakfast and stayed downstairs with Dashie for about an hour or two. We just sat reading some old comics and had a short nap. By the time the livingroom clock struck 12:30pm I decided to head upstairs and finish packing my things.

Once fully packed with my two satchel bags I headed back downstairs where Dash stood by the front door waiting for me.

"I guess I won't be seeing ya till friday then. Gonna be kinda weird without ya." Said Dash. Today was Tuesday so I would be away for about three days.

"Yup! I'll be missing ya Dashie. Love you." I replied stepping towards her as we kissed.

"Love ya too." She replied.

I opened the front door and slowly walked outside but with the door still open.

"Goodbye!" I shouted waving at Rainbow Dash as I slowly hovered into the air and then away from the house.

"See ya!" Replied Dash with a more cheery shout.

Okay so the plan was to catch a train in PonyVille and head straight to Trottingham but first I had to make one quick stop before leaving CloudsDale.

My old home.

I felt it seemed appropiate to visit seeing that I was going to see my mother but first the last standing memory of mine and my father's life.

I arrived by the house in a few minutes after leaving Dash at home. The place hadn't changed a bit. Except from the sight of a couple moving in. They looked as if they had just finished unpacking and were relaxing out front with a glass of water each. Not realising and barely caring that I would gather their attention, I approached the house and slowly looked at each fine detail.

Memories quickly pouring into my head left me unaware of my surroundings. The couple were now both staring at me like I was some creepy old weirdo.

"Excuse me....Can we help you?" The grey tall stallion said with a slight nervous tone in his voice as his marefriend stood behind him hiding.

His question instantly pulled me out of my day dream and flashbacks. I shook my head getting back into focus with my surroundings. "No. I'm fine." I replied.

"Okay. Would you mind leaving then?" The stallion asked suddenly losing all nervousness in his voice and replacing it with that of a rude commanding one.

"Excuse me?" I asked staring straight into his eyes which gleamed with frustration.

"I said can you leave. This is our home and we don't want some kid nosing around us." He replied. His partner was still shying away behind him trying to avoid getting involved.

"I was just looking ya know. No need to get rude. This wasn't originally your house anyway." I replied feeling the anger build up inside of me.

"Oh....so you previously lived here?" The dark purple mare with a pure brown mane asked appearing from behind her coltfriend.

"Yes." I replied looking back down at the ground.

"Well if it was that important to you then maybe you should have stayed. You left and it's ours now! Now bugger off!" The stallion rudely interrupted. That first line lit the fuse that was my anger ready to explode.

"Maybe I should have stayed!? I don't know who you think you are buddy but you have know right telling me I can't come see the house where I foun......nevermind. Sorry I bothered you." I replied almost letting slip about my father. I wasn't gonna tell them about my own damn personal life so I quickly stopped myself.

"Hmph" Was the stallions only response as he turned round and went back into the house but his marefriend stayed.

"S-Sorry about him. He gets easily annoyed with ponies he don't know. Especially when I'm involved or nearby." The mare apoligised trying to keep good eye contact with me.

"It's ok. I'll just be going now." I replied turning away from her.

"Hey wait!" She called out.

"What?" I asked turning back around.

"What's your name?" She asked.

"Does it matter?" I replied.

"It'd be nice to get your name. You know...you having lived here and all." She replied.

"Lightning Flash."

"Hi Lightning Flash. I'm Sweet Flower." The mare replied holding out a hoof to shake. I accepted her hoofshake and flew off to PonyVille.

While calmly gliding towards PonyVille I tried to clear my mind of that rude stallion and the memories that had rushed back

into my head. I wasn't about to let some random jerk ruin my day! By the time I reached the train station the thoughts had luckily drifted to the back of my head. I bought my ticket and took a seat in the third carriage down which was pretty empty except from five other ponies.

I sat down next to the window on the left side of the carriage and put my satchels beside me .As we departured from the station I gave a brief wave looking into the clear air. There was nopony to wave to, all my friends had already said goodbye to me and were now busy. I was gonna miss them but I looked forward to seeing my mother even more.

It was going to be quite a while before the train reached Trottingham so I decided to take a nap. My eyes slowly closing with the faint sound of chatter almost completely drowned out by that of the trains wheels. My last conscious thoughts were of the last time I saw my mothers face. So long ago....

A few hours passed before I awoke back in the empty and now more quiet train carriage. I was woken up by the poking of the ticket inspector who carried on doing so until I fully opened my eyes and turned to look at him.

"End of the line SunnyJim." The old tired but still cheery stallion said.

"W..What? W-Where am I?" I asked as I checked to see that my satchels were still beside me.

"Trottingham. This train's not going no further due to some mechanical errors in the engine room." The old stallion replied.

"I'd better be going then. Thanks." I said grabbing my bags and arising from my seat.

"Safe travels." The old stallion replied as I walked past him and out of the carriage onto the platform.

The town had changed so much since my last time being here. The landmarks, halls, shops, stalls, houses and trees were all completely different in both appearence and location. I won't go into detail of how the place used to look and too much of how it does now. That you'll have to find out for yourself.

I didn't care to look around town to see how much had changed. I just wanted to see my mother again. From my mothers most recent letter she wrote that our old house was demolished a year ago and that she now lived with my aunt somewhere on the outskirts of town. Where exactly I had no idea. I walked into the town center where it was busy with the evening rush home from work for most ponies.

I found a well suited and very posh looking stallion standing by a large fountain. He seemed as if he was waiting for someone, mostly because he had checked his watch four times in one minute. I walked over to him but he took no notice of my approach.

"Excuse me Sir?" I asked politely.

"......" No response as he stared into the distance to his left.

"SIR!?" I asked again.

"Huh!? Oh sorry were you talking to me?" He finally replied.

"Yes. I was just wondering where exactly I could find this pony?" I asked showing him a more recent photo of my mother that she had sent to me. "Her name is Penny -"

"Oh I know her! Yes yes she lives just past the post office west of town. Follow Willows Road and her house should be the first one you come across." He replied butting in while I said my mothers name.

"Oh thanks!..Wait..how do you know that much about her?" I asked looking at him suspiciously.

"Oh I work in real estate. i know where almost everypony here lives!" He replied.

"Uh ok. I'll be...going now." I said slowly walking backwards away from him. There was something quite odd about him but I wasn't sure what. He didn't respond but went back to checking his watch.

It took a few minutes but I had finally reached my destination. I stood directly in front of the single floored house. Made completely out of refined wood that looked as if it had only just been built. The front garden flourished with clusters of daffodills, tulips and roses. The mixed and unassorted colours stood out from the rest of the local greenery like a dragon among butterflies.

Walking up to the front door my legs begun to shake slightly with excitement. After three knocks there came no reply. As I reached forward to knock again the door was quickly swung open and my eyes were met with those of a brown coated mare with a white mane. My mother. She had hardly grown since we last saw each other.

"Lightning? Oh honey how I've missed you!" My mum said grabbing me by the neck and trapping me in a hug.

"I've missed you too mum. It's been weird without you but...I got use to it!....Not that I haven't stopped missing you though! Eheheh!" I replied and giggled. We stayed hugging for a few more seconds before she finally let me go.

"There's so much to discuss! Come in quickly! I bet your tired after such a long trip!" My mother said grabbing me once again and pulling me through the doorway and into the living room. "Sit! I'll get us something to drink. You still like orange juice right?"

"My looks might change but my tastebuds don't mum." I replied giving her a smile before she entered the kitchen as I sat.

"Cheeky." I heard her say along with the noise of glasses being tapped against eachother. She entered the living room

once again carrying a glass of OJ and a cup of tea on a tray. She layed them down on the table.

"So what's happening in CloudsDale these days?" She asked picking up her cup of tea and taking a sip.

"Not much. Everypony just broke up for the summer holidays." I took a few gulps of my OJ. "Oh and...somepony's moved into our old house."

"Hmm? When was this?"

"Today. I went to see the old place before I left but was interrupted by it's new owners."

"Oh ok. Are they nice? Do you know them?"

"Not exactly. I've never seen them before. One was pretty rude but his partner was quite friendly...Can we not discuss the house too much please?" I replied finishing off my glass of OJ.

"Oh ok! I know it must feel uncomfortable talking about it. So anyway! How's..uh...what was her name?"

"You mean Rainbow Dash?"

"Yes your marefriend! How is she?"

"Fine thanks. Got a visit from her dad the other day. Came to see her and give her some more money towards the house and food."

"How does he feel about you too living together? You are pretty young for it you know."

"Yes mum I know! Jeez. I'm sixteen and live with the most awesome pony ever! I think I'm old enough and independant enough to take care of myself."

"Alright. You still don't have a job though do you?"

"Well I did some work experience and such. I don't want a job just yet."

"But it will get you some money and hard work!"

"I'll get a job after graduation. Okay?"

"Fine." She finished her tea and took the tray back into the kitchen.

""Hey mum where's Auntie Tulip?"

"She's busy with her flowershop. You may see her tomorrow because she's also going to be visiting a friend tonight."

"Okay then. It's pretty late, I'm gonna get some sleep."

"Don't you want any dinner honey?"

"What?...Oh yeah! I forgot about food!" I stood but sat back down."Guess that proves how tired I am."

My mother cooked us up some dinner and we talked some more about my friends. She had never actually met any of them. I'd sent her a class pic of us at Wingbury, I just circled round us with a pen. Apart from that she had no idea what they were like. Heheh! I could lie and say how Fluttershy is the school bully or how FireSpeed doesn't know his right wing from his right hoof! That would be pretty hilarious! Maybe in another universe....

After a lovely made dinner I went to bed to get a goodnights sleep for tomorrow. I slept in the guest room whch my mum had always apparently kept ready and clean for any guests. Especially me.

"Yawn"

"Hmm?"

I awoke to see my mother opening the bedroom curtains. She obviously wanted me to wake up. As long as we slept in the same house I hardly ever got a proper lay in! My mother thought sleep was less important than getting out and about doing something with ya day!

"Morning my little Lightning."

"Jeez mum do ya have to wake me up?"

"Yes. I was going to make us both some breakfast!"

"Fine. But please don't call me that anymore."

"What? Little Lightning?"

"Yeah. If anypony was to hear you I think I would die."

"Alright alright." Said my mum leaving the room. I got up and followed her downstairs to the living room. I sat on the sofa as she entered the kitchen. She came back about fifteen minutes later with two trays of croissants, fresh orange juice and some butter along with cutlery.

"Mmmm. Looks tasty." I said licking my lips.

"Enjoy." She said sitting down beside me. One tray each layed on the table in front of us. We didn't speak as we ate but when we did it was only more talk about school, work and friends. not just my friends either, my mother told me about her friends and how she helps my aunt with her flower shop while still carrying on her pursuit for art.

"Sales can be pretty big and hectic during certain times of the year. Especially Hearts and Hooves day. Wasn't that the day when you told Rainbow about...you know?" My mother said as she finished her food and took a sip of her drink.

"Huh? Oh then. Yeah! I told you that!"

"I know. I just always like hearing about it. Tell me who was the one who helped plan it again?"

"Oh that was Kense-"

Knock! Knock! Knock!

I was interrupted by three large bangs at the front door.

"I wonder who that could be this early in the morning." Said my mum as she stood and went to the door. I followed but kept my distance. She opened the door and her question was answered, it was just the local mailpony. A pale blue pegasus who stood equally tall to my mother and wore a friendly smile on her face.

"Mail for Mrs Penny Flash?" The mail pegasus asked holding out a single envelope.

"Yes that's me." My mother replied.

"Got some mail for you. From the Royal Guard themselves! Have a nice day!"

"Thank you dear!" Said my mum taking the envelope and seeing the pegasus fly off. She closed the door and headed back into the living room which I had also returned to as the pony left.

"Royal Guards? What could this be about?" I asked taking my seat back beside her.

"Lets see shall we." She carefully opened the envelope and unravelled the letter. The writing was some of the finest I had ever seen! Pure black ink with a curl and whip at every end of each letter. My mother read aloud but I followed her reading of each word with my own eyes at the same time. The Letter read...

"Dear Mrs Flash

I write this too you with every sense of pride and joy to inform you of your eldest son's accomplishments in the Royal Guard. Your son Storm Flash who joined the Royal Guard nine years ago has been doing great! We are sorry we couldn't notify any more often than this. His training is that of brilliant!

He has made top of his class. He has now been permanently promoted and assigned to one of our best Special Ops Teams. Due to official and stated military standards we can NOT tell you much about your sons new deployment. His team is made up of his fellow comrades and his leader who you shall write too if there is any questions or queries. His leader also owns her own personal fame and title here in Canterlot. Major Thunder Hooves has proven more than just pure skill in her efforts.

Your Sons appointed team:

First Class Corporal Storm Flash. Staff Sargeant Night Warrior.  Second Leutenent Krom Starheart.  Corporal Cherry Hollow. Major Thunder Hooves.

It is an honour to write to an elder of such great talent. Your son did not have any personal input in this message.

Your's Sincerley

Shining Armour"

We both sat staring at the letter we had both read.

"My brother? A letter about my brother? Neither me, you or father have heard any news from or about him in nine years! But now this Shining Armour writes to us to say how much a wonderful job his doing!?" I shouted in rage as I jumped to my hooves.

"Darling please calm down."

"Calm?! He left us! I don't give a damn about his promotion! O-Or about his new leader! Who are these Shining Armour and Thunder Hooves!? If their so great then why don't they come say this to our faces!"

"I know your brother leaving was hard on you. It was rough on all of us. You just need to realise he wanted to pursue his dreams and obviously didn't realise it would hurt you so much."

"I need some air." I said as I left the room and walked outside. My mother was obviously not as effected by this as me. Or she didn't seem it anyway.  I walked down the road into town and was passed by quite a few different ponies but I didn't pay much attention to their doings.

"Storm Flash. The strong and royal Storm Flash. My brother fighting for Celestia and all of us..." I whispered to my self walking further into town.

Deep inside I know I still love him. His my brother and nothing could change that. Just...just when he left...I was so young. I barely understood why and how he just left. I never remember him packing a few days before or telling each time in the garden when he played with me how he was gonna be strong and royal.

It was all quite hidden to me. I knew he loved the guards and military but didn't realise that he could so simply leave us for it. I barely remember what he looks like. Of what I can remember he has a grey coat and a bright cyan mane and tail. Of course he is taller than me but not much bigger in weight.

I was abruptly stopped in thought by the sights of a stallion pegasus in Royal Armour. He stood patiently outside the towns pet shop. His eyes were glued on the many cats in the shops window. This was weird. A random Royal Guard in the middle of Trottingham? And after our sudden letter? Could they be connected?

The stallion sighed and turned around to see the friendly cluster of ponies heading to work. His eyes briefly looked over me and than sharply locked on to my own. He trotted towards to me and stopped dead still in front of me. He saluted and stood proud. His coat was as white as snow and his mane and tail as black as night. I couldn't see his cutie mark because of his armour.

"Hello there fellow stallion!" The armoured up stallion said still standing patiently.

"Uh. Hello?"

"My name is Night Warrior and I am looking for the relatives of a certain pony."

"Night Warrior? You're looking for Storm's family aren't you?"

"Yes! Did you receive the letter than?"

"How do you know who I am?"

"Please answer my question."

"FIne yes we got it!"

"Good. I was ordered to check on Storm's family to make sure they got the good news. I was shown your Equestrian record so I knew who I was looking for!"

"Why couldn't Storm come see us himself?"

"Im sorry but he is busy with special training with the Major. She takes each session of combat training very seriously. Such an honour to work with!" Night Warrior replied looking into the sky with pride in his eyes. This major sure did sound important but I still didn't care for her or my brothers squad much.

"Well my task has been fulfilled! Nice to meet you!"

"Ditto. One last thing before you go."

"Yes?"

"T...T-Take care of my brother will you? He's my only sibling you know."

"It will be my honour to protect and serve him. I promise to fight any harm that comes our way! Farewell!" Night Warrior hovered and flew off into the distance.

I think it was about time I returned home.

Chapter Fifteen: A Life Without Him

                                                                                      Chapter Fifteen

While staying at my mother's for another few days nothing else interesting actually happened. That letter was the only change in my plan. It was great to see my mother again and I also got to see my aunt a little but she was swamped with business.

My last day in Trottingham and I spent it packing and then visitng the park with my mum. I told her about Night Warrior and we talked a little more about my brother. Apart from that we just had more small talk about CloudsDale and she gave me some basic life lessons which I had already heard before. Mothers can be over caring sometimes....

We returned and home and I got my things together and headed downstairs to say goodbye.

"Well mum I guess this is goodbye." I said laying down my bags in the hallway.

"Yes. I..I can't belive how much you've changed since you were younger." She replied wiping away a tear."I'm so proud of you."

"I know ya proud of me!..I'm gonna miss you mum. I always do."

"I'll miss you too honey." She replied pulling me tightly into a hug. This was expected of her to get so emotional.

"Uh mum I...kinda...can't...breath!"

"Oh sorry honey." She let go of me and wiped away another tear. "Oh before you go. I've got a little something for you."

"A gift? You didn't have to get me anything!"

"Yes I did!" She replied reaching into her bag sitting by her hooves where she stood. She pulled out a small flat wooden box no bigger than the base of her hoof.

"What's that?"

"Something that belonged to your father." She replied handing it to me. I carefully held it and layed it down on a small table beside us. I opened it slowly to find a medal. Pure gold in color augmented with gleaming blue sapphires. In the center were two wings over crossing each other.

"This is amazing! What's it for though?"

"As you know your father was an excellent flight teacher and tutor. What he barely told anypony was his other job." My mum stared at me and then the medal, focusing on the over crossed wings. "A few years after me and your father met he was drafted into the Royal Air Force. He was to serve Celestia and all her subjects. Unfortunately a brief and short war between ponies and dragons broke out. The war lasted only a year but took more than a few fighting souls."

I stared at her and the medal in amazement. I had heard of this war before but not much about it and definately not the fact that my father was involved in it!

"Your father saved a couple of his teamates in battle. Two of them were injured, one more than the other and his captain was out cold. Under constant attack from dragons he managed to carry one of the injured ponies along with his captain while assisting the other injured pegasus to fly beside him. Thanks to him they all made it safely back to base. Princess Celestia and his captain awarded him that medal themselves."

"Why'd he never tell me this?"

"He wanted to wait until your flying skills and capabilities were strong and to his level or better. Then this may encourage you to follow his path. Or just to show how much alike you both are!"

"I realised my proper flight strength when I went on that journey to find Storm Shadow. I never got to tell him what I did."

My mother walked closer to me and again hugged me. I shed but a few tears that soaked both into mine and her's coat.

"It's okay Lightning. I have a feeling he knows. I bet his watching over us right now."

"Yeah."

"It's your to keep. Whether you follow his path or not. We'll always be proud of you."

"Thanks mum." I hugged her even tighter now before letting go and putting the medal into my satchel.

"Goodbye honey."

"Bye mum. Love you."

"Love you too!"

I opened the door and smiled at my mum before flying off towards the train station. The only thing on my mind: What the hell was my dad doing in a damn war? That and how I couldn't wait to head home to my buddies!

Telling them about my father was sure gonna make them interested and jealous! About my brother though....they didn't need to know. Not all of them anyway.

The journey home was that of me sleeping through it all. Didn't take any longer than before and when I arrived back in PonyVille I headed straight to CloudsDale to meet the guys and gals. But where would they be waiting? Hmmmmm.

Kensei's always the one throwing the welcome back parties so I could visit his! Kensei lived in an apartment of his own with no roomates. He lived further away from my place and FireSpeed's, he always used our house's as a meeting point before school. Hemlock and Fluttershy had the longest journey to the academy though, them both living in and around PonyVille and all. Fluttershy had recently moved out of her home with her parents and into her own place. A tree that had been hollowed out, positioned just outside Everfree forest. Kinda ironic because she hated that place. No. Hate is the wrong word for her. Scared stiffless suits her better! Heheh.

Most of Kensei's neighbours were pretty active and lively for this time of the day. I entered the apartment block and knocked on his door and there was no reply. This seems to happen quite often to me apparently.

"Time to get a better view I guess." I said aloud to myself.

I left the block and flew up to his room's window and carefully peered in through the glass. He was busy playing some sort of music, no wonder he couldn't hear me! I went to knock on the window but was stopped by Fluttershy walking into the room. Fluttershy over somepony else's house? Quite weird. I could just about over hear their conversation as Kensei finished his music.

"What do you think of that one?" Kensei asked laying his instrument down on the floor while he sat on his bed.

"That was beautiful! J-Just like all of your music." Fluttershy replied sitting closely beside him.

"Heheh. Thanks." Kensei bagan to blush a little at her comment. "Sooooo. What do you wanna do now?"

"Uh...um. I..I'm not sure." Fluttershy edged ever so carefully closer to Kensei as they stayed sitting. I don't think he completley noticed. But then again he probably didn't wanna make her feel nervous by obviously seeing it and letting her know.

"Well...we could go chill with the others? Before Lightning comes back?" Kensei asked.

"Oh..c-could we...stay here? If y-you don't mind that is?"

"Oh! Uh..of course not!"

I could see the tension building, both them becoming more and more nervous but yet still wanting this. To be alone together like this well thinking they were alone that is! No matter how awkward or slow their time went. Should I leave and let them be? Or maybe hang out with them to break the ice?

"Um well..." Said Kensei looking around his room for something to do.

Damn it Kensei! Just kiss her! Hug her! DO SOMETHING!!! I could see Fluttershy wanted something to happen but they were both so nervous and quite unaware of each others true feelings for each other to do anything. Screw it I had to do something!

I leaped backwards and higher into the air. I steadied myself for an "IceBreaker." I had to see them but I couldn't make it seem as if I could have been watching. In a sudden thrust I bolted forward and downwards into and through Kensei's window. Luckily I didn't smash it because it was already partially open. I crash landed straight onto Kensei's bedroom floor. The two of them jumped further back onto his bed landing by his pillows.

"What the hay!?" Yelled Kensei quickly standing to attention but then realising the scared half to death Fluttershy sheltering under the bed quilt. In a blink of an eye he appeared beside her and nuzzled her mane. She raised her head from behind the bed quilt and soon noticed it was only me. She quickly restored her sense's and stood between me and Kensei.

Even if it was as small as nuzzling her mane it still counted. It proved that if needed to, Kensei would be there to comfort Fluttershy in a second! Whether he realised his quick response or not.

"Uh..Hey! What's up!?" I asked standing to my hooves.

"Well obviously not you. Not anymore." Replied Kensei looking at both me and then the window.

"Haha. So funny!"

"So! Have a nice trip?" Asked Kensei sitting back down on his bed.

"Sure did!" I replied as Fluttershy sat back down beside Kensei again.

"Good to hear buddy! Flutters and I were just discussing our trip to the beach!"

"Oh yeah! Can't forget about that! Well I'd better go see the others and leave you two alone."

"W..Wait." Said Fluttershy standing up. "Why don't we all go?"

"Um..ok!" I replied. I was expecting them to stay and want to hang out together alone. Guess not. Well I was just glad they both seemed happy together! Even though they both couldn't realise the other one is in love with them!

We all left Kensei's place and decided to head to go chill on some clouds above PonyVille. Hopefully we'd bump into the others and if not. We would just relax! Reaching the cloud we just sat, chatted and eventually we all decided to have a nap.

My eyes twitching with the over looking sun above us I saw a certain cyan pegasus standing over me.

"What's up?" Rainbow Dash asked now shading me from the suns bright rays.

"Hi! Just looking for ya."

"Really? Then it looks like your napping on the job to me!"

"Meh. I found ya didn't I?"

"Uh no. Other way around Flash?"

"Nice to see you too." I stood, stretched and spread my wings.

"Heheh. Glad ya back!" Replied Dash hugging me quickly.

"Hey you found them!" There was a distant shout which seemed to be coming from a shaded sillouhette diving through the clouds.

"Speedy!" Shouted Kensei.

FireSpeed gracefully landed right between the four of us splitting us into two. "Hey guys!"

"Hey Speeds." I replied.

"Soooo. You gonna keep us in the dark all day?" Asked Dashie laying back into a cloud.

"Na! That'd be boring." I replied sitting opposite her while Kensei and Fluttershy sat beside each other next to Rainbow. FireSpeed stayed hovering above us slightly. Wtih everypony gathered except Hemock that was, I shared by short journey and tale with them. Not the part about my brother though that is. They were almost as shocked as I was when I mentioned my father and his medal. FireSpeed said that a relative of his mentioned something about a pegasus saving his team in that war.

After a quick recap of the weeks events the others not including Dash and me went to see Hem and tell him all about it!

Me and Dash wanted to go for a quick fly by of PonyVille while the others headed off. Not for any reason exactly just for fun like we usually did.

We casually and calmly flew over Sweet Apple Acres, mostly just for it's pretty good view! We didn't always talk much as we flew, unless one of us wanted to race. Looking down below I could see AppleJack's barn with its worn away dark red paint. Looking more closely I could see her taking buckets bellowing with apples inside the barn.

"Hey there's AJ!" I shouted quickly changing course in our flight to dive down towards her. Dash came to an abrupt stop and gave a curious eye at me before following.

"What's up AJ!" I asked landing behind her as she went to grab another bucket.

"Huh?" AppleJack spun round dropping the bucket on the ground. "Oh hi there sugarcube!"

"Hey AppleJack! Seem busy as usual!"

"Sure am! Holidays don't come into question with apples!"

"Heheh. True Dat!"

Rainbow Dash stopped and hovered beside me.

"So what brings ya back here Lightning?" Asked AJ.

"Me and Dash were just cruising around PonyVille and I thought I'd come say hi!"

"Well that's mighty kind of ya! But I got a heap of work to do!"

"That's cool. Maybe we can help?" I asked while Dash still stared at AJ.

"Uuhhh" AppleJack looked at Dash and than back at me."Nah. Thanks though! You and Rainbow Dash have a fine day now ya hear!"

"Will do! Let's go Dashie!" I spread my wings and joined Dash in the air before flying off towards PonyVille.

"You ok Dash? Been a little quiet." I asked as we casually glided through the hot summer air.

"Yea. Well. I  gotta tell you something."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"While you were away I got a visit from Ditzy delivering me a letter. Except the letter was for you."

"Oh. Wait did you read it?"

"Uh...um. Yeah." Dash smirked as she turned to me.

"Bloody Cheek."

"Well inside there were two seperate letters."

"Was one of them from somepony called Shining Armour?"

"Uh yeah! How'd ya know that!?"

"My mum got the same letter. Only one though. What was the other?"

"Well I kinda only read the first one. I saw who wrote the other one and didn't read it.....much. Heh."

"Dash. Who wrote it?"

"You'll see when we get back."

We flew home at our current speed. Sitting in the living room I read the first letter with Dash. The royal guard letter was no different from my mothers except from the fact that they were addressing me and not her. I carefully unravelled the second letter which was quite crinkled thanks to Rainbow. I read without a sound but I knew Dash was reading it too...

"Dear Lightning

By now I expect you've got the letter about my promotion. I don't expect you to be very interested either. I know we've had no contact with each other what's so ever and I can't help that. With me being busy and duties calling I ask you one favor.

Take care of mother for me. I worry for you and her both. Even though I'm the one with weapons.

It's best you don't reply to this. Another day brother. Another meet.

Your Brother Storm Flash."

I sat without a word escaping my lips but a thousand thoughts race through my mind.

"Lightning?" Dash asked turning to me and waiting patiently for a response.

"Hey Flashie! Snap outa this wierd meditation mode!"

"My brother.."

"Yes. I..."

"Sorry Dash but...this is all happening pretty fast. My brother being promoted, a visit to my mother's place and now Storm writing to me?" I also added but muttered under my breath so Dash didn't hear.."And my house belonging to some tight git."

"He didn't even say sorry."

"Doesn't surprise me....and about the favor."

"Yeah?"

"He asks me to look after our mum as if I wouldn't in the first place! If he's so worried about us than why doesn't he come see me himself!!!" My eyes began to tear up at my words. Rainbow Dash leaned against me and than grabbed me in a hug.

"I'm so sorry Lightning...I wish there was something I could do."

Those words. The same words that breached from within her lips that same night my father died. The repeating of her words showed she didn't know how I felt. She still cared nonetheless.

"My mother left me as you know. I still see her and write to her. I've never known a sibling to be so damn selfish!"

"I don't want to meet him. His life has changed, a life without me. My life has changed, a life without him."

"Can't blame ya."

I rested back into Dash's hold over me. It was quite late now so sleep was my new thought. Closing my moist and tearful eyes, I fell into a calm state of sleep.

"So have you got everything packed yet?" A familiar voice spoke not too distant from my ears as I slowly awoke but keeping my eyes shut and my body still.

"Almost. My stuff anyway!" Rainbow Dash's voice replyed.

"He was obviouslly really tired!"

"Yeah! He just fell asleep there last night."

My eyes still closed I could only hear the changing conversation which seemed to be in the same room as me. I couldn't be bothered to open my eyes just yet so I stayed listening.

"What's this?"

"Huh? No! Don't touch that!" Rainbow Dash yelled followed by the sound of a short barrage of hooves running across the floor.

"Hey ok! Jeez. It's only a letter."

"To you it is.......not to him."

Those words made me open my eyes. I opened both eyelids simultaneously and turned my head to the side to peer over at Dash and Hemlock. They both stood by the room's center table and hadn't noticed me just yet.

"What's it about? If you don't mind me asking."

"Nothing."

"Is it his brother?"

"What!? H-How do you know about his bro!?"

"I only know what his told me. He doesn't only tell you ya know!"

"What do you know?"

"That his brother left him years ago. Heartbroken ever since. Poor Lightning."

I jumped off of the sofa, throwing a blanket Dash had put over me flying to the floor and next to the two of them.

"Flashie!" Dash squeed at my awakening.

"I never told you that Hem! How the hell did ya find out!?"

"Oh....well....Your father told me."

"What?" Asked me and Dash in perfect synchronisation.

"Yes your father told me one day while I visited your...old place. You seemed sad that day but for another reason. I asked Crimson what really made you sad sometimes. So I could help you and he told me about Stor..your brother." Hemlock replied.

"Alrigthy than..I guess." I replied.

"Do you mind if I read the letter?"

"Go ahead." I handed over both letters which Dash had put beside me.

"Thanks. I just wanna help."

Hemlock took only a couple of minutes to read and comprehend both letters.

"Ahh I see. I'm sorry Lightning." Said Hem raising his face from the letters.

"Don't be. Now what was this packing you two were talking about?" I asked looking between the both of them.

"Oh. I was just asking Rainbow if you and her have got all ya stuff packed for today?"

"Stuff packed? Today? What for?"

"Crap we didn't tell him it got changed did we?" Said Hemlock turning to Dash.

"I was gonna tell him last night but....you know." Replied Dash pointing at the letters that were now laid on the table.

"WHAT!?"

"The beach trip. We're going today." Hemlock finally said.

"What? I thought we were going in a few days?"

"Well we thought it'd be a nice treat after you returned from your mothers. I think you need it too." Replied Hemlock.

"Uh. Yeah I guess. But I haven't packed."

"Don't worry Lightning I've already done some of yours!" Kensei's voice bellowed down the stairs.

"Is everypony here?" I asked looking towards the stairs to see Kensei Coal trott down them.

"Uh no. Just us!" Replied Hemlock.

"Got everything packed for ya!" Kensei exclaimed as he walked in and stood beside me.

"Thanks." I replied. There wasn't much of my own stuff to take really. Just towels, hat and sun cream. The others were probably gonna bring other things such as food and just usual beach gear like a floating donut or a beach ball! Probably on Kensei's list!

"Alright then. Now that we're all packed we should go meet Fluttershy and FireSpeed!" Said Hemlock grabbing his satchel from beside him.

"But I haven't even had breakfast!" I shouted.

"We got sandwiches! Now lets go!" Replied Dash rushing to the door.

"Fine." I replied following her, Hem and Kensei as I grabbed my satchel.

We all flew to FireSpeed's house to meet up with him first but as we approached his house Kensei stopped us for a second..

"What is it Kensei?" I asked as he halted us all to a stop.

"You guys go see FireSpeed. I'm gonna go straight to Fluttershy's place. I'll meet ya there!" Replied Kensei flying off in the other direction.

"That boy sure does like seeing Fluttershy. If I wasn't the wiser I'd say he has a crush on her!" Hemlock exclaimed as we carried on towards Speedy's place.

"Heh. Maybe." Replied Dash.

"You know something I don't?" Asked Hemlock.

"My lips are sealed. Anyway you know telling someponies secret is the fastest way to lose a friend!" Added Dashie with a grin.

"Forever." I added. We reached Speedy's house and saw him standing on his porch waiting for us.

"You guys ready?" Asked FireSpeed.

"Yup!" Replied Dash.

"Let's go then. To Fluttershy's!" Replied FireSpeed dashing off ahead. We all followed and met the other two there. Hemlock quickly went to get Drakantus while we headed to the towns train station and met up with him again.

Catching or train we headed to our designated beach! None of us had ever been theree before but FireSpeed had heard good things about it. The beach was just about 10 miles South of PonyVille. It took us a few hours to get there but that wasn't much of a problem when we were all so excited!

Our train journey was drawing to an end as we came close to the seaside.

"Let's see here." Said Kensei standing from his seat beside Fluttershy and opposite me and Dash. FireSpeed and

Hemlock sat across the isle with Drakantus beside Hem.

"Beachball. Check!" Said Kensei pulling out a beachball from underneath the table.

"Heheheh." Dash and Fluttershy both giggled.

"Camera. Check!" Said Kensei again now pulling out a camera and throwing the strap over his head.

"Parasol. Check!" Added Hem placing a folded up parasol onto the small table between him and Speedy.

"Dohnut. Check!" Shouted FireSpeed waving about a deflated floating dohnut ring. "Well kinda!" It was a good thing there weren't any other ponies aboard our carriage anymore otherwise we would of got moaned at for being so noisy.

"Boombox. Check!" Added Kensei placing a boombox onto our table.

"Everypony's got their own stuff too right?" Asked Hemlock.

"Yup!" We all said in perfect sychronisation.

"Now stopping at Wingthrop Beach." A mares voice sounded through the sirens scattered throughout the train.

"Finally!"Exclaimed FireSpeed jumping out of his seat.

Everypony got out and onto the train stations platform. We were here! The train station was surrounded by a pure yellow sand whch stretched on for miles! The water was reasonably close and there were no other buildings in site except from an outhouse next  to the station and a drinks hut near the water.

"Wow! It's beautiful!" Hemlock and Fluttershy shouted exactly in time with each other.

"Heheh. This is pretty sweet!" Added FireSpeed. We all stood admiring the gorgeous beach to it's every last sight.

"Hey lets chill over there!" Said Kensei walking over to a flat plot of sand. Hemlock followed, unfolded the parasol and stabbed it into the sand.

"Ahhhhh now this is it!" Said Kensei placing a towel on the sand before falling back first onto it."The life!" He placed his boombox next to him and played a wicked party tune. Fluttershy layed down beside him on her own towel.

"Last pony in the water is a Fluttershy!" Shouted Dashie as she jumped into the air and zoomed off towards the water. Me, FireSpeed and Hemlock raced her to it. While the other two stayed chilling.

"She's so mean." Kensei said turning to Fluttershy.

We were all even and tied at our speeds until Dash bolted ahead suddenly and dived into the water. "Geronimo!" Were her last words before going completely underwater.

The three of us jumped in straight afterwards and Drakantus dashed over to join us.

"Yeah! This is SO AWESOME!" I exclaimed splashing about beside the other three as Dash resurfaced and splashed me back.

Drake threw himself into the water beside Hem."Haha! Cooling ain't it Drake!"

"Whoof!"

Hey guys! Check this out!" Shouted FireSpeed leaping out of the water and into the air.

"DIVE! DIVE! DIVE!" We all shouted staring up at him.

"Whatcha think I was gonna do!?" He replied before diving back down into the water creating an explosion of water.

"Woah!"

"Whoo!" FireSpeed quickly resurfaced."That was epic!"

"Hey Kensei! Fluttershy! Come on in!" Yelled Rainbow Dash waving to the other two.

"Maybe in a mo!" Replied Kensei before turning back to Fluttershy.

"Don't make me drag you in here!" I shouted to them.

Kensei carried on with his conversation for a couple more seconds before standing up, grabbing the inflatable dohnut. (Which was now inflated!) and sprinting over. "You asked for it!" Jumping into the water with a canonball and once again causing us all to get splashed!

"Come on Fluttershy!" Yelled Dash while she grabbed the dohnut and jumped into it.

"Uh...well." We could just about hear Fluttershy.

"COME ON!" Both Speedy and me shouted.

"Ummm." She sat up unsure.

"Argh!" I jumped out of the water and into the air before flying to her side. "Come on Fluttershy!" I grabbed her by her forelegs and carried her as I hovered over to the overs.

"But I hardly swim!" Fluttershy screamed struggeling against my hold.

"Ready to get wet!?" I dangled her over the clear blue water below as she closed her eyes bracing herself for the splash. I let her go and watched as she gave out a quick scream before entering the water beside Kensei.

"Bahahahahahaha!" Dash broke out laughing and accidently fell out of the floating dohnut.

"Hahaha! Serves ya right Dash!" Said Kensei.

Dash spat out some water and shook her head clearing out her ears of water."Hey it was Lightning who dropped her!"

"Eheheh."

Kensei leaped up underneath me and grabbed onto my tail with his teeth pullin me down into the water.

"G'aahhhh!" I yelled plummeting under the water and quickly getting above surface."Not cool bro. Not cool."

"Hahaha!"

FireSpeed and Hemliock began to wrestle over the dohnut while Dash played with Drake.  While me and Kensei continued to pull each other under the water, Fluttershy climbed outa the water and returned to our spot.

The rest of the day was awesome! We spent hours in the water just screwing around and constantly wrestling each other through the waves. Kensei kept the "Dry party" going with his large selection of music which he made himself. We stayed there for most of the day and caught our train home round about seven o'clock. For once I'm glad nothing outa the blue happened, I just wanted a nice day at the beach without any odd surprises!

The train ride home wasn't  exactly very comparable to the day in excitement. Everypony was pretty tired as usual! Kensei's boombox still had some juice in it so he pumped up some tunes on the way home.

Arriving back at PonyVille we all headed straight home. We all walked back to Fluttershy's place and said goodbye before heading to CloudsDale and Hem and Drake heading to their tree!

I was glad to finally get home and was looking forward to a goodnights rest in my own bed for once. Me and Rainbow quickly unpacked our things before having a snack and drink and heading to bed.

I felt happy and glad today went so well but my mind was filled with many other thoughts. With Dashie curled up beside me on our bed I let my eyelids droop shut.

With todays excitement now gone and experienced the thought of my brother came back into my head. I didn't bother to think much of it. I couldn't! My head needed sleep.

Thinking anymore about it and I'd probably awake more anger.......or worse.

Chapter Sixteen: More than just a Nightmare

                                                                                     Chapter Sixteen

Another hot summers day in Trottingham. The birds were chirping away, the shops had just begun to open and most ponies had awoke to Celestia's wonderful sun.

Lightning Flash lay asleep in his bed, snoozing away. Curled up under his blankets and covers, only his head was visible.

In recent news around Equestria a short to be dispute had broke out between Celestia and a city of Griffons. Not many ponies knew the whole story but most of them feared for the worst. All of Celestia's royal guards were being forced to prepare themselves for any city attack. Wherever it may be.

A loud thud of metal hitting the floor downstairs had woken Lightning from his lay in. Although being woken up and not sure of the noise Lightning climbed out of his bed and stretched.

"Ahhh that was a nice sleep." Lightning said to himself.

The sun shun brightly through his bedroom window lighting up most of his room.

"Better go say morning to mum and dad!" He  said again to himself before opening his bedroom door and reaching the stairs.

"You can't stop me!" A familiar voice shouted with rage downstairs.

"Your my son! Your my responsibilty! I say you can't do THIS!" Lightnings father Crimson Flash replied in equal anger.

Lightning was confused of what they could be so angry about. He rushed downstairs and hoped it was just over some spilt milk or something. As Lightning reached the bottom of the stairs he instantly saw his mum standing in the hallway. In front of her was a bag spilling with armor plating. That was the loud thud explained.

On the other side of the bag stood Crimson and Storm Flash. They both stood exactly opposite each other and glared into each others eyes with rage.

Lightning had no idea of the situation. He thought they must have been arguing over something pointless. He hoped. He'd never seen his family argue much before.

"Morning mum, dad and big brother!" Said Lightning putting a smile on his face.

Penny Flash Lightning's mother turned to him as he spoke. She leapt to his side and pulled him close.

"Hey mum! Can I have a dri-" "Not now Lightning!" Penny interrupted him snapping her eyes towards his and looking deeply into them. Lightning felt he shouldn't respond and just looked back to his father.

Crimson and Storm had noticed Lightning's arrival but were too caught up in their dispute to stop.

"Stop being a selfish brat who only cares to fight and realise that your family is more important than slaying some Griffon!" Shouted Crimson.

"How about you stop taking control of MY LIFE!" Replied Storm stepping a hoof closer to Crimson.

"So you'd rather take a sword and chestplate over us eh?"

"DONT YOU DARE TWIST MY WORDS!"

"I'm not. You're just thinking for yourself! Look at your little brother. He loves you! WE ALL LOVE YOU!"

Storm turned to Lightning who was now being hidden away by his mother. He saw the fear in Lightning's face and sighed.

He turned back to Crimson. "You never had a dream! YOU NEVER HAD SOMETHING TO FOLLOW!"

"For your information I do! All I care about is my FAMILY! I gave up so much just to be able to care for you."

"You should be happy for me to chase my dreams! Let me live MY OWN LIFE!" Storm Flash stepped even closer shouting straight into Crimson's face even splurting some saliva onto his cheeks.

"Fine then! You're obviously to damn stubborn to realise what's around you!"

"I don't need you to lead my life!"

"Both of you stop this! This isn't you!" Penny had broken out into tears interrupting their argument."For me and Lightning! JUST STOP!"

Lighting stood terrified at the familiar faces around him. Except they weren't the same as he remembered.

Storm turned his back on Crimson and picked up his bag filled with armour."Equestria needs me. I want to fight to protect you. Now I know there's nothing to protect here." He turned back to Lightning's father. Crimson wanted to cry but held back any tears trying to break through.

"Your a fool son. You'll lose all those close to you by doing this."

"I'll gain everything I've ever wanted by fighting."

"When one has lost everything...all he can do is gain something."

"You served your time father. Let me serve mine."

"Don't you at all realise what you're letting go off!?"

"Only the things that don't share the passion for a dream."

Lightning shed a few tears. He still wasn't sure what was going on. The seven year old stallion had barely heard of this new war. He knew his brother loved the royal guard. He thought he knew how much his brother loved him. Not enough to stay though. All young Lightning could do was stand and watch in fear and confusion.

"There's no stopping you is there?" Asked Crimson.

"You can't stop what is meant to be father." Said Storm heading towards the front door.

"I can damn well prevent it!" Replied Crimson jumping in front of Storm stopping him from going any further.

"Don't make this harder for yourself father."

"You've already made it more difficult than it has to be."

"Move father."

"No. I'm not letting my son throw his life away just because of a RIDICULOUS GOVERMENT DISPUTE!"

"MOVE!" Storm Flash's shout bellowed through the house as he smacked Crimson round the left side of his face with a hoof. Knocking him aside slightly.

"DAD!" Shouted Lightning breaking his mother's hold and running to his father's aid.

"No Lightning!" Crimson waved Lightning off as his mother joined him. The two of them stopped dead in the hallway.

"Storm......you are NOT my son anymore."

"Then it won't matter if I take this." Replied Storm pulling out a dagger made of dragon bone from his bag..

"Take it. I have no need for that vile weapon."

Storm walked closer to the door ready to leave. Lightning Flash ran up behind him and tugged at his tail. "Brother! Please don't leave!"

"I must little brother. For I must follow my path and road in life."

"BUT I LOVE YOU!" Lightning burst into tears and wrapped himself around Storms legs.

Storm gave out a quiet sigh and gently pushed Lightning off of his leg."Lightning. Listen to me okay?" Storm wiped away a tear from Lightning's face.

"O-O-Okay."

"One day you'll find something you'll do just about anything to keep and get. Then you'll know how I feel. I'm so-....goodbye lightning. This isn't your fight and isn't your problem."

"BUT YOU CAN'T LEAVE! You're my big brother..." Lightning fell back onto his rump sobbing.

"I must. Another day. Another meet brother." Those were Storm Flash's last words inside that house. He walked a few metres outside and then flew towards the town centre. He was gone.

Crimson stood brusied and finally let out his tears. Penny stood hugging him. Them both standing in their own tears. Lightning sat nearer the door staring outside just hoping his brother would run back inside and change his mind.

As Lightning Flash sat crying and hiding his face with his hooves, the world around him began to quickly turn black and cloudy. Everything began to spin and twist. He lost sight of his parents and his home. Until suddenly everything turned black.

Lightning closed his eyes. His scarred soaking eyes to never be rested again.

"Gaaaaah!" Shrieked Lightning rising from his bed and sitting up straight. He breathed heavily in panic. He looked around him to see his and Rainbow Dash's bedroom. Dash layed curled up beside him. She layed so perfectly in a deep sleep.

Lightning breathed heavily taking in his surroundings."It was only a dream...."

I turned to Rainbow Dash who began to wriggle in her sleep. Then just then I realised what my brother meant that day.

"One day you'll find something you'll do just about anything to keep and get. Then you'll know how I feel." I found it.

"It's you Rainbow Dash. It was always you. You are everything I need and love. My strength in flying, my reason to impress, my little Dashie to hold onto. I'd do anything for ya Dash....just to see you smile."

I fell back into my bed, resting my aching head onto my soft pillow and closing my eyes once more.

"Get some sleep Light. You deserve it." Dash whispered into my ear as she kissed me on the cheek.

She heard me say that. I'm glad she did.

It was too early in the morning to stay awake. I'd never had that memory come to me in a dream before. But it helped me remember and realise a few things. I didn't forgive my brother nonetheless. I just understood him better.

Next morning  I woke to the sight of Dash sitting up beside me fiddiling with a small jellewery box.

"Morning sleepyhead."

"Morning. What's that?"

"You tell me?" Dash shut the box and handed it over to me. Now holding it I could recognise it perfectly. This was the box with my fathers medal in it!

"Why do you have this?"

"I knew it was yours but...I..with the way you've been acting and what you've been through lately. I just wanted to help."

"It's ok Dashie." I replied hugging her quickly before opening the box to see my fathers medal. Taking out the medal and handing it to Dash who quickly became intrigued with it, I noticed a small piece of paper fall out of one of the flaps of felt round the trim of the box. The piece of paper had been folded many times.

"Hm?" Never noticed this before." I said gently picking up the piece of paper out of the box.

"This is so cool! Do ya mind if I?" Asked Dash holding the medal by the ribbon and jesturing it towards her neck.

"Wha? Oh sure! Go ahead!"

"Sweet!" Dash threw the ribbon over her head and stood up on the bed in a proud stance. Her head high and saluted towards the window. "Heheh! Whats that Lightning?" Dash turned back to me as I unravellled the paper.

"Let's find out." Once unfolded one side of the paper was covered in writing. The note said...

"Dear Lightning and Storm Flash

Whenever you may read this you have obviously by now known of my medal and why I was awarded it. Of course by now you have earned the right to know of my past and the Aviators Flight Medal but there is one other item of my past. One I wish neither of you to hold.

The Dagger Of Nahkriin it is called.

While in my battles against the Dragons me and my squad went to investigate an abandoned dungeon that once belonged to some Dragons. While in the dungeon we found a dagger made completely out of Dragon Bone and only that. It was more sharp than any of our swords and more durable and strong than our armor. Ingraved in the side of it's handle it read "Nahkriin" which in dragon's tongue translates "Revenge."

We soon found out that holding onto that dagger was a terrible idea. Upon leaving the abandoned dungeon we were attacked by a lone Dragon. It killed two of my squad mates and another was injured. One of them had been holding the dagger so with him defeated I took it instead and managed to slay the dragon with it. Don't worry how but all you need to know is that whoever wields that dagger will cause revenge to strike ones heart, whether its theirs or another pony's.

I wish that neither of you shall ever rest your hooves upon it.

Your's lovingly and forever your father

Crimson Flash"

"That was it then" I said remembering the dagger in my dream. The same one Storm took before he left.

"What was what?" Asked Rainbow Dash sitting back down beside me.

"In my dream last night I...lived that day when my brother left but seeing it a second time made me realise a few things. One of them being a dagger he took with him before he left. In this note..my father he says about it." I had already told Dash about the day my brother left in quite deep detail.

"Ya mean the one about revenge? The Dagger of um..what was it called again?"

"Nahkriin. The Dagger of Nahkriin." I replied looking back to the note for revision.

"Yeah. What did Crimson mean by that do ya think?"

"Not sure. Obviously something bad. I just hope it doesn't involve me..or Storm."

"Well that's another problem for another time right?"

"Yeah. Another Problem. Another Time."

So that was that I guess. Quite a busy few days! Saw my mother and got a letter about my brother, went to the beach with everypony and had a nightmare visit my dreams. Although I began to feel like crap through it all apart from the beach I still learned some stuff. The dagger and how my brother felt.

The summer holidays felt long to pass even though we had a ton of fun! Most days we just chilled about, Fluttershy , Hemlock and Kensei did their usual stuff with animals. Me, Rainbow and Speedy flew and raced as always! We even got to go to a Wonderbolts show! Like the rest of their shows it was amazing! But probably nothing you ain't heard of before!

School eventually came back into our lives just like every other year. No big difference. Our timetables got changed quite a bit, new teachers and students arrived. We were now in our second to last year at the academy so we got a few more teachers reminding us about that!

The cold winter finally wrapped us up in it's freezing toll. Another normal day at Wingbury, everypony was busy with their own weather duties.

Just finishing my first class after lunch I was on my way to see Xenon Draft before heading to my next lesson. Knocking on his office door I was quickly welcomed in by Xenon.

"Good afternoon Lightning. How can I help you?" Xenon said sitting behind his desk which was well organised despite the amount of papers.

"Oh nothing inparticular. Just came to say hi really!"

"Well thank you. Except I do have something to ask of you. A gift or trait you may inquire?"

"Gift? I know I'm awesome but-"

"For being a wonderful student and I think you deserve it." Said Xenon interrupting me politely.

"Thank you sir! What is this "Gift" though?"

"Well as a lot of ponies don't know. I am actually retiring for Hearth's Warming Eve."

"What!? But your not that old!"

Xenon Draft gave a low pitched chuckle and leaned back into his chair."Why thank you Lightning. I was going to announce it next week to everypony. Once I've retired I'm going to live in Canterlot. As an early check on my new living quarters I'm going visit the city next week and I know how you've never really got to see it's sites!"

"I really appreciate this sir!" I've always wanted to visit Canterlot. Hearing so much about it, the home of great ponies and the Princesses. I mean I've been there before but I've never actuallly explored the city!

"I thought it'd be nice as a goodbye gift to you. I'm also going to meet with an old friend. It will only be a day trip."

"Sounds awesome!"

"Hahaha! Good! Meet me at PonyVille's train station at nine o'clock on Tuesday. All your lessons on that day would be with me so. I don't think the substitute should mind! Hahaha!"

"Is anypony else coming?"

"Hmmm. Well because of the academy's policies and terms, I can't take too many ponies out of their certified education periods. You being lucky with your time table. Did you want to bring somepony?"

"Yeah. But if it's an issue than I understand."

"Rainbow Dash? You're thinking about her are you not?"

"Yeah."

"Well you do share the same timetable so." Xenon began to look through some of his papers he had already laid out on his desk."Ah! Hmmm. Oh now I remember."

"What is it?"

"Some of your class signed up for a Winter Wrap Up job for the coming of spring in PonyVille. Including Rainbow Dash and....FireSpeed. A couple others too. All of them need to pass an exam though I'm afraid. Meaning they won't be able to come either. Sorry."

"Oh right. That's ok I guess." I knew exactly what he was talking about. A while ago the academy asked who wanted to lead some groups of pegasai during PonyVille's Winter Wrap Up. ALl of them needed to pass an exam to prove they were ready though. It was written and practical based. I personally didn't wanna lead a group of my own.

"Would you still like to join me Lightning?"

"Of course! Can't wait!"

A couple days passed and Xenon announced to the entire academy on the Monday before our trip that he was retiring. Everypony immediatly felt sad. Well almost everypony. The newcomers had barely got to know him so he was merely a stranger. The rest of my friends were caught off guard by this. They all understood that he'd eventually have to go but none of us wanted him to.

It was Tuesday and I was ready to go to Canterlot! I didn't really need to take anything with me. I mean it was only for a day! Early in the morning I met with Xenon Draft at PonyVille's train station and we caught our train to Canterlot. Xenon Draft never liked a lot of discussion while travelling so we didn't talk much. He could tell that I was excited though!

At about eleven o'clock we made it to Canterlot. Upon brushing our hooves upon the city's station I was soon overwhelmed in it's glow of awe and fame. I mean I personally disliked most uptight and money loving ponies but that didn't stop me from staring speechlessly at their city.

"What's first Xenon!?" I exclaimed jumping in front of him.

"Whoa Lightning. Calm down. First I have to go check on my soon to be home. Than I've got to see a friend. Why don't you go explore the city a little while I go do my things?"

"Really!? Thanks!"

"Just be sure to meet me at BakesWorth Corner."

"Where's that?"

Xenon Draft pointed to a street corner on a sign next to us. A map of the city.

"Oh ok! See ya later!"

Xenon left the station and trotted off towards a street with dozens of houses on each side. I decided to follow the road in the opposite direction which seemed to lead into a market. I had no idea where I wanted to go, the whole city was a new experience to me!

Where to go first!? So many shops! So many buildings! ARGH!? I couldn't just stand around looking like some clueless stallion!

Swinging my head side to side to see the many different shops and buildings, I turned a corner and not realising another pony turning the same corner we collided into each other.

"CRASH"

"Argh!" I let out a yell of shock as I fell onto my back. Opposite me layed a mare unicorn. Her mane was perfectly flat and straight, tidely kept without a single hair poking out of place. Her tail was the exact same. Her coat was a light purple and her mane a dark purple with a single stroke of pink. In front of her layed a broken pile of books.

"Oh I'm so sorry!" The purple mare apologised as she climbed to her hooves. She walked over her books and towards me. I jumped up and regained my balance.

"No worries! I was too busy admiring theses sites so much I didn't notice you!" I said.

"Admiring the sites? You're new here aren't you?" The mare asked giving me a curious look.

"Yeah. Never really came by here before."

"Well Canterlot's a lovely city! I'd show you around but I'm extremely busy!"

"That's ok. Hey what's ya name?"

"Twilight Sparkle. Yours?" The mares eyes seemed to twitch a little as if she was in a rush.

"Lightning Flash."

"Well it was to meet you! I've really got to go though!" The purple mare quickly exchanged a look with our eyes before galloping off behind me further into the market.

"You too I guess. I wonder if all city ponies are like her?" I said to myself. I decided to head further into the streets busy with ponies. There were a lot of royal guards scattered around Canterlot. I'd never really been around a lot of soldiers before. I didn't want to.

I hadn't exactly created a list of things to do and places to see so I just went wherever seemed most interesting for a while.

I ended up visiting a few different shops and got a couple cupcakes at a bakery. I visited a shop that had merchandise on just about anything! Old Pony tales about heros and legends, sports and famous games!

They even sold Wonderbolt merchandise for fans! I saw a scarf decorated in the same colours as the Wonderbolt uniforms, blue and yellow. Thought I'd get it for Dash as a Hearth's Warming Eve gift. I also saw a Wonderbolts poster, even though we already had quite a few I decided to get it anyway! Heheh.

Now having nowhere else to go. Without getting lost anyway. I decided I should go meet up with Xenon, he never did say what time to see him either so I just hoped he was there.

After waiting for about ten minutes at BakesWorth Corner Xenon finally arrived.

"Ah I see you've been busy Lightning." Said Xenon Draft as he walked closer towards me until finally standing directly opposite me. His eyes focused on Rainbow's scarf poking out of my satchel.

"Heheh. Yeah! I found a pretty cool shop. What's next then?"

"Well that's about all I came here for. For today anyway. Ready to head back?"

"Yeah. It'd be nice to explore the city some more but...I have no idea where I'd be going!"

Xenon gave a low chuckle while raising his head in the air."Alrighty than! Let us head back."

While boarding our train home Xenon turned to me as we stood without an empty seat for us.

"I see you didn't get me a retirement gift Lightning?"

"There wasn't a scarf in ya size."

Chapter Seventeen: Pets and Presents

                                                                                    Chapter Seventeen

"So ya all ready and set for tonight Hem?" I asked Hemlock as we just finished having lunch together in PonyVille.

"Sure am! Drakantus is pretty excited too!" He replied.

"Heheh! Probably looking forward to eating any left over wrapping paper."

Today was Hearth's Warming Eve and like every other year hardly anypony in PonyVille or CloudsDale could get the chance to see the play of Equestria's making at Canterlot. So instead me and my buddies always hanged out at one of our houses for the night and day after. This year it was Hemlock's turn to host the party.

The plan just like any other year was this: Arrive at host's house. Eat, drink and party as much as possible for the night. Sleep. In the morning we would all open gifts from eachother.

This was always more easier done due to the fact that a lot of us didn't live with our parents.

"That reminds me Lightning!"

"What?"

"You know about my..new talent right?"

"Yeah."

Recently just after breaking up from school for the holidays Hemlock decided to visit Storm Shadow just for fun. While he was there though he apparently and accidently got involved in one of Storm's spell practices. I wasn't there so I don't know the whole story. Apparently Storm Shadow had accidently hit Hemlock with a strong pulse of raw magic and instead of hurting him, Hemlock's body gave off some sort of mana barrier which protected him.

Obviously Hem is a Pegasus and not a unicorn so any magic created by him is un explainable. Right? Wrong apparently. Hemlock found out that apart from Unicorns other ponies may or can use magic too! Not by choice though. It's all to do with blood relatives and the pony's body.

With this found out Hemlock can actually perform small tricks and acts with magic! Amazing! He'd been practicing and fooling around with it ever since. All he could really do was create a spark of flame, levitate a not too large object and rebound other's magic. At certain levels that is! This is all he could do for now though as Storm Shadow says in his letters.

"Well I've been researching a new trick. I wanted to show everypony tonight. Do you think they'd mind?" Asked Hemlock as we approached his house.

"Mind? Dude we've been loving ya magic! I'm still surprised and confused your cutie mark wasn't caused by it!" It's true. Hemlock got his cutie mark just a while before we met each other. I would of expected it to be related to his magic. I guess it's not his only talent.

"Heh. Yeah! Well I'll see you tonight! Only Dash is coming with ya right?"

"Yeah. The others are coming by themselves apparently. See ya later Hem!"

It being only 2pm and having just had lunch I wanted to go see Dash and Speedy who were probably racing somewhere.

Leaving Hemlock's place I went to fly into the air but saw Kensei walking down the path towards Hem's tree, carrying a small cart behind him.

"Yo Kensei!" I shouted zooming towards him and halting in front of him.

"Oh hey Lightning! You been to Hemlock's?" Replied Kensei as

"Yeah. Hey what ya got in there?" I pointed a hoof at the small cart attached to a saddle on his back.

"Oh that's just my bass cannon. You know from all the other parties?" Said Kensei turning to his cart. Being great with music and a big fan of the famous Vinyl Scratch, Kensei needed his own bass to drop.

"Yeah yeah I remember. You dropping it off at Hemlock's?"

"Yup! Some gifts too. You know just so their there ready for later!"

"Yeah. Alright well I guess I'll see ya later!"

"Sure will! See ya Flashie!"

Got a few hours to pass until we're all suppose to meet at Hem's place. Better go and see Dash and FireSpeed!

It didn't take me long to find them, all I had to do was look up and see them soarin overhead. I thrusted up into the clouds to follow them. With it being winter the sky was nothing but white and grey clouds. No blue sky for miles for the ponies on the ground anyway. I could just fly above cloud level and it'd be a little clearer.

"Haha! Good but not good enough!" I heard Rainbow Dash say as I got my head above cloud level and saw the two of them stopping on some clouds.

"Hey guys!" I shouted dashing towards them and landing beside them on their cloud.

"Sup Light?"Said FireSpeed catching his breath.

"Not much. Just saw Hem and Kensei. Everypony's all set for tonight!"

"Sweet! You better have got me an awesome gift Lightning!" Said Dash nudging me in the chest with a hoof.

"Ah sorry! I ran out of bits!"

"Aww thah I guess ya won't get your gift! Heheh."

"Ah well it's good to see no pony cares about me getting you all anything!" Said FireSpeed gaining our instant attention. Rainbow gave him a stare that had yet to fail her since we've known each other. One that could break a stallion like FireSpeed's humour and pride in seconds.

"I'm kidding! I got you all something!" Said FireSpeed tilting his head forward and smiling.

"Hahaha! Wanna race for real now Speedy?" I said.

"I'll show ya all real alright." Said Dash steadying herself in the air ready to go.

"Bet ya both 10 bits I'll win." I said hovering beside Rainbow with FireSpeed appearing to my other side.

"Ha! I've just been holding back!" Said Speedy leaning backwards slightly before zooming off ahead.

"Cheating won't help ya!" Shouted Dash as we both instantly started to race after him.

We had a few races for a while before heading back to CloudsDale to chill out. We took a breather and a break by CloudsDale's mail building. Apparently Ditzy Doo had carried on her work experience there. Dunno why she would want to but if she enjoyed it who's to stop her.

"Ahh crap! I just remembered Kensei telling me to go pick up some cakes for tonight!" Said FireSpeed jumping up from his comfortable position on the cloud.

"Dude we got like" I stood up and looked through the mail buildings window and saw a clock hanging on the wall. If the clock was correct than it was 5:30pm. We had to be at Hemlock's place by 7pm. I turned back to FireSpeed. "We got about more than an hour dude! Chill."

"Oh good! I still better go get those cakes!" FireSpeed flew off round the streets corner without a wave goodbye.

"His in a rush for them ain't he?" I said walking back over to Dash who stayed laying down on the cloud.

"Probably wants to just eat some of them before us." Replied Dashie keeping her eyes closed against the bright sun.

"We should probably grab our stuff to take to Hems."

"What stuff?" Asked Dash opening an eye to look up at me.

"Ya know the gifts?"

"I didn't buy anypony any gifts." Rainbow attempted to give me a serious look but it was diminished by my stare until she broke out into a short laugh. "Ahahaha! Ah! I had ya going for a second didn't I!?"

"Nope! Let's go!"

"Woah hold up! Like ya said we got plenty of time! Stay chilling for a little while longer!"

"Alright." I layed down beside her as she curled herself up, brushing me with her tail.

It came to the time to go to Hemlock's place for the night. Me and Rainbow Dash were just walking towards his house with our satchels filled with gifts. We knocked on the door and was instantly welcomed  in by Hemlock.

"Hey you two! Come on in!" Said Hemlock ushering us inside.

Entering his humble abode I noticed his entire house had been decorated to the fullest! Bunting across the walls, fake snow layed across some of the shelves. Well I think it was fake! It was still pelting it down outside with the real thing! Hadn't stopped since me and Dash had left our house!

"Whaz up Flash! Hey Rainbow!" Shouted FireSpeed who sat beside the fire with Drake.

"Hey Speedy!" Both me and Dash replied.

On the opposite end of the room from the fire was a festive related tree. Traditional for the Hearths Warming Eve. Underneath it layed stacks and piles of presents of all different sizes! Green, blue, purple and more coloured wrapping paper! More colours of the rainbow than mine and Dash's manes combined!

"I know what I'm excited for!" I exclaimed galloping towards the tree laying down my satchel of presents beside it.

"HEY!" Yelled Kensei who happened to be walking down the stairs. He caught sight of me hugging one of the presents and leaped down the stairs and onto me.

"Gaaaaah!" I was knocked over by Kensei's pounce onto me.

"If there's gonna be gifts being opened than me first!" He exclaimed grabbing the gift from my hooves.

"Hey it has my name on it!" I shouted back.

"Nope!" Dash hovered above us and grabbed the gift from Kensei's grip who i had distracted.

Kensei went to grab another present same as I while Rainbow tried to open hers but before we could make any progress into opening our gifts, a few presents including the one Rainbow Dash was holding suddenly began to float out of our grasps. While suspended in mid air the three presents flew into our each of our faces and than returned to their place among the pile.

"Ouch!" All three of us shouted, Dash losing her balance and hitting the floor.

A slight giggle came from near the fire. I turned to see both Fluttershy and Hemlock desperately trying to hold back their laughter. Fluttershy managed to resist and make her way over to us to make sure we were alright. She is always overcaring!

I mean it was a present!

Hem finally burst into laughter while FireSpeed was too distracted by Drakantus who was playing with a toy of his.

"Not cool bro!" I said standing up and making my way over to the pile of cushions which was to be our group seat. Dash and me both slumped ourselves into the heap of cushions and pillows, making ourselves very comfy.

Fluttershy and Kensei both sat to my right, Dashie on my left, FireSpeed to the right of Fluttershy besides the fire still with Drake and Hemlock sitting in front of us all on the other side of the fire. A weird and contorted semi circle had been formed!

"So where's the cakes!" Demanded Rainbow Dash slamming a hoof onto a cushion.

"FireSpeed's got 'em!" Replied Hem.

"Well I've already eaten some but there's still plenty left!" Said FireSpeed grabbing a box from SugarCube Corner Bakery from behnd him.

"There better be!" I shouted reaching forward, opening the box and taking one of the many cupcakes.

"Mmmmmm." All five of us except Speedy sounded in perfect harmony. The cupcakes causing our mouths to drool with their perfectly decorated strawberry icing, milk chocolate sprinkles and white chocolate chips. All wedged delicately onto the top.

The sight of excellent baking didn't last long as we managed to finish the remaining 12 cupcakes as we shared festive tales and the occasional off topic horror story! Most of them being told by Hemlock and FireSpeed.

After a couple hours we decided it was enough of sitting around and just talking!

"Yo who wants to hear a kickin tune!?" Exclaimed Kensei jumping out of his place among the cushions.

"YEAH!" We all demanded in once again perfect harmony and synchronisation.

"Can't hear ya!?" Kensei replied taking his place behind his bass machine as we called it. Positioned beside the tree. He had decorated it many colours, a prized treasure of his that he had kept since just before attending Wingbury Academy. Being a big fan of the famous Vinyl Scratch! Kensei had to have his own music maker, one that we all loved.

"KENSEI! KENSEI!"

"Louder!"

"KKEEENNNSSSEEEIII!!!!!"

With the walls being shook by our tremendous cheering that was Kensei's cue to begin!

Instantly upon the record being touched by the needle the tune of epicness only Kensei or one better than him (Vinyl Scratch probably!) could create bellowed throughout the room! The walls literally began to shake, the bunting threatened to fall, the artificial snow shook and fell off the shelves and onto the floor.

The bass was heavy, the dub perfect and the wub that of awesome! Some of Kensei's best work yet!

We partied to his amesome tunes for a couple hours, all of us dancing, singing, drinking and eating as much as we could!

Eventually though every party has to come to an end. It was now almost midnight and usually we'd stay up until about 3am but with tommorrow being very looked forward to by everypony we all decided we'd get some sleep.

"Ok so you're sure you and Dash are ok sleeping downstairs?" Asked Hemlock standing in front of me while Drakantus headed up the stairs with Fluttershy and Kensei. They both stood waiting near the top of the stairs.

"Yes! We're fine!" I replied putting a hoof on his shoulder.

"Ok! I'm just checking mate. Don't want anypony to be uncomfortable."

"We're fine Hem!" Added Rainbow Dash laying down on the bed of pillows and cushions.

"Yeah! I'd take a cushion over a mattress any day of the week!" Added FireSpeed who layed in the corner of the room on his own pile of pillows.

"That doesn't make much sense?" I said turning to him as he began to get comfy.

"Oh whatever! I'm tired! Let me get some rest!" Replied Speedy slamming his head into the pillows.

"Watch out for Mr Grumps everypony!" Said Rainbow Dash looking all around as she did. As if there was a crowd to announce it to.

"Okay than. Goodnight guys!" Said Hemlock as he headed up the stairs with Drakantus.

"Goodnight!"

"Night!" Said both Kensei and Fluttershy who went to stay in Hem's guest room. There were two single beds and a wardrobe. Nowhere near enough space for us three to slip in there too So me, Dash and Speedy just decided to stay downstairs.

I sat down beside Dash on the bed of pillows and a single medium sized crimson blanket by her side. The fireplace still burning a dim orange glow. The crackling of the coal was soothing and just the right volume.

"Oi you two!" We both turned to FireSpeed who lifted his head from his cushions."Whatever ya do...*Yawn* Don't make too much noise!" He slumped his head back to its former position.

I turned back to Dash with a slight grin and noticed her trying to hide her face by scratching her forehead. Her cheeks had grown red from FireSpeed's comment.

I looked past Dash and out of the window from where I stayed sat. The night snow was dropping slowly but still thick and heavy. "Beautiful ain't it?" I sadi stilll staring at the snow.

"Yeah...I love the snow." Replied Dash looking in the exact same spot as I was

"You're beautiful Dashie." I didn't even mean to say that aloud. I was just so relaxed, calm, at peace and in love that it just slipped through my lips. I always said stuff like that to her. I always meant it and she always knew it. This time however was a little different. Maybe it was just the warmth of the fire fighting off the night cold, the gently dropping snow or the way Rainbow Dash's mane glistnened in the fires light. The glow against her coat, the cyan of her cheeks and the magenta of her eyes.

Whatever presents layed under that tree waiting for me. Whatever they could be. Nothing could ever compare to how much I loved Dash.

Rainbow Dash turned to me and layed her head on my shoulder as we stared into the fire.

She yawned in such an adorable way. I was tempted to say how cute she was but I knew she didn't always like being called cute.

"I'm so tired. Mind if we go to sleep?" She asked but still staring into the flames.

"Okay."

We both layed back into the cushions, she layed her head down and got into a perfect position while I leaned to my right and grabbed the blanket, tossing it over us both.

I wrapped my legs around from behind her as she faced the window. I leaned my head onto her shoulder.

"Hey Dash." I whispered into one of her ears. I didn't want to wake FireSpeed and the fire wasn't going to keep him awake for much longer.

"Yeah." She whispered back wriggiling a little, still trying to get as comfortable as possible.

"About what Speedy said...would ya ever wanna? Ya know." It was hard enough bringing up the nerve to even attempt to ask her such a question She turned her head slightly towards me and smiled.

"Goodnight Lightning. Love you."

"Night Dashie. Love ya too."

I stayed hugging her as I was. I could of got a worse response I guess. I mean I wasn't expecting a "Hell yeah let's go now." I was just curious if she would ever actually be willing to "Extend" our relationship.

Too tired, too full of cake and too comfortable. I closed my eyes and drfited off into a calm and soft sleep.

"Yo wake up! Wake up!"

My eyes stuck shut, my throat dry and my legs unmoved from my hug around Dash. I could have just stayed there, half asleep, not moving and the warm of slober of Drakantus's tongue meeting my forehead.

"Urgh..what the?" I opened my eyes to see Drake's head peering over mine,

"Morning Lightning." Said Fluttershy as she steered Drake away from me and Rainbow.

"Buuut you always run out of cider!" Said Rainbow Dash as she rolled over knocking my hold aside. I poked her with a single hoof she opened her eyes slowly. "uh...hi."

"Morning cider head."

Fluttershy giggled from behind us as we stayed laying.

"What? How did you? Nevermind." Said Rainbow Dash suddenly waking up a bit more.

We both sat up, turned to the tree and noticed Kensei, Fluttershy, FireSpeed and Hemlock sitting opposite us.

"Nice sleep?" Asked Hem.

"Yeah."

"Yup!"

"Good! As always you two looked extremely cute and comfy!" Said FireSpeed suddenly bursting into laughter and falling backwards.

"Cute!? Were you watching us sleep!?" Dash's cheeks inflated with rage. One of the best ways to tick her off was to say something even remotely embarrasing such as cute about her. She didn't like the fact that we were being watched either.

"Oh ho ho! Now ya done it buddy!" Said Kensei Coal staying put and out of the conflict.

"Maybe!? It's true though! You looked cuter than the animals Flutters looks after!" Added FireSpeed sitting back up.

"WHAT!?" With that final comment and by the looks of how Dash dived into him it wouldn't be hard to believe if that was the last comment he ever made. They got into a short rough and tumble before FireSpeed gave up and I managed to jump in and hold Rainbow back.

With the detonator disarmed and the fuse cut, we all sat round the tree. The presents catching everpony's eyes.

"Wait before we open the presents!" Shouted Hemlock standing up as we all stayed sitting.

"Awwwwww!" All of us sounded in complete synchronisation.

"Trust me you'll like this!"

"Fine!" Said Dash folding her forlegs.

"What is it Hem?" Asked Kensei.

"Well I've been researching more and more about certain elements and types of magic. There's one I really like the sound of! Transformation!" Said Hem as he fascinated himself with this topic of magic.

"Transformation? I mean I know near to nothing about magic but...that sounds pretty high up for ya level of magic don't ya think?" I asked.

"Well I'm going to see that right now!"

"On what?" Asked Fluttershy sounding almost a little afraid.

"None of you worry! I've wanted to try a certain type of transformation! One with Drakantus!"

"WHAT!?"

"Drake! Stand here boy." Drakantus walked over to the spot in the room where Hem was pointing and sat patiently.

"B-B-But what if Drake gets hurt!" Squeeked Fluttershy hiding her face behind a cushion.

"Don't worry! Nothing should go wrong! I promise!" Hemlock replied.

"Wait. What exactly are you trying to do with Drakantus?" I asked.

"I'm going to make him stronger! Probably causing him to become bigger too! His muscles will definately improve so we should all be able to see the difference!" Replied Hem steadying himself.

Hemlock stood facing Drakantus who was a couple meters away from him. Around Hem's head there came a blue aura glowing off him, growing brighter and more strong every second until finally creating a trim around his entire body. In one sudden jolt Hem thrusted his head forward into the direction of Drake but stayed standing still.

A bolt of magic transfered from Hem's forehead to Drake's head. Drake stood perfectly still for a few seconds, than wobbled slightly and fell onto his side.

"Drake!"

"Don't worry!" Shouted Hemlock rushing over to Drakantus."All spells of this magnitude have side effects!"

Fluttershy stayed hiding behind her pillow while everypony else stared in wonder and slight shock. Drakantus soon got back up and began sniffing around him, walking alll around the room smelling every last little thing.

"See his fine!" Exclaimed Hem.

"Good! But I don't see any difference in him?" Said Rainbow Dash.

"Yes. That is odd. Let me go grab a book." Replied Hemlock as he walked upstairs to go grab a book. Drakantus walked by us five and was more interested in Fluttershy. He sniffed her mane and hooves until finally licking her cheek. Her giggiling caused her to drop the pillow.

"Ahhh you're so timid and kind Fluttershy! Especially with animals."

"Uh what!?" I said turning to Fluttershy and Drake. "He didn't just?"

"No! Of course not!" Added Dash.

"But where else did that voice come from?" Asked Kensei."FireSpeed!?" The voice was low in pitch but kind and soothing to ones ears. Like an old wise pony who teached many before him.

"No my fellow ponies. For this voice is mine!" We all turned to the voices source. Drakantus."It's quite odd to hear myself actually."

"HE SPEAKS!?" Shouted FireSpeed.

"Gaaaaahhh!" Yelled Rainbow Dash jumping backwards behind me.

"Drake!?" I shouted.

"Yes Lightning Flash. I know all of your names. I'm still the same dog as I always have been. Just now I can talk." Replied Drakantus.

"Ok I got the book!" Exclaimed Hemlock trotting down the stairs.

"HEM!" Kensei yelled leaping by his side.

"Woah what is it?" Asked Hemlock.

We all pointed at Drake who nodded and walked up to Hemlock.

"Hello master. Thank you for your gift!" Said Drake sitting in front of Hemlock.

Hemlock's face literally looked as if it was about to break, melt or drop off! He couldn't move, speak or even twitch! His mouth stayed gaping open and his eyes blinking repeatedly.

"Drakantus? Y-Y-You can talk!?" Said Hemlock with a tone almost scared, sad and happy all at the same time.

"Well of course master! Your transformation spell has affected my speech causing me to speak your language." Replied Drake.

Hemlock shed a tear from his right eye and grabbed Drakantus in a hug. Drake embraced the hug and nodded, sinking his head into Hem's shoulder.

"So you've now got a talking dog? Pretty sweet present!" Said FireSpeed.

"Wait......would the present be from him or Drake?" Asked Fluttershy. We all giggled at her comment but she still stood confused without an answer.

We all spent the next hour asking Drake many questions and getting to know him better. Questions like; Have you always been able to understand us? Do ya like the name Drakantus? His answer to those was yes. There were a few more but none that interesting.

At last we finally dived into our pile of presents. Each of us forming a pile of our own made up of gifts with our name on it.

Everypony's piles were reasonably the same amount meaning there wasn't much bickering.

We opened the first few gifts each which were mostly just chocolate and sweets wrapped up in boxes. Than the real gifts came.....

Rainbow Dash began unwrapping a box with blue and white wrapping paper. Once unwrapped there was a note on the box.

"To Dash

Love from Lightning"

"Hope ya like it!" I said sitting beside her as I swallowed some more chocolate. It was obviously the scarf I got her. Apart from the sweets and such I got everypony atleast one special gift. Not much to my surprise so did the others!

Dash quickly opened the box and stared into it seeing the scarf. She carefully picked it up and examined the striped pattern, wrapping it round her hoof and than turning to me.

"So do ya like it?" I asked.

"A Wonderbolt scarf? Do ya need to ask!" She threw the scarf round her neck causing it to fall perfectly into place and comfortably around her throat. Hugging me briefly and than shoving a box shaped gift in front of me.

"Your turn."

I unwrapped the box and opened it to see a book inside. Thick with pages and strong in the covers.

"Best Aviators, Maneuvers and Famous Tricks. I've heard of this!" I looked up at Dash who grinned at my response. I opened the book and began flying through all the pages."All of the best flyers, aviator teachers and stunts!? This is awesome!" I dropped the book on the cushion in front of me as I turned to hug Rainbow and kiss her.

"Heheh. That's not all! Look here." Said Dash selecting a certain page. "I don't read much but this here made me buy this for ya."

The page she selected seemed to be under the Aviator Teachers section of the book. She poked the right page with her hoof pointing out a certain pony.

The pony's name was Crimson Flash. My father.

"He made it into this book? I knew he was a great flight teacher and soldier but this book!?" I exclaimed studying the page carefully.

"Yup! Ya dad was amazing Light!" Shouted FireSpeed as he opened another gift. It was a photo of his class that he taught at his work experience. He turned ot to us to see and layed it carefully beside him.

Fluttershy slid a wrapped container across the floor to Hemlock. He grabbed it and with ease unwrapped. The container was made of glass and held a strange plant inside.

"A Venus Flytrap? Excellent! Thank you Fluttershy! I shall call him....Jaws!" Exclaimed Hem.

"You're welcome." Fluttershy replied with a smile of spreading across her face.

A few more gifts were handed out including books from Hemlock to everypony, festive cards and a variety of other presents.

"Well that's all the gifts done!" Said Hemlock and than sighed a little. "Gotta wait till next time now!"

"Well actually Hem." Kensei said gaining all of our attention."Not quite yet their not. I still have one more gift."

"Really!? Who for? Where is it?" Asked Rainbow jumping to her hooves.

"For Fluttershy.Let me go grab it!" Replied Kensei dissapointing Dash's hopes and causing Flutters to blush a little.

Kensei walked to the front door and opened it. A minute passed before he entered again but this time holding a blanket covered basket with his mouth. Kensei walked over beside Fluttershy and placed the basket in front of her.

"What is this?" Asked Fluttershy curious of the basket but also nervous of it.

"Well now that you have your own house and ya creating a place for little critters to live." Kensei bit an end of the blanket and whipped it off of the basket. Fluttershy stood up and looked into the basket.

"Is that for me!?" Asked Fluttershy springing into life with a glow of glee in her face.

"Sure is!" Kensei smiled and stared at Fluttershy.

Fluttershy dipped her two front hooves into the basket, using her wings for balance as she picked up and showed us all a tortoise. Dark green in colour all over and slow even as it blinked.

"A tortoise!?" Said Dash in shock as she hovered over the animal. The tortoise was startled by Dash and retreated back into it's shell.

"Yup! His my pet that I've had since he was born. Living in CloudsDale though has meant I can't give him the home he deserves and he has had to be kept in the forest where I made him a small shelter.  I love him so much and can't think of a better home for him than with you Fluttershy. You deserve him and he deserves you." Replied Kensei drooping his head a little but never taking his eyes off of Fluttershy.

"Oh Kensei! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Fluttershy couldn't say it any louder and faster as she leaped at Kensei hugging him for about ten seconds straight. Kensei's cheeks grew as red as roses but the smile on his face was priceless.

He finally had something to give to Fluttershy apart from his music.

Fluttershy finally let go of him and blushed a little herself as she picked up the tortoise who had now reappeared from inside his shell and hugged him too. "Does he have a name?"

"No actually. With him being away from any other animals I've never thought of giving him a a name." Replied Kensei.

"Well I'll leave his name out for now. Thank you so much Kensei!" Said Fluttershy sitting down with the tortoise.

"Ya know we should all get pets!" I said looking specifically at Drake and the tortoise.

"Nah who needs a pet! I couldn't deal with something as slow as a turtle. I'd need something fast, strong and that can fly! Something that'd need to keep up with me." Added Dash spinning in the air above the tortoise.

"His a tortoise not a turtle." Said Fluttershy.

"Same thing!" Replied Rainbow Dash now sitting back down beside me.

"Well! What now folks?" Asked FireSpeed.

"Today and last night have been awesome! But I think I'm gonna head home." I said standing up and Dash also doing so.

"Oh ok! Thanks for coming Light!" Said Hemlock.

"No problem buddy."

"Wait what about clearing up? We still got quite the mess!" Asked FireSpeed trotting in the piles of wrapping paper.

"No you guys go, I'll clear up!" Replied Hemlock as he began to levitate one of the piles with his magic.

"Thanks Hem!" I said walking towards the door with Kensei, FireSpeed, Dash and Fluttershy following me outside.

"Well I'll catch ya guys later!" Said FireSpeed now with his satchel full of gifts and flying off towards CloudsDale.

"Yo Light can we talk for a second?" Asked Kensei whispering into my ear.

"Yeah sure. Hey Dash do ya mind talking to Flutters for a little bit?" I asked Dash so we could get a moment alone.

"Sure!" Dash turned to Fluttershy who was now admiring the tortoise still."Yo Fluttershy!"

"What is it Kensei?" I asked.

"Well...do ya think Fluttershy liked my gift?"

"Um yeah! I mean ya saw how she reacted! I hardly ever see her that..that expressive and giddy!"

"I know. What I mean though is....do ya think she realises how I feel about her?"

"Well I'm not sure. I mean Dash didn't completely know how I felt until I told her but she still felt the same way."

"What if Fluttershy doesn't feel the same way about me?"

Really? Kensei was obviously so head over hooves in love to notice how shy and nervous Fluttershy was around him because she loved Kensei. I couldn't tell him that though. It's Fluttershy's right to show him not me.

"Dude..I'm..not sure but whether she does or doesn't ya still gotta show her how you feel. Maybe next time without a tortoise because I mean that doesn't exactly spell out "I love you." Great gift though!"

"I guess ya right. I'll tell her....just when it's the right time."

"Whatever feels best bro. Was there anything else?"

"Nah. Thanks"

"No problem."

The snow was still settled on the ground with more falling softly from the clouds overhead. Rainbow walked back over to me with her scarf still wrapped softly round her neck.

"Everything alright?" Asked Dash.

"Yeah. Just talking about that tortoise."

"Seriously I don't see the point in having something so slow. I'd need something as fast as me!"

"Heheh I know. It needs a name though I think. Not up to me though."

"What would ya call it?"

"Hmmm. Well tortoises are supposed to be strong and endurable so I think Tank would suit it."

Chapter Eighteen: Adding Fuel To The Fire

                                                                                   Chapter Eighteen

A couple months passed and it was now Spring. This years Winter Wrap Up in PonyVille went well and Dash had got herself a place for being the Weather Team leader next year!

With Xenon Draft now retired we had a new class teacher for our Flight Skills and History class. Her name was Miss Skyline and she had apparently worked in 2 previous flight schools. We hadn't known her long and she didn't know us at all.

We were all missing Xenon Draft. Especially myself and Rainbow Dash. He was the one who got me to join Wingbury Academy. The one who brought Dash to that stadium and than saved my life. He was almost like a father figure to a lot of us. But I'm sure our paths will cross again.

"So did ya finish that homework on Wind Resistance?" I asked FireSpeed as we headed towards the classroom for our next lesson. Today was Tuesday and meant there were no outside lessons. Only writing, studying and revision. The most boring day of the week!

"Well...no." Replied FireSpeed turning his head away from me as we walked down the corridor.

"Why not? I mean it wasn't that hard."

"I just got things going on at the moment. Didn't get time."

"Nah that's cool. Don't know how Miss Skyline will respect that though. Haven't had the full chance to see what she's like ya know?"

"Guess we'll see today huh?"

We approached a set of toilets which were on the other side of the hallway from the classroom. Rainbow Dash walked out of the Mare's door and noticed us two before entering the classroom.

"Hey guys!" Said Rainbow walking over to us with her satchel carrying a few books inside.

"Sup Rainbow?" Asked FireSpeed.

"Yeah. Guess we better get to class." Said Rainbow Dash heading towards the door.

All three of us walked into the classroom and took our seats, The ones that weren't all ready taken that is. There were 12 desks in total for 12 students plus the teachers desk in front. The desks were arranged in three horizontal rows of four. I sat in the middle row with FireSpeed to my right and Thunderlane to my left. Rainbow Dash took a seat directly behind me.

With all our satchels layed either beside us on our desks Miss Skyline entered the room. Her coat was a sunset orange and her mane was as blue as the deep ocean.

"Good morning class." Said Skyline throwing some books onto her desk and grabbing a stick of chalk before standing in front of the chalkboard positioned behind her desk.

"Morning." The whole class except FireSpeed replied. What was bugging him so much? Something to stop him from working was quite odd but seeing him jusr sit there now with his head drooped made me worry.

"Today we're going to focus on Wind Resistance and famous stunts or maneuvers  where other pegasai have cut straight through the air with perfect ease." Said Skyline writing down any keywords on the chalkboard.  "Any questions?"

Everypony sat  silent.

"No pony at all? Well you're all either very good in this topic or your too feather brained to notice."Added Skyline catching a few ponies attention. But still not FireSpeed.

"What did you just call us!?" Said Rainbow rising from her seat behind me.

"A pony with some attitude?" Skyline walked past me and Speedy and faced Dash who was now glaring right back at her."Prove me wrong."

"Oh I'll show ya who's a feather brain alright! Outside. Now." Commanded Dash.

"A real flyer can prove their skill without their wings. Might want to remember that." Said Skyline walking back past me.

Rainbow slumped back into her seat but stayed annoyed.  What crap was that? A real flyer can prove their skill without flying? Complete crap. "Have any of you done your homework?"

Almost everpony's hooves shot up except FireSpeed's.

"Excuse me lad but did you not finish your homework or are you a little tired?" Asked Skyline.

FireSpeed slowly raised his head to look her directly in the eyes "No sorry."

"Mind saying why?"

"His been dealing with some things outside of school Miss." I butted in saving FireSpeed's breath.

"I was asking him. Now..what's your excuse?" Said Skyline rudely and turning back to Speedy. I looked over my shoulder to Dash, she hit her hooves together to show she didn't like this teacher either.

"Like Lightning said. I've been going through some stuff lately."

"Well for all I know you could be lying and I DON'T tolerate liars in my class." Skyline stomped her hoof into the floor. "An Essay on how one can break the barrier of sound. I expect it done tomorrow."

"What!?" Dash jumped out of her seat.

"Miss Dash! Sit back down!"

"Miss you can't give that to him!"  I shouted. Everypony else in the room were just avoiding any attention or involvment in this whole thing.

"Well Lightning was it? I don't tolerate ponies who don't bother with their education."

From the corner of my eye I could see FireSpeed's hooves begin to shake and his face cringe with anger.

"I don't slack off. I'm a better flyer than you could ever be." FireSpeed muttered under his breath. Skyline didn't seem to notice and walked back over to her desk

"Oh and Miss! About FireSpeed's essay. That should be about light too." I said. FireSpeed snapped his head in my direction.

"Excuse me? You are quite mistaken little Lightning. No pegasus in over a thousand years has ever broken the light barrier." Replied Skyline.

Little Lightning? Only one pony called me that. She hadn't just insulted the class, commanded Dash and upset my friend. She had no right in calling me that or denying my skill.

She had just made an enemy within 5 minutes of knowing her.

"Better rewrite those history books. I've broke the light barrier more than twice. Oh and don't call me that name." I said with a cocky tone. I knew this was gonna get me into trouble but I couldn't just let her push my friends around.

"I don't know who you think you are but you and your little lying friend there can head straight to the headmaster's office."

Skyline stomped her hoof on the floor once again as she stood furious behind her desk.

Me and FireSpeed rose from our seats and proceeded towards the door.

"Come on Speedy. Bet the headmaster will trust us...he has worked here longer than you." I said looking at FireSpeed and than turning to Skyline.

"Office! NOW!" Skyline demanded.

FireSpeed walked into the corridor and waited for me. Before leaving I looked across the classroom to Rainbow Dash. I grinned and she smiled back. She wasn't worried about me. I was worried about Skyline though or Dash. One of them was sure to light the fuse again.

Me and FireSpeed proceeded down the long empty corridor to the headmaster's office.

"Who the buck does she think she is?" Asked FireSpeed.

"Obviously somepony better than us? Jerkoff more like."

"She had no right giving me that work! She don't know a single thing about me! She's just some dumb whore coming into our school and taking a position she can't see through!"

"Agreed." I'd never seen FireSpeed so angry. His hooves shook with rage as he walked beside me. His eyes twitching slightly ever so often. "Hey bro. What's got ya so down? Apart from Skyline that is."

"I guess your the only pony I know who will truly understand."

"Dude I've been through my unfair share of crap. I just wanna help ya. I'm always here to help ya." I stepped in front of him bringing our walk to a stop.

FireSpeed gave out a quiet sigh and backed up against the wall to lean on. "I don't know how to say it." FireSpeed suddenly broke out crying and falling back onto his rump.

"Woah dude!" I grabbed him in a hug and patted him on the back. FireSpeed sat back onto the wall.

"Last night I came home after school and I started thinking about....about when my mother died! How I saw it! How I just stood there and didn't do a thing!!!" FireSpeed's eyes filled with tears. He covered his face with his two front hooves.

"How useless I was! Everyone has their parents and I don't have ANY!!"

FireSpeed stopped and looked up at me once again before his eyes drowned in tears.

"She's gone Lightning....she always will be.."

"Speedy....I don't know...I don't know what to do. I know how ya feel. I had no idea what caused my father to pass away and I still don't. I hate it everyday that I couldn't help him"

"What would she even think of me like this!? What the hell would I have done to make her proud!!??" More tears ran down both of Speedy's cheeks.

"Dude we can't stay here with you like this. Let's go to the headmaster and explain things to him. I'm sure he'll understand." I suggested standing back up.

"No. I'm not staying in this place!" FireSpeed jumped up and flapped his wings before flying down the corridor.

"HEY! WAIT!" I shouted before quickly folllowing him. He turned a few corners, passed a few classrooms until finally reaching the main entrance. Which was always left open for visitors and student breaks. FireSpeed flew straight out of the entrance and away from the Academy's grounds.

Luckily there were no staff around to realise our little escape.

While now having left the Academy's grounds, me and FireSpeed were now leaving CloudsDale and heading in the opposite direction of PonyVille. I don't think he knew where he was going. Probably just flying where ever his wings will take him.

I was able to keep up with FireSpeed, staying just at the same speed a couple meters beside him.

"FireSpeed! I know this is difficult but we need to head back!"

"No! I've lost my mother, I've been harrassed by some new snobby teacher and you expect me to deal with it!?" FireSpeed was more angry than sad now. He'd never ever snapped at me like that before. I couldn't blame him.

"No I don't! But I don't wanna see ya get any worse than this!"

"I didn't even get to give her a proper goodbye! My life is crap Lightning! I've lost my mum, I got to deal with crappy work and a whore of a teacher. I don't even have a cutie mark! I ain't even got a special somepony! The only one I could love so much doesn't even know my name!" FireSpeed was talking about the one he had always had a huge crush on. The amazing Wonderbolt known as Spitfire.

"Dude life's not all crap but ya gotta see that this will all be different! I can't fix those things for you. I'm sorry. Please just stop and let's head back!" I pleaded him to listen but it was no use.

"ARGGGHH!!!" FireSpeed yelled at the top of his lungs just before the frightening happened.

With a sudden jolt of energy, rage or depression. Whatever was inside of FireSpeed it caused him to suddenly increase in speed. He had begun to fly faster than he ever had before! He soared ahead of me but I just about managed to keep up without using any ability's of mine.

FireSpeed kept his head pushed forward and never looked in any different direction than in front of him. His speed just kept increasing by ridiculous amounts. As if he was trying to win a race!

As FireSpeed's speed continued to up itself whether he realised it or not...it seemed to be controlled by his anger somehow.

Flying alongside him but still keeping my distance I could see that his face had been flared with rage.

As he flew I could see the wind splitting around him. Than in a blink of an eye his body became consumed in a ball of fire!

Still soaring forwards FireSpeed was somehow going so fast that his body was literally burning up. I could barely see any recognisable part of him. He was indeed a fireball itself.

"FIRESPEED!" I yelled. I didn't know if he was gonna crash and burn into the ground or turn to ash!

There was no response from the fireball that was now Speedy.

While still on fire, FireSpeed was now creating a trail of flames behind him as he cut through the air. What the hell was this!?

"BOOM!"

With a crack of blast piercing my ears FireSpeed zoomed forwards and continued at a speed I couldn't even keep up with. Not without using my FlashBang trick that is.

This wasn't a mystery though. FireSpeed had just managed to break the sound barrier! Just like Rainbow Dash but instead of a rainbow trailing behind him he had a string of flames.

I couldn't let him get too far ahead in this state of his. I dashed forward to follow his trail of fire but than it happened again!

"BOOM!"

As he began to slow down from his first breaking of the sound barrier he suddenly did it again! Twice! FireSpeed was now quite a distance ahead of me but I continued to pursue him.

There was still a faint trail of flames remaining in the sky where Speedy had flown. I managed to catch up to him as he started to slow down.

"FireSpeed!" I shouted again. He turned towards me and stopped, hovering in the air.

Now losing his appearance of a fireball his mane and tail were still on fire! He literally had a mane and tail of flames! His eyes were no different. They were burning inside. His pupils and iris's were now flames.

"Lightning?"

"Speedy...what the buck did ya just do?"

"I-I-I don't know! It felt good though. As if I was a hot knife through butter!" An appropiate phrase I guess. It was good to see that he hadn't burnt up into ash but I was still worried to the fact that his mane, tail and eyes were still in flames!

"Do ya feel..any different now?"

"No not really. My vision is a little weird. It's like I'm able to see everything but some things are glowing more than others. Like you!"

"What?" I began patting myself down incase I was at all effected.

"Hahaha! I don't know why but it's weird!" A family of birds flew overhead."Them too! Their glowing like a white light compared to everything else."

"Weird. What about ya tail and mane?"

"Huh?" FireSpeed snapped his head round to look at his tail."Woah! Wait...I'm glowing too! Ah really bright!" He shielded his eyes and turned back to me. That's when I noticed it. He had a Cutie Mark!

"Dude look!" I pointed a hoof at his flank.

"Huh?" He looked back at his flank to see a fireball thrusting upwards as his Cutie Mark.

"SWEET! HAHA!"

"I think it's quite appropiate! Heheh!"

"Hell yeah!" FireSpeed flew slowly past me and I followed. He obviously wanted to head back now

"How did you do all that Speedy?"

"I'm not sure."  His tail, mane and eyes were still burning. It was hard to look at him normally.

"Ya do realise that you broke the sound barrier right?"

"Really!?"

"Uh yeah! Twice in fact I think! But I guess being a fireball makes one bad with remembering things. Hahaha!"

"I have no idea how I did all that. I was just so angry and upset. I focused all those thoughts into my energy to fly faster. Hoping I would somehow lose it."

Sounded a lot like how I did my FlashBang trick! Focusing all ya thoughts and such while flying. There was definately a connection between mine, FireSpeed's and Dash's Cutie Marks. They weren't like a job or goal to pursue. They were our ability's, talents and they were all to do with speed! We could all break at least one barrier.

Mine being light and Dash and Speedy's being sound.

It took us about ten minutes to get back to Wingbury Academy. We decided to fly back a bit slower and calmer this time around.

Rainbow Dash, Kensei Coal, Hemlock and Fluttershy all sat together enjoying their lunch at the canteen. Lightning and FireSpeed still absent.

"Speedy and Lightning can't still be in the headmaster's office can they?" Asked Kensei sipping his drink.

"Surely not." Said Hemlock.

"I heard that the headmaster didn't even see them. Apparently the two of them never arrived at his office." Added Fluttershy finishing her sandwich.

"What!?" Shouted Rainbow Dash scaring Fluttershy by accident.

"I-I don't know!" Squeeked Fluttershy.

"Where could they have gone?" Asked Kensei.

The canteen's door swung open with a loud swoosh of air entering the room. In the doorway stood Lightning Flash and a still partially in flames FireSpeed. Everypony turned to see them and were gobsmacked by Speedy's new style.

The room erupted in a cluster of whispers and chatter about FireSpeed.

"What the?" Said Hemlock and Kensei in perfect synchronisation.

Me and FireSpeed walked over to the others without grabbing any lunch.

Fluttershy jumped behind Kensei in fright, Hemlock and Kensei twisting their heads in amazment and Rainbow Dash hovering in the air with the most confused look on her face!

"What the hell happened!? Asked Dash.

"Long story." I replied.

"Lunch has just started. We got time." Added Hemlock.

"Let's just say I'm a pyromaniac and ya shouldn't tick me off." Said FireSpeed with a smile.

"More like light ya up! Bahahaha!" Dash broke out laughing at her own remark.

"What's with the burning mane, tail and eyes?" Asked Kensei.

As FireSpeed went to open his mouth, the flames that were his mane, tail and eyes that had continued to burn calmly throughout our conversation were suddenly extinguished from out of nowhere.

"Nevermind I guess!" Said Dash.

"Well that was a...um...one of the many results from my ability!" Replied FireSpeed.

"Ability? What ability?" Asked Kensei with a suspicous eye.

"Wait look!" Fluttershy jumped into life after being quite terrified of FireSpeed's new approach with fire. She pointed at Speedy's flank to show his new Cutie Mark.

"Oh that! Yeah that was the other result from my trick. Heheh." Said FireSpeed.

We sat down with the others and explained to them all what happened. The fireball, Speedy's weird vision and how we think he did all of it.

Kensei commented on his odd vision and said something about thermal vision? Not completely sure what he said but him and FireSpeed seemed to understand it and agree.

With FireSpeed getting his cutie mark and all made me realise something. I have never found out how Hemlock and Kensei got their cutie marks! Kensei's was a pair of headphones with a paintbrush in between the ear muffs. Odd indeed but so was Hemlock's. Hem had a twenty sided dice on his flank. A TWENTY SIDED dice!? What?

"Hey Hemlock how'd ya get your cutie mark than?" I asked. It was time to get some answers.

"Huh?" Hemlock finished his last few gulps of a drink."Oh mine? I got it by winning at Dungeons and Dragons!"

"Dragons and what now?" I asked.

"You know that board game I love to play sometimes? The one with all the fighting, magic, characters and races!" Replied Hemlock.

"Wait races!? As in racing like the Wonderbolts do!?" Rainbow Dash burst into excitement.

"No! Races as in different types of species and such. Like us ponies! We're Pegasai, Unicorns, Earth Ponies and Alicorns." Replied Hemlock downing Dash's gleeful mood.

"So what? Ya just played a session, won and there it was?" Asked FireSpeed.

"No. I attended an official Dungeons and Dragons tournament! I went up against the best of the best and eventually won! Got my cutie mark and haven't lost yet." Added Hemlock.

"Ah okie dokie than! Now your turn Kensei."I said turning to Kensei.

"What me? Oh mine is cool I guess! Not amazing like burning up into a ball of fire or breaking the light barrier!" Kensei looked between me and FireSpeed and smiled."Well one day back in my first year at Wingbury, I was in art class and our teacher had asked everypony to create an original piece of their own. So to get myself relaxed and in the mood I popped in my headphones and listened to some of my favourite tunes!" Kensei finished his sandwich before continuing.

"I never really listened to music as I worked before but when I did that day I managed to create my best drawing that I ever made! So I realised music helped me with my art and eventually I decided instead of just listening to music why don't I create some!? I created my first couple of tunes and used them as further inspiration for my art. Than one day it just appeared!"

Kensei looked at his cutie mark with a smile.

"What the buck does it mean though?" Asked FireSpeed.

"Well it represents two things actually! One of them being that I have two great talents and the other meaning being that music is an art! Heheh." Replied Kensei.

"Pretty interesting. Why did you ask anyway Lightning?" Asked Hemlock.

"Just that we all know how the rest of us got our cutie marks but we had never found out yours!" I replied.

"But who's got the coolest Cutie Mark!?" Demanded Rainbow Dash.

"Well I think that's pretty obvious. It's definately-" I was interrupted by the end of lunch break bell. Which also meant that our next lesson was about to begin.

"Crap." I said.

"Urgh. Best get going than I guess." Added Kensei.

"See ya guys later!" Said Rainbow Dash as Hemlock, Kensei and Fluttershy headed off to their lessons.

"I'd say today's been pretty cool so far right Speedy?" I said as us three stood up and walked through the canteen.

"Cool? Wrong word bro. I ain't cool today. Ya know why?" Replied FireSpeed but as mine and Dash's mouth's opened he quickly added."Because today I was on fire!"

Me and Rainbow Dash turned to each other and both facehoofed ourselves.

"What? Can't take the heat?" Added FireSpeed.

I opened the canteen door for Dash and Speedy and as I shut it I grabbed Rainbow by the shoulder and said..

"No. So I guess we better get outta the kitchen than."

Chapter Nineteen: To Prove

                                                                                         Chapter Nineteen

"Well that lesson went terribly." Said FireSpeed as we left our classroom.

"Isn't anything with Skyline terrible?" Replied Dash walking  inbetween me and FireSpeed.

"True that." I added.

The three of us had just finished yet another lesson with Skyline and as usual there were disputes and disagreements. Ever since our first lesson with her four months ago when FireSpeed got his cutie mark, she had always hated us and vice versa.

Todays lesson had somehow brought up the topic of our future in careers. I think Blossom Forth brought it up but that doesn't matter. Skyline asked each pony what they wanted to do as a career. A lot of us varied in our choices with a few pegasai not having a chosen future.

FireSpeed mentioned how he wanted to join Spitfire in the Wonderbolts and of course me and Dashie agreed! Apart from our cutie marks and abilties in flight, our career choice was the only other big thing we had in common.

Skyline said how the Wonderbolts are famous, skilled and amazing but we shouldn't depend on that as a career. Apparently you need to be the best of the best to join them. Obviously we all knew that! I mean it couldn't be that difficult for us to join once we were old enough. We all practically had our tickets in already!

FireSpeed and Rainbow Dash could break the sound barrier along with leaving quite the evidence to prove their skill. I could break the light barrier! Plus we all knew more about the Wonderbolts than almost possible without being one!

With Skyline being the inconsiderate mare she is, she constantly went on and on about how we may never even get the chance to prove our skill to them. Dash brought up the fact that she had already proved some of her skill to them when she saved my life. Except she didn't mention the part where I could of died. We both knew Skyline would of used that as a point against my skill in flight.

"Ya know we still gotta wait quite a few years before we could join the Wonderbolts. Even then we'd still have to wait until we get the chance to prove to them our skills." Said FireSpeed as we put away our books and classroom equipment away in our lockers.

"Whatcha getting at Speedy?" I asked.

"I'm saying that maybe we should all look for a job until we do join the Wonderbolts."

"Like what?" Said Dash.

"Well we did all do work experience! Maybe we could get a real job at our placements!?" Replied FireSpeed.

"True. But do ya really wanna work as a teacher when ya not even 18?" I said.

"Well not really. But I'm not completely sure what I want to do until we reach the Wonderbolts!" Replied FireSpeed.

The academy's bell rang meaning that all of today's lessons were over and it was time to head home. Every single classroom emptied of ponies almost instantly as every single pegasus begun to leave the academy to head home for the weekend.

"Ya know Speedy's got a point. We should get a job soon. I know my mum has constantly nagged me about it." I said as me and Rainbow Dash left the academy after saying our goodbyes to FireSpeed and the others.

"Yeah but where?"

"Hmmm. Didn't ya make friends with that mare in the Weather Factory?"

"Clockwork Thunder? Yeah we're pals!"

"Well why don't we ask her for a job at the factory?"

"Yeah! We should totally do that!"

"Tomorrow than?"

"Yup!" Replied Dash brohoofing me.

So it was settled. Me and Rainbow would head to the Weather Factory tomorrow and see Clockwork Thunder. Who I had never actually met before.

A good nights sleep was had after just chilling with the pals last night. The morning came bright, warm and glorious as usual!

Me and Dash got ourselves ready and awake early and left home to head to the factory. We didn't need to take anything of our own with us. Usually a pony may need a CV or certificate to get a job but because Dash had already worked there and us both having relations to weather based abilities, we wouldn't need them!

"So what's this Clockwork Thunder like Dashie?" I asked as we flew closer and closer to the factory.

"She's super cool! Speaks kinda weird though."

"What do ya mean?"

"Well she has this weird old fashioned way of speaking. Almost posh but her attitude isn't."

"Odd. What's she like at work?"

"Oh she mainly focuses on mechanics and thunder bolts collecting."

"Cool. Looking forward to meeting her!"

We came to the main gates that were the only entrance into the Weather Factory. On each end of the gates stood two ponies dressed in white coats and construction helmets.

"What do you require?" Asked one of the ponies.

"Here to see Clockwork Thunder!" Replied Dash with an enthusiastic step in her stance.

"Rainbow Dash? Good to see you again! Please allow me to show you to her office!" Replied the same stallion.

"Heh. Made quite an impression the first time eh?" I said as me and Rainbow followed the stallion into the factory.

"Yeah! Told ya guys they liked me!"

The main doors into the factory opened to me, Dash and the other Stallion. The interior was white with the clouds just like all the other buildings in CloudsDale. Platforms poking out from each and every wall near the ceiling with pegasai working with various forms of weather.

The rooms atmosphere was filled with glee and smiles as all the pegasai worked hard on their jobs. A few couple ponies flying over our heads every 10 or so seconds. In the center of the main room stood a tall fountain pouring with streams of rainbow. The flows of the six mixed colours treacled into divided cloud made tubes that spread all around the facility.

"Welcome to the Weather Factory! I'm sure someponies will be glad to see you again!" Said the stallion turning back to us.

"Thanks Dagon Glow!" Replied Dash.

"Well let's go see Clockwork Thunder shall we?" Added Dagon.

"Yup!"

We followed Dagon Glow through multiple sections of the factory. Each one specialising in a certain element or form of weather. From Ice and snowflakes to Rainbows and raindrops. Eventually we reached an office that was surrounded by another section of the factory.

There were pegasai zooming and diving all around us carrying and throwing what seemed to be thunder and lightning bolts.

Dagon Glow knocked on the door to the office a couple of times. "Hey! Clockwork! You've got some visitors!"

A few loud mechanical sounds came from behind the door and than an abrupt silence. The door was soon thrown open by a tall standing mare. She stepped forward and stood directly and just above eye level with Rainbow Dash.

The mare stood focused and calm but her facial expression was pretty blank due to the fact that she was wearing goggles. Her eyes were unnoticable.

Her coat was a light grey and her mane and tail a dark but blue toned black. A very odd colour indeed. Her tail was straight and neat but her mane was almost the same except a little messy.

"Hello Rainbow Dash! Good to see you again." Said the mare as she offered Dash a hoofshake with a smile.

"Hey Clockwork!" Dash accepted the hoofshake.

"Thanks Dagon." Clockwork turned to Dagon and with him thanked he turned away and went back to work. "Now who's this Rainbow?" She quickly turned to me.

"Lightning Flash! Nice to meet ya!"  I replied offering my hoof.

Clockwork Thunder grabbed her goggles and whipped them off, shoving them into a pocket on her labcoat. Her eyes were the oddest I've ever seen! Her pupil's and iris were a light blue but they swirled. There was a circular swirl spreading out from her pupil. Almost as if it could hypnotise ya by looking into it!

"Good to meet you Lightning Flash. Now how can I be of assistance?"

"Well we were hoping that we could get a job each? Asked Dash.

"Here? As in actual pay and work?" Replied Clockwork.

"Yeah. If that's cool?" I added.

Clockwork Thunder shifted her eyes left to right but than again I couldn't exactly tell with her weird eyes.

"Come inside." Said Clockwork walking back into her office. Me and Dash followed her inside. Her desks, cabinets and boxes that were scattered across the reasonably sized room were packed with mechanical parts. A couple thunderbolts were scattered on the top of her desk.

"Quite mechanical." I said but was quickly distracted by the thunderbolts.

"Yes! I am quite the genuis when it comes to mechanics." Clockwork caught eye of me studying the thunderbolts but turned to Dash.

"So about this job?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well you are both under eighteen years old and have no degree in weather stableness or collecting. Although Dash....you have worked two weeks here before. You proved yourself worthy of the factory's needs." Replied Clockwork sitting back into her seat.

"What about our abilities?" I asked.

"Abilities? You mean Rainbow's Sonic RainBoom?" Replied Clockwork.

"Yeah. I have a trick too though!"

"Do you now? Well what does it involve?" Asked Clockwork.

"Ah not much. Just breaking the speed barrier and controlling Lightning! Bet ya seen better right?" I said with sarcasm deep in my voice and a grin wide on my face.

Clockwork Thunder sat starstuck and turned to Dash in amazement and than back to me. "That is certainly rare and amazing! I personally collect thunderbolts as you can see. So could you get lightning bolts for us?"

"Umm well." I scratched the top of my head with a hoof. "I kinda just fly and make it appear! I'd need a pony with weather collecting abilities to grab it. If I have a pony with magic helping me than they can direct its power!" I replied.

"Like a weapon?" Replied Clockwork Thunder.

"Yup!"

"Well that's definately interesting! How did you find this out?"

I told Clockwork all about my ability and how it happened. I mentioned that Storm Shadow helped me find out more about my skills and connection with lightning. It so happens that Clockwork actually knows Storm Shadow! They had once worked alongside each other while studying various subjects related to weather!

"Well I think both of you should most certainly hold a place here at the factory!" Exclaimed Clockwork Thunder after twenty minutes of discussing our tricks and how we could help.

"Sweet!" Both me and Rainbow yelled in perfect synchronisation. Jumping so high we almost hit the ceiling and brohoofing each other.

"You may begin today!" Added Clockwork.

"Really?" I asked landing back down with Dash.

"Of course! We'll send you both off to your dedicated stations! Lightning you will be working with a couple of our best bolt collectors. They will be able to channel any lightning you provide and bring it back here."

"So all I gotta do is fly real fast and make lightning?"

"Yes! Easy enough?"

"I do it in my sleep!"

"Good. Don't worry about having to do the what was it called? The flashbang?"

"Yeah."

"When it comes to lightning, we only need a few extracts of it because it's so powerful and important. No worries about exceeding your limit of the trick!"

"Got it."

"And you Rainbow will return to your old station as before. Helping control the spectra for the rainbows. It's a shame you can't do your sonic rainboom again." Said Clockwork.

"I think I can but that was the only time I've ever done it so far. I'll do it again one day!" Replied Rainbow Dash.

"I'm sure you will!" Clockwork gave a short and childlike giggle. "Well Rainbow you remember where to go right?"

"Yeah!" Replied Dash.

"Don't worry Lightning I'll show you to your quarters." Said Clockwork.

"Cool thanks."

It was done! We both got a job at the Weather Factory! Clockwork Thunder went into more detail about our shifts and what days we will be working. Due to still being at school and only having the weekends and after school to work, we weren't given a lot of shifts.

Rainbow Dash went to her working place in the factory while Clockwork showed me to mine. As we continued our walk through the long and busy corridors, we eventually came to a large but closed door. Above it was a sign that read...

"Thunder and Lightning Control and Collecting."

"Appropiate name I guess." I said as Clockwork opened the large door.

"Welcome to your working quarters!" Said Clockwork as she ushered me into the large room.

The room was not much different from all the others. Tables scattered around the room, Groups of Pegasai zooming from one side to the other.

"Let's meet your team shall we?" Said Clockwork as we approached a single pony. "Hey Crimsy!"

The lone pegasus stood and turned to face us. His coat was crimson and his mane and tail were mixed with both red and black. His mane was straight and pointed backwards. His eyes seemed to almost burn as I looked into them! Something about this pony seemed quite odd indeed.

"Hey Clockwork! Who's this?" Asked the Crimson coloured pony.

"Your new team member!" Clockwork turned to me. "Lightning Flash meet Crimson Spark!"

"Welcome to my team bro." Said Crimson as he brohoofed me.

"Thanks!"

"Now where is the rest of your team Crimson?" Asked Clockwork.

"Well Monochrome is outside and a couple of the others are pretty busy. Sorry." Replied Crimson Sparks,

"That's quite alright. Just be sure that Lightning here gets settled in well!" Replied Clockwork with a smile."I must return to my work. I'll catch you both later." Clockwork Thunder walked back through the large door and closed it behind her.

"So before ya meet the rest of the team I should really get to know ya better!" Said Crimson.

"Um ok! What do ya wanna know?"

"Well first of all ya name. Lightning? I doubt that's just important on paper! Am I right!?" Crimson nudged me in the side a little.

"Heheh. Long story but yeah I got some pretty cool tricks under my wings!"

"Well one thing ya should know about my team is that we follow a special motto. Oh I forgot to mention, I'm in charge of Thunder, Lightning and Other cautious Weather Conditions."

"But the sign just says-"

"Ignore that. Our group handles with the more...tricky and dangerous types of weather. Fire, Lightning and more pretty much! They don't call us Group Acta Non Verba for nothing!"

"I'm guessing that's ya motto?"

"Sure is Lightning. Ya catch on fast!"

"Heh. What does it mean?"

"Well it's old pony talk for-"

*BOOM*

Crimson was interrupted by a large explosion echoeing through the room.

"See what I mean?" Said Crimson as he flew over to a small door that seemed to lead outside. I followed him closely. "Think that may have been Dred with the thunderbolts again!" Crimson opened the door and continued to fly outside.

"I told you to be careful with those!" Shrieked a mare's voice as we left the room.

We both looked up to see two pegasai on a cloud carrying a couple bags each.

"I was! You can never be too safe or sure with these thunderbolts!" Shouted a stallions voice in reply.

"Yo Monochrome! What did he do now!?" Shouted Crimson looking up at the cloud. The mare and stallion turned away from each other and looked down at us.

"Oh hi Sparks!" The mare pegasus dived down towards Crimson and huggedd him. She let go and turned to me."Who's this?"

"Lightning Flash meet Monochrome Rush." Said Crimson.

"Nice to meet you Lightning! What's with the cutie mark and name? No offense!" Said Monochrome.  Her coat pure white, her tail and mane a dark brown. She wore large red glasses as well. Not the ost fashionable choice but than again I wasn't a fashion expert.

"Oh I have some pretty neat tricks with lightning! Control it and move at it's speed. Just the usual for me!" I replied with a smile.

"It's speed!? Wouldn't that mean breaking the light barrier!?" Shouted the other pegasus who landed beside me. His coat was also pure white like Monochrome's and his mane was exaclty like Crimson's, striped with red and black.

"YUP!"

"Well that's pretty amazing!" Exclaimed Monochrome Rush.

"Hahaha! Ya gonna have a place in our team for sure Lightning!" Said Crimson scratching me on the head as a tease.

"Heheh thanks!"

"Well this is Dred Furst. Ya should get used to his foolishness with weather." Added Crimson.

"Hey! If I was such a fool than would I be put on this team!?" Replied Dred.

"We need you for your speed and lovable character. Awww." Replied Crimson.

"How big is this Acta Non Verba team?" I asked.

"Well there are a few diffrent teams that do what we do with dangerous weather but our one is called that. Our team is made up of five ponies and now you too!" Replied Monochrome.

"Cool! Who's the other two?" I asked.

"Whoa! Hold up Flash! Haven't even shown us your skills and ya wanna meet the others!" Replied Crimson.

"Well I better show ya my skills than shouldn't I!" I exclaimed.

"Yo Dred! Go get Stormy and Quake. Tell them we're gonna be playing with lightning for a while." Said Crimson.

"But they don't know who he is?" Replied Dred Furst.

"Urgh. That's the point numbskull! Lightning is enough of a giveaway!" Added Crimson.

"Ok Ok! Where though?" Replied Dred.

"Above Everfree forest."

"Ok!" Dred flew off around and behind the factory.

"Everfree forest!? Why there?" I asked.

"Some of our abilities have caused quite some damage and fear among ponies in the past. We wanna test your ability where other unaware ponies can't get hurt." Replied Monochrome giving Crimson a brief sympathetic look.

"Okay! Let's go!" I replied.

The three of us flew off towards the Everfree Forest to see my trick and hopefully meet the rest of the team!

After a few minutes of flying we eventually reached the forest. We waited about another five minutes for the others to arrive.

Three pegasai soared over the army of trees towards us. As they came closer and closer I could recognise Dred Furst in the middle of their line of flight.

They soon stopped directly in front of us and hovered. Dred inbetween the two others. The one on his left was a stallion with also a pure white coat! There was seriously something about this team and having white coats. His mane and tail were dark but also slightly light blue. The other stallion was coated in a dark grey with a night black mane and tail.

"So his the new guy?" Asked the grey stallion hovering closer to me with a suspicous eye on him.

"Sure is!" Said Crimson.

"Well hi there buddy! I'm Stormy Sprint but you can call me Stormy!" Said the other white stallion beside Dred.

"Names Crimson Quake. Good to meet ya." Said the grey stallion. Their was something about his face or maybe it was his eyes. Something unpeaceful or unsettled about him rested in those eyes.

"Good to meet ya both! I'm Lightning Flash!"

"Oh because we're oddly enough got the same name me and Crimson, you can just call me Sparks or Crimsy." Said Crimson Sparks.

"Ok!" I replied.

"So what's the plan Sparks?" Asked Stormy Sprint.

"Lightning is gonna show off his trick." Replied Sparks.

"And what is this trick?" Asked Crimson in a serious but curious tone.

"I can summon lightning and break the light barrier."

"What!?" Replied Stormy.

"Well that doesn't sound too safe. Sure you can control it?" Added Crimson.

"Of course! I ain't no fool!"

"Just checking fella." Replied Crimson.

"I should of mentioned Lightning! Crimson here is our supervisor and guard for the team." Said Sparks.

"Guard?" I asked curiously.

"Yeah. With us handling dangerous forms of weather and such, we've been advised to have somepony who can keep watch over our activities. Plus some ponies can get quite jealous of our skills and want us for work." Replied Sparks.

"I'm here to stop any ponies that want their abilities for the worst. If ya catch our drift." Added Crimson. There was something soldier like about him. I've known enough to realise one.

"Okay than." I said.

"Well now what does this trick involve exactly? I want every detail." Asked Monochrome Rush.

"This may take some planning so hold up a sec!" Sparks intterupted me as my lips began to open. He looked to Stormy and winked.

Stormy Sprint hovered inbetween our team circle. He took a deep breath and exhailed it but instead of breath, clouds actually managed to rush out of his mouth! They exited his mouth in small bunches. Smaller enough to...well eat I guess! As they continued to float and hover aorund us they inflated and grew larger until becoming big enough for us to stand on.

There were three clouds in total thanks to Stormy. Crimson and Dred stood on one, Sparks and Monochrome on another while me and Stormy sat on the last one.

"That's better!" Said Dred.

"Ok time to plan. What does your trick involve? Does it have a name?" Asked Monochrome fidgeting with her glasses.

"The Flashbang."

"What made ya call it that!?" Asked Dred with a smirk.

"Gone in a flash and it makes a bang. That's it right?" Said Stormy.

"Ya got it!" I replied.

"Heheheh."

"How do you attempt this flashbang?" Asked Crimson.

"Basically all I do is fly as fast as I can and stay focused on some thoughts and as I get faster and my thoughts are more focused than lightning should begin to strike near me. Ya know like ya normal thunderstorm but I can control how frequent the lightning is!" I replied.

"So what? While flying do ya just think how much lightning that you want to strike?" Asked Dred Furst.

"I control it's amount with my speed and feelings on my thoughts. Important thought equals more speed and determination to go faster. More focused flying, thoughts and speed equals more lightning to strike." I added.

"When does the breaking the light barrier part happen?" Asked Sparks.

"Well as I get faster than small particles of lightning begin to grow around my wings and torso. They increase in size and numbers until I finally reach my speed limit and in a flash and a bang I'm from one place to another! Like I teleported!" I finished up my tale of a trick.

"That's pretty bucking sweet! Give me some!" Exclaimed Stormy with a brohoof.

"Well it seems like your ready and set to go. Now lets discuss how we can harness the lightning for the factory." Said Sparks.

"So all I gotta do is my trick?" I asked.

"Yes. We will plan a way to collect the bolts of lightning while you produce it." Replied Monochrome.

"Cool." I replied.

"This is gonna be pretty tricky ya know. I mean this will require us being fast enough to actually gather the lightning! How the buck are we gonna do it!?" Said Dred in a slight panic.

"Oh calm down! I got a few ideas in mind. Now Lightning. When ya said you had to be focused while you fly, how focused?" Said Sparks.

"Well I usually just think about my family and friends. Ya know the stuff that's close to me! If I'm ever in a race than I also focus on winning. Winning or anything to actually force me to go faster always does the trick." I replied.

"Hmmm good. I think I have a plan!" Said Sparks.

"This is gonna be interesting. Dunno how you lot are gonna pull it off but I;m just here to watch over ya." Said Crimson Quake.

"Well we ain't called Acta Non Verba for nothing." Said Monochrome.

"Acta Non what now? Somepony please explain!?" I asked sitting up straight.

"Hahahahaha! You'll do fine buddy!" Said Stormy nudging me in the side.

I wonder if Dash had such an interesting team. Let's see I got a soldier who seems to scare me a little, a cloud breathing stallion, a nerdy but strong in herself mare, a foolish and laid back Dred and Sparks who I Hadn't quite figured out just yet.

Something about him seemed familiar though.

His eyes, emotion and just being near him seemed familiar. That wasn't my thought to focus on right now though! I had some lightning to summon and a factory to prove myself to.

And some new friends...

Chapter Twenty: Acta Non Verba

                                                                                     Chapter Twenty

"Alright! Here's the plan so listen up!" Announced Crimson Sparks upon his cloud.

We had spent the last few mintues just sitting upon our clouds while Sparks pondered in his mind until he conjured a plan. I wasn't at all sure how they were gonna gather any lightning I was going to produce but I guess my job was to just break the barrier. Easy enough.

"Ok Stormy and Lightning are gonna race. Lightning is gonna need that something extra to keep him focused on going faster. Either that or we could get Crimson to show you his famous tackle trick." Said Sparks with a slightly evil grin. Crimson didn't seem to happy about the idea and neither did I.

"Got it boss!" Replied Stormy Sprint.

"With you two racing I will stay close to Lightning and when any lightning manages to form around him than I will capture it and put it into my specially designed satchel." Added Crimson Sparks.

"Um won't that be dangerous? I mean this is lightning itself we're talking about?" Asked Dred Furst.

"They don't call me Sparks for nothing! You guys should know by now that my body is resistant to a lot of dangerous things. Fire, Lightning you name it!" Replied Sparks.

"As long as you know what you're doing!" I said.

"While we're all doing that. I want Monochrome to fly along our path and direction but at a distance. Like Flash said, lightning will also begin to strike nearby. I want you Monochrome to study and watch the estimate striking distance away from lightning." Added Sparks.

"Why does she need to do that if we're not capturing the strikes?" Asked Crimson Quake.

"So we know for future runs how far a strike will happen from Lightning Flash in mid flight. Than we can plan on capturing them in the future! There must be a pattern and a set distance from Flash." Replied Monochrome Rush.

"I can help Monochrome with that!" Said Dred.

"Crimson you just fly by and look pretty. Keep an eye out for any threats in the forest below!" Said Sparks.

"Won't let a thing near ya." Replied Crimson.

"Alright than! Everypony ready to go!?" Asked Sparks.

"Yes!"

"Ready."

"Yeah!"

"Yup!"

"You know it!"

"Alright than! Let's go!" Said Sparks.

Me and Stormy jumped off our cloud and got ourselves in a starting postition for the race. Monochrome and Dred flew a couple hundred meters to our East. Crimson Quake stayed a fair distance behind us but was closer to the trees.

Sparks stayed with Crimson for the moment.

"Ok so you two will race to the other side of the forest! Near that cottage outside PonyVille!" Announced Sparks from behind.

Was he talking about Fluttershy's cottage? Must have been. Wonder if she'll see us fly overhead!

"On your marks!" Said Sparks. Me and Stormy both focused our heads forward.

"Get set!" We prepared our wings and pulled our bodys back, ready to zoom ahead.

"GO!"

In perfect syncrhonisation we both started perfectly on time. Staying at equal speeds I stayed focus on the forest in front. Stormy couldn't over take me but managed to stay right by my side.

"Come on Stormy! Make him go faster!" Shouted Dred.

Stormy turned to me as we continued to dash ahead. He grinned and splurted out a large breath of cloud directly into me, knocking me off course.

"See ya!" Stormy yelled before zooming off ahead and taking the lead.

I wasted no time in planning any more revenge than to simply beat him! I zoomed ahead after him while filling and focusing my thoughts on my victory to be! Dash, friends, family and to wipe that grin off Stormy's face.

In a matter of seconds I managed to catch up with Stormy but it was still difficult to stay right beside him. Mind focused, body cutting through the air and the clouds above us turning grey and than into black. A few bolts of lightning struck a trio of trees a few hundred metres to my South and than West.

"There!" Screamed Monochrome pointing at the lightning as Dred focused on the other strike.

Just as the other times, clusters of small particles of lightning gathered around my wings and torso. My speed increasing like crazy but all of this was pretty normal to me now.

"Good! Keep it up Lightning! Just stay like that!" Shouted Sparks as flew closer and closer beside us.

I had to keep going faster but without actually performing the rest of the trick. I just hoped Crimson Sparks would be quick!

After almost a minute of flying and getting ever so faster, Sparks eventually caught up with us. He was certainly fast too! He came up on my left and came within grabbing distance of me. The lightning still striking more rapidly into the forest below and my body growing more and more in speed as the particles increased.

"DOING GREAT! JUST FOCUS ON WINNING!" Advised Sparks. He reached out a hoof towards my back to grab one of the particles.  He wasn't at all afraid as his hoof finally came into contact with my back.

Within a blink of an eye of putting his hoof into the cluster of particles, there was a loud crack and a flash of light. I could feel a sudden surge of energy spark through my torso and wings as whatever happened pushed me forward at a sudden speed but not quite breaking the light barrier yet.

"SPARKS!" I heard Monochrome scream from a far.

Still diving forward on my path to victory I quickly turned to see Sparks plummeting towards the trees behind me. Crimson flew down after him while I stopped in mid flight to turn and help. Winning didn't matter when a friend could be hurt. I barely knew any of these ponies but that didn't make them that less important.

Sparks was plummeting fast and hard through the air towards the trees. Crimson didn't seem to be fast enough to get closer in time.

I focused my full speed and body into diving after him, with the lightning storm still brewing and my body still harnessing it's power, I zoomed forward and in a flash I did it!

I pulled off the FlashBang again and managed to catch Sparks in the process!

With Crimson Sparks now hanging onto my back with whatever strength left in him I leveled myself with the treeline and landed in a small clearing. Pulling off my trick and catching Sparks meant I didn't have the greatest amount of strength left in me. Better not risk going higher and not even reaching the clouds.

I layed Sparks down against a tree as Monochrome, Dred and Crimson all landed behind me.

"Sparks!" Screamed Monochrome as she rushed to him. Her face drowned with worry.

Crimson stood alert and began observing the woods around us while Dred stood beside me.

Stormy Sprint soon flew overhead and saw us before landing.

"Urgh that...that could of gone better." Sparks groaned from his resting place.

"Oh thank Celestia you're alright!" Exclaimed Monochrome hugging Sparks.

"Hey I've been through a lot! Nothing gonna take me down just yet." Replied Sparks.

"What happened?" Asked Stormy.

"Sparks tried to make contact with Flash's lightning that surrounded his body. One touch created a massive flash and crack in the air forcing Sparks away from Lightning. Flash didn't seem affected at all though." Said Crimson Quake as he turned to me.

"I hardly realised what happened! Ya not blaming me are you?" I replied.

"Do you know your full potential of this power?" Asked Crimson.

"Yeah!..Well...I thought I did." I replied.

"Hey whatever happened I'm sure Lightning didn't do it on purpose. Right?" Said Dred butting in.

"Yeah." I replied.

"Well whatever it was. It seemed to be some sort of protection for you. He tried to touch your back and the lightning forced him off. If that had happened to another pony who isn't as strong as Sparks than they could have died. Lightning is extremely powerful you know." Said Crimson with a teacher like tone in his voice.

"I know. Ya think I don't understand my powers?" I replied.

"Both of you stop! I'm fine. Just a bit shaken that's all." Said Sparks standing at last.

"Sorry Sparks. I've never had that happen before." I said.

"You've also never had a pony try to do what I did. That's why." Sparks Replied. He took a few deep breaths and gained his

full balance again. "Monochrome. Were you able to estimate the range of any lightning strikes?"

"Yes! But as you said. Their estimates. When we're back at the factory than I'll research them some more." Replied Monochrome Rush.

"Good. Thanks. I guess you aren't just talk now are you Lightning?" Asked Sparks.

"Actions not words. That's my style." I replied with a grin.

"That's how we roll bro." Said Stormy.

"So I'm in?" I asked.

"Lightning strikes, breaking light barriers and almost killing me? Hahahaha! Dude you're in alright!" Replied Sparks with a cheery tone.

"Sweet!"

"Let's head back shall we?" Suggested Monochrome.

"Yeah."

"Wait. What was that?" Said Crimson suddenly looking side to side.

"What was what?" Asked Dred Furst.

Than we all heard it. A constant rustling of the bushs behind the tree where Sparks was resting. Than we could see it. The endless line of bushes began to rustle more and more.

A loud roar broke through the trees and bushes.

"Aww crap." Moaned Stormy Sprint. Everypony suddenly rushed away from Sparks resting place and stood beside Crimson Stormy.

The bushes broke apart all at once, branches sent flying and groung trembled. All caused by an angry Manticore.

"FUDGE!" Shouted Dred.

The Manticore stood angered and ready before slowly stepping ever so closer and closer in our direction.

"Crap! What are we gonna do!? Panicked Stormy Sprint.

"Crimson you ready?" Asked Sparks turning to Crimson Quake.

"Always am. What tactic for this one?" Replied Crimson.

"I was thinking the Whispering Fang?" Suggested Sparks.

"Good idea." Replied Crimson.

Crimson turned to throw his satchel off of his back and onto the ground. He opened it with a hoof and pulled out a short sword.  He grabbed the handle with his mouth and held it firmly inside.

Sparks spread his slightly damaged wings and hovered higher and hgher into the sky until finally above the trees. He than dived at the Manticore but never hitting it, just flying closely round it. As if he was teasing it but dodging it's swipes and stabs.

With the Manticore distracted, Crimson with his sword grasped in his mouth, charged at the beast. Galloping faster than a gazzele almost, Crimson lunged into the the Manitcore's chest and slashed at it. To our surprise it didn't have much of an effect. No cut given and no blood pouring.

Crimson jumped back as the Manticore swiped at him, dodging the attack Crimson quickly leaped at the Manticore's face and slashed at it's left eye. Before falling down, Crimson used his wings to keep himself placed steadily in the air.

The Manticore now bleeding from it's scarred eye was unaware of Sparks who hovered behind him. I couldn't see exactly what he was doing but I saw a trim of fire appear and cover his entire body. His hooves began to ignite in flames while his eyes turned to blood red.

He didn't flinch or yell in pain so this must have been normal to him. He obviously harnessed the same type of power that FireSpeed could.

Sparks with his hooves now lit with flames brighter than your average bonfire, landed on the Manticore's back and slammed a flaming hoof into the back of his neck causing it to screach in pain and bend down a little. He did the same with another hoof further down the Manitcore's spine and with that flaming stab it caused the beast to fall face first into the ground and was knocked unconcisous.

"Heh that was easier than last time!" Exclaimed Sparks jumping off of the Manticore's back.

"Well last time it was a Dragon remember? And we needed to use a bit more than just your fire. Well done." Replied Crimson Quake.

"Alright than. Now can we head back?" Asked Stormy.

"Of course. Let's go!" Replied Sparks as we all lifted off the ground together.

With today's previous events over, the six of us headed back to the Weather Factory. I wonder how Dash had been getting on? I'd find out eventually I guess!

Once back at the factory it seemed that almost everypony was on their lunch break in the factory's canteen. Time to join them! Me and other five grabbed our lunch at the servery and looked for a place to sit.

Looking across the entire room I noticed Dash sitting with Clockwork Thunder. Although today had been awesome, I had just been waiting to see Dashie again. I walked over to them both but with the others following me.

"Hey Dash!" I said sitting beside her while she was caught up in a conversation with Clockwork.

"Hey Lightning!" Replied Rainbow Dash with a huge smile.

"Hello Lightning. How has your day been?" Asked Clockwork.

"Pretty epic right Lightning?" Said Sparks before I could open my mouth as he sat down beside me. Monochrome sat opposite Sparks and beside Clockwork while Crimson sat on her other side.  Stormy and Dred sat on the other side of Dash.

"Yeah! Did a bit of racing, Manticore slaying and showed them all my trick." I said with a cheeky grin.

"What!? Manticores!?"Clockwork was put into a sudden shock and turned to Sparks."What happened!?"

"Heheh well....it's a long story." Replied Sparks.

"We've got time. Why don't you enlighten me and Rainbow here on what happened?" Said Clockwork.

"This will be fun to explain. Haha!" Said Dred Furst.

We sat eating our lunch for atleast a good half an hour explaining the days events in great detail. From the FlashBang and knocking Sparks out of the sky, to the victorious battle over the Manticore. I had never seen a Manticore with my own eyes befire. The size of them is ridiculous.

Clockwork Thunder, Monochrome Rush and Dred Furst finished their lunch before the rest of us and headed back to work while we all stayed sat.

"So Rainbow Dash? Heard ya part of the Spectra Crew right?" Asked Sparks taking a sip of his drink as he looked over me and at Dash.

"Yeah. What about it?" Replied Dash.

"Just wondering how exciting that must be? Ya know being stuck inside sorting pretty colours all day doesn't sound amazing to me." Added Sparks. What was he getting at? Trying to prevoke Dash?

"Oh yeah? Well getting knocked outa the sky by some little lightning doesn't sound too fun to me either." Replied Dash with a grin. Stormy Sprint giggled from beside her.

"Atleast my team and I are used to dealing with something more dangerous than rainbows. Near death over rainbow creating? I'll take near death any day." Said Sparks.

"Dude you keep trying to annoy me and you'll get closer than near to it." Said Dash as her eyes lit up with a flame of anger and irritation.

"Yeah Sparks. What's with the sudden competition?" I asked.

"Ok hold it all of you!" Said Crimson Quake raising his voice and slamming a hoof onto the table.

"Come on Dash. Let's get some air." I said grabbing Dash by her foreleg and standing up. She slowly resisted at first but got to her hooves and followed on her own as I let go. We both flew out of the canteen and into the outer grounds of the factory.

"Argh what a little brat!" Yelled Dash as we flew a little higher than the factory itself.

"He wasn't like this when we were working. Dunno what's gotten into him." I replied.

"Oh collecting Spectra and creating rainbows isn't that exciting! He can screw off! I should show him the art of a Sonic RainBoom! Right in his face!"

"Hahahaha! That'd be worth seeing!"

"Shame I haven't pulled it off again.Not yet anyway!"

"Yeah. Just ignore Sparks from now on. I'll eat lunch with you and you alone Dash."

"What about working as a team? Don't ya think he might treat you differently as a team member because of this?"

"Nah! He may be a jerk now but I know he won't. I mean the team is cool but I'd take you over them anyday."

"Oh shut up you! Don't be getting all sappy because I almost got in a fight!"

"Heheheh. Shame nopony can see you getting embarrased! Hahaha!"

Rainbow hit me in the shoulder with a friendly punch. I rubbed it off and hugged her.

"Time to go back to work than?" I asked.

"Yeah. See ya later I guess."

"Yup! I'll be sure to not let Sparks say anything about ya."

"Heheh. Just let me at him if he does!"

"Hahaha! Will do."

We went back to our workplaces and continued our tasks for the day. When I arrived back at my place with the rest of the team, Monochrome Rush seemed to be busy with studying her research on the lightning strikes with Dred helping her.

Stormy was chilling in the corner breathing random small clouds and than destroying them as they floated away. Sparks stood opposite Crimson by a table and briefly looked at me but turned back to Crimson.

"Hey guys!" I said approaching the table.

"Yo Flash we gotta talk." Said Sparks looking back to me.

"Is this about Dash?" I replied.

"Kinda. I'm sorry for being such a jerk when I did bro. I am just tired after today thats all. My grumpyness got the better of me." Replied Sparks.

"Aww is little old Sparksy warky tired!?" Stormy shouted from his corner of the large room.

"Can it Stormy!" Demanded Crimson Quake.

"It's ok buddy. She's not too happy with ya though." I said.

"Well tell her I'm sorry. I don't know much about rainbows anyway. Only odd rumours about the Rainbow Factory." Replied Sparks.

"Odd rumours? I mean I've heard stuff but I've never believed it." I said.

"Yup. Lot of things are said about that place. None of us have ever been inside though." Added Crimson.

"Things? What things?" Asked Stormy hovering over to us.

"You haven't heard?" Asked Crimson sounding a little shocked.

"No I haven't." Replied Stormy.

"Well I've heard that any pegasai that can't fly well enough is sent to work there." I said.

"I heard that there's a secret ingredient needed to make rainbows that come from there. Something nopony else knows about. Something horrifying." Said Sparks.

"I've caught rumours of no ponies ever coming back out but the few that have....never spoke of it. Ever. Their whole life changed." Added Crimson.

"So no good rumours eh?" Asked Monochrome from her own table.

"The place sounds like the home of nightmares by the way we're describing it." I said.

"Anypony ever bothered inspecting it?" Asked Stormy.

"Only the first couple floors that are available to tours......Hey that rhymed! Heheh!" I replied giggiling at my own remark.

Sparks facehoofed himself and smiled.

"Their security is suspicously high for a place creating colours." Added Crimson scratching his chin.

"Why don't we investigate?" Suggested Stormy.

"Are you mad? The place is swarming with staff and workers! We couldn't get near the restricted areas even if we tried!" Replied Crimson.

Than I remembered something. When Dash worked here before she said there was a pony called Dr Atmosphere that worked in the Rainbow Factory.

"Yo wait a minute! I know a pony round here that works there!" I said.

"You do!? Who!?" Asked  Stormy.

"Name's Dr Atmosphere. Dash told me about him." I replied.

"Crap." Muttered Sparks.

"That guy is no good for sure." Added Crimson.

"Why what's wrong with him?" Asked Stormy.

"Almost everypony knows there's something creepy about him. Always seems friendly and all but ya just....ya just know there's something off about him. That shine in his eye or that look he gives you when he turns to ya." Said Sparks shivering at his thoughts.

"Well why don't we talk to him? Or atleast try to find something out?" I suggested.

"Not worth it. Whatever is happening in their isn't our business. Not worth risking your plots over either." Replied Crimson.

"I dunno. Sounds good but what would we do?" Asked Sparks.

"You're serious Sparksy?" Asked Crimson slightly shocked and caught off guard at Sparks.

"Yeah! Sounds fun!" Replied Sparks.

"Well I thought we could investigate his office hear in the factory? Maybe there's some links to the Rainbow Factory that he keeps." I said.

"Urgh. Fine you're all too dumb to realise the danger so I guess I gotta help you!" Moaned Crimson.

"Thanks buddy." Said Sparks giving him a sympathetic look.

"Ok so we need to get in his office? Time to plan." Said Crimson.

After half an hour of planning we finally came up with a plan. We were to find Dr Atmosphere on his way between the factories which he did each day atleast once. Once found Crimson would distract him while me and Sparks visited his office!

It was Atmosphere's usual daily time to visit his office and when we would strike! We would sneak in when he was away but his office only opens to his key and one other that we can't get!

"Ok. There he is." Whispered Sparks as we sat in the hallway of offices. Dr Atmosphere had just left his office and about to close the door when Crimson who was waiting by stepped beside him and tapped him on the shoulder. The Dr turned to Crimson with the door still open.

"Excuse me Dr. I have an issue to notify you with." Said Crimson.

"An issue? I don't have time for some missing thunderbolt you know." Replied Dr Atmosphere. His voice low and emotionless apart from a slight frustration in it. His body was covered in a long lab coat that dragged across the floor.

"It's more urgent than that sir. I know you're needed else where but it is vital that you help." Replied Crimson staying calm but faking a slight panicked tone.

"Fine. I suppose I have some time to help with your pitiful task." Said Dr Atmsophere. He turned to shut the door and lock it. The door shut but as his key reached closer to the lock Crimson blocked it with his hoof stopping him.

Dr Atmosphere turned to him with a face that was drenched with unpleasant.

"Sorry sir but this needs attention now! No more seconds to waste!" Said Crimson with a more urgent tone.

Dr Atmosphere looked side to side before noticing me and Sparks sitting down just outside another office.

"Who are they?" Asked Dr Atmosphere pointing at us two.

"Those two? Just some clueless cloud pullers. They couldn't tell their flanks from their wings even if they tried." Replied

Crimson. Obvioulsy trying to convince Atmosphere not to worry about us. Either that or he was feeling a little dizzy and being a jerk.

"Fine! Let's go!" Said Dr Atmosphere but quickly locking the door before he followed Crimson away.

Once the two of them were out of sight we ran to Atmosphere's office door and tried to open it.

"Well fudge!" Moaned Sparks tugging at the door repeatedly.

"That went swimmingly." I said.

"Guess we wont find out the secrets of the Rainbow Factory after all." Said Sparks turning away from the door.

"Nah I guess we wont find any of that out. Whether pegasai never come back out or the so called secret ingredient in some rainbows."

"Yup." Agreed Sparks.

I smiled at a thought and turned to Sparks as we walked away from the office and said...

"Well I guess a rainbow's tale may not be as nice as the story we knew as sugar and spice."

Chapter Twenty Two: I love it when a plan comes together!

Chapter Twenty Two

The camouflaged mare whose name was in fact Camouflage, introduced herself in such an enthusiastic and friendly tone!  Her face shining with cheer and a smile that had been hidden away but now bursting out for show.

The four of us approaching the canteen doors as Hemlock, Fluttershy and Kensei Coal had already entered.

“Hehe! Your name is kinda ironic don’t ya think?” Said Rainbow Dash turning to Camouflage slightly with a giggle.

“Heheh. True...coming from a pony with rainbow in her name and mane.” Replied Camouflaged with a still greeting tone.

“Hahaha! Got ya there Dashie!” I added.

Dash gave a slight smirk as the four of us entered the canteen, the doors swinging open to the sight of many ponies eating and drinking. Jumping into their grub as if they hadn’t seen food in weeks! Then again, I was quite hungry myself!

The four of us with Dash in front; beside me, lined up ready to grab our food.

“Soooo?” Said FireSpeed making the small silence even more awkward.

“I swear I recognise you but for Celestia’s sake I can’t remember where from?” I asked  as I placed a sandwich on my tray and then turning to Camouflage.

“Oh..I’m in your history class.” Replied Camouflage in a more shy tone. “One row behind you and two seats to the right.” She muttered under her breath but not thinking anyone else noticed. I smiled as I turned back to the food on show.

This Camouflage seemed like a nice and friendly pony! She was as we could tell by now quite shy but eager to interact with others!

“Really? Cool!” I replied grabbing a glass of water.

“Excuse Lightning. His a little slow and forgetful sometimes!” Said Dashie as she grabbed a cupcake from the dessert section.

The four of us collected our food and drinks and began walking over to a free empty table. Hemlock, Fluttershy and Kensei sat with a few other ponies in the far right corner of the room.

“Sooo Camouflage, what brings you to come talk to us today then?” Asked FireSpeed; taking his seat around our chosen table. The three of us laying down our trays and joining Speedy around the small circular table..

“Well...actually I...ermmm wanted to talk to Lightning Flash in particular.” Replied Camouflage. She seemed a little nervous all of a sudden, probably worried about annoying Dash and Speedy with her reply. No need to worry though!

“Oh? Well I am pretty awesome! Hahaha!” I replied before taking a bite out of my sandwich. Damn good sandwich as well! “So...what’s on your mind?”

“Well I was wondering if you could tell me about a certain famous pony in these military records?” Replied Camouflage; pulling out a set of documents from her bag beside her.

Resting the small set of old but clean documents onto our table, the four of us all had stared on in confusion, interest and trouble understanding. They were definately military grade listings but what of?

“See this pony?” Said Camouflage pointing at a single stallion with his own picture among the rest. A list of details and information about him beside the picture.

“Yeah, who is he?” I asked.

“My father.” Replied Camouflage. Her face suddenly sinking a little and drooping her head.

“Oh...did he...you know?” Asked FireSpeed.

Dash hit Speedy in the side of his ribs for asking such a stupid question.

“Years ago...when I was a little filly.” There was a short silence among us while the rest of the canteen continued to banter and chatter on. “He was an honourable soldier among his fellow comrades. Respected, awarded and brave. Just like one of his squad members.” Camouflaged flipped the document and on the other side was a different pony.

“Dad?” I exclaimed almost leaping onto the document itself. The pony was my father! Crimson Flash and all his personal military info. Why did my father always manage to surprise me?

“Thought so...that’s why I wanted to meet you properly. Our fathers were squadmates in battle. They fought side by side, wing by wing in battle.” Added Camouflage with her confidence building slightly.

“How did you know he's my father?” I asked turning to Camo.

“Crimson Flash, resident of Cloudsdale and great flyer. I go to an academy with a guy called Lightning Flash who is an amazing flyer and also lives in Cloudsdale. Coincidence? Heheh! I also just looked in your family members from the school records.” Replied Camouflage in a cheeky tone and a smile. Should of guessed how obvious it kinda is. Heheh.

“Hehehe you’re quite interested in this kind of thing aren’t you?” I asked taking a sip of my drink.

“Seems a little too interested in you.” Whispered Dashie in my ear. Just able to hear a hint of jealousy in her voice. She had nothing to worry about even if this new mare did like me!

Throughout my relationship with Rainbow Dash we have found out a lot about each other and discussed many things. One of them is that we can both get a little jealous even though we trust each other. It’s just other ponies that we don’t trust.

I guess I can get more jealous than Dashie but I know not to worry because she’s mine to love but she’s not mine to keep away.

Jealousy is just a weird way of showing how much you really care and love someone I guess. Nothing wrong with it, just don’t let it get the better of you.......I really think to myself too much!

“I love and always have loved studying the military and wars! That explains my Cutie Mark as well!” Replied Camouflage looking to her flank.

“I’ve been a little interested too but....well I’ve never had the best experience with the guards and military I guess.” I said dropping my head a little as thoughts of my brother came into my mind.

“Oh? Well I was actually wondering if you would mind me asking about your father and any other military experience you’ve had?” Asked Camouflage as she took a bite of her sandwich.

“Ermm sure! Fire away!” I replied relaxing in my seat a little as i took another sip of my drink.

Camouflage fired question after question at me about my father, my knowledge in the Royal Guards, any encounters with the military and much more! I told her about some of my father’s tales, the guards I’ve met and the history that I can actually remember!

All except my brother which of course only me, my mother, Rainbow Dash and Hemlock knew about...I’m not going to be adding to that list anytime soon.

“And my last question! Would you ever join the Royal Guards?” Asked Camouflage as she took a deep breath after her barrage of curiosity.

“Hmmm nah. I wanna join the Wonderbolts! Along with Dash and Speedy here!” I replied .

“Oh right! Should of guessed!” Said Camouflage as she finished her drink.

Almost done with our food and me having already finished mine, the canteen was still busy and bustling with ponies. Food being collected, mates chatting away, desserts exchanged and random wrestling at some tables! Hahaha!

I went to pick up my chocolate chip muffin which looked freaking delicious, When the doors to the canteen swung open. A gush of air being sucked into the room by the sheer amount of ponies in here and a wonky eyed pegasus flying her way over to me.

“LLIIGGHHTTNNIINNGG FFLLAASSHH!!!!” Screamed Derpy as she looked all around in hope of spotting me.

Derpy flew as straight as she could....which was kinda the opposite of what we define straight as! Whooshing past and over all the tables in her way to reach us in seconds.

“Hey Derpy! What’s the big rush?” I asked as she came to a sharp halt next to me.

Taking a few deep breaths before she opened her mouth with a huge smile on her face.

“Lightning Flash! I got news from Xenon Draft about the prom! He said-”

“Ermm! What was that Derpy!? Something about all the muffins being out of stock!? Oh dear!” I interrupted Derpy before she could spill anymore beans about the big day.

“Silly Lightning! No their not! Look! You got a muffin right there!” Replied Derpy pointing at my untouched chocolate muffin. Which she was now staring at as if it was her prey.

“Dibs!” Exclaimed Dash as she grabbed my muffin and chowed down into it. Really?

“Let’s ermmm....go outside Derpy! I need some air!” I said taking Derpy under my wing and hovering out of the canteen with her.

Once outside I let go of her and stood in front of her with all worry and hope rushing my head at once. Did Xenon get the all clear? Was he rejected?

“Derpy, what did Xenon Draft say? Are we good to go!?” I asked being very desperate to know.

“Well ermm...he ermmm....I’ve forgotten!” Replied Derpy with a sorry and forgiveful look on her face.

“Ah silly Derpy!” I heard the old voice of Xenon Draft bellow through the hallway behind me. “Good thing I’m here to give you the news myself!” Added Xenon as he appeared beside me.

“Sir! Good to see you again! Please tell me you’ve got good news!?” I greeted Xenon with a huge smile while his face gleamed with joy hopefully meaning one thing. We got the halls!

“Hahaha! Well my dear Lightning I’m pleased to tell you that I have indeed got the Canterlot Halls reserved for your Prom!” Replied Xenon with a smile as wide as a mile!

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! Damn have I been worried about this! My face had instantly lit up with joy and I felt as if I could breath and relax.

“THANK YOU!” I exclaimed hugging Xenon and catching him slightly off guard.

“Hahaha! Don’t sweat it Lightning!” Said Xenon as he was trapped in my hug.

“This is awesome! Wait...how did you get a yes from the halls so quickly and then return here?” I asked finally realising the quick and awesome confirmation.

“Well what happened is, I went to the train station in PonyVille to catch my train to Canterlot where I by coincidence bumped into two royal mail pegasai! I told them of our issue and they instantly jumped at the favour and all they wanted in return was a couple of bits for a drink! Hahaha! They went on their merry way and returned to me so fast that I hadn’t even finished my lunch!” Replied Xenon taking a breath or two.

“Wow! Hehe! Got some good luck today! Thanks a ton Xenon!” I replied.

“No problem Lightning. Now I’m sure you want to tell everypony else?” Said Xenon with a cheery smile.

“Yup! Derpy, would you like to help me?” I asked as I turned to Derpy who stood beside me with a confused look as always but her face soon lit up with excitement.

“YES! Thank you Lightning Flash!!!” Replied Derpy flapping her wings and hugging me. Must of been a bigger deal to her than I thought! Hahaha!

“Well I will be sure to catch you all in Canterlot! Good luck with everything!” Said Xenon Draft as he turned around and walked down the hall away from us.

With Xenon on his way, I turned to Derpy once again with a smile and she smiled back before w walked towards the canteen again.

Me and Derpy swung open the canteen doors together and entered the cafeteria once again. The two of us hovering above an empty table and getting a few ponies attention but not all.

I nudged Derpy to cue her announcement.

“HEY EVERYPONY!!!...ermmm....LIGHTNING FLASH HAS AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!” Derpy smiled and turned back to me. “Did I do good Lightning?”

I looked around and most of the ponies just looked but didn’t keep focused on us and instead went back to eating.

“Good job Derpy but these ponies have short attention spans it seems.” I replied. I saw Dash stare at me from across the tables as she hovered and flew over to us.

Dash stopped beside me and Derpy in mid air as we all hovered still.

“HEY! EVERYPONY! DROP THE GRUB AND LISTEN UP!!!!” Screamed Dash at the top of her lungs and then turning to me with a smile as if she put hardly any effort into it.

“AHEM! Can everypony meet in the main hall ASAP!!” I added before turning around to talk with Dash and Derpy.

The whole cafeteria had instantly bursted into a barrage of whispers and banter discussing the whole the announcement.

“Sooo ermm, Lightning? What is this all about anyway?” Asked Rainbow Dash as the three of us flew out of the cafeteria together.

“Prom. Let’s just say we’ve got a good friend backing us up.” I replied.

“Xenon Draft! Xenon Draft is helping us!” Added Derpy taking away the slight mystery.

“I thought I heard his name earlier.” Said Dash.

With everypony now assembled in the hall, side by side and huddled together. Myself and Dash took our spot in front of everypony where I would announce the good news.

“Hey! What’s this all about anyway!?”

“Yeah!”

The crowd was obviously impatient and annoyed...just like Speedy when he hasn’t had his dinner. Heheh!

“Everypony! I have awesome news! Thanks to Xenon Draft and other ponies! We are having our Prom night at the Canterlot Halls!” I replied to their needy calls.

“What!?”

“Really!?”

“Is this true Lightning?” Asked Dash turning to me quickly.

“Yup! So start packing up all the decorations and anything else needed! We’re leaving tomorrow! Xenon has got us all rooms reserved in the city’s hotels! So get ya stuff ready and I’ll see ya’ll tomorrow at PonyVille train station!” I added before the herd dispersed in a hurry to their own individual jobs and groups.

With everypony getting busy and prepared I quickly went into further detail about the whole situation with Dash, FireSpeed and the others. Who were all very curious. Explaining what and why it was all happening and how.

Damn I never expected to do this much explaining and planning when I signed up as Prom planner!

With everypony now notified on the entire new plan and everyone knowing what to do, things were now seeming a little easier.

The next day came without a worry or in a rush. Waking up early which was normal now due to the amount of planning and everypony getting to the train station in PonyVille. Each pony had their own stuff to carry and task to fulfill.

Just about lunchtime and everyone was at the train station ready to leave!

Everyone except me, Hemlock and Fluttershy were to travel to Canterlot and begin prepping the halls while us three picked up our clothes for the Prom. Well not everypony’s clothes but just mine, Hem, Flutters, Speedy, Kensei and Dash’s.

“Just be quick okay?” Said Dashie as I stood opposite her beside the train door.

“I will! Ya know I hate being around clothes and such....glittery things too long.” I replied.

“Hahaha! Yeah. Well I’ll see ya in Canterlot then I guess?” Replied Dash.

“I’ll be there quicker than ya can say Flashbang!”

“Heheh.” I grabbed Dash in a hug and quickly kissed her passionately as the departing bells rang.

“Love you Dashie.”

“Love you more Lightning.”

“Erghhh! Come on you two! We gotta go!” Said FireSpeed appearing from inside the doorway.

Rainbow Dash boarded the train with FireSpeed and took a seat beside him in the carriage filled with everypony else. Waving to me and the other two as the train slowly pulled away from the platform.

“Well I guess we better get moving ourselves! Lead the way Light!” Said Hemlock with great enthusiasm about him.

“This way!” I jumped into the air and flew quickly in the direction of Carousel Boutique with Hem and Fluttershy close on my rear.

“So...ermm..what’s this Rarity like?” Asked Fluttershy looking side to side in search of the boutique.

“Ermm well....she’s very....” I couldn’t think of the right words to describe her! I hadn’t met many ponies like her.

“Rarity is the type of mare who knows the latest style and fashion. She’s most elegant and mannered and is very lady like.” Added Hemlock with his way of words. He almost always knew how to describe a pony. Really sounded like he fancied her to be honest! Hahaha!

I know Hemlock well enough to know she isn’t his actual type anyway. Hem prefers a pony with an open mind, intelligence, independence and can relax without a worry. Someone he can trust and follow. What made him different from some others was that he didn’t prefer a mare.

Hemlock told us all a long time ago that the gender doesn’t matter to him. Bisexual as they called it. Colt or mare, Hemlock would still try a shot at them if he felt they were right.

“Always a way with words Hem.” I said as we approached the boutique.

“Always. I just know how to compliment a lady. Unlike you Lightning who does it in a less mannered way.” Replied Hemlock.

“Hey! I do too! Not that I need to because I only need to tell Dash that she looks as hot as tartarus everyday! Heheh!” I said turning to Hemlock as we landed in front of the boutique’s entrance.

“Hehehehe.” Giggled Fluttershy from behind us.

I opened the boutique door and casually walked in with the other two following close behind. With an instant sight of Rarity tending to some dresses in the corner I knocked on a table beside us to notify her of our presence.

“Why hello! Oh Lightning it is good to see you again so soon! Please come in and look around!” Said Rarity with the same elegant and friendly tone in her voice.

“Hello there Rarity! Nice to meet you again!” Greeted Hemlock.

“Oh thank you darling! I do hope you all enjoy my work for you.” Replied Rarity in such a thankful and greeting way in her step.

“Oh my....these dresses are...beautiful!” Exclaimed Fluttershy with her voice getting a little louder than her usual quiet self.

“Why thank you! Oh I’ve never caught your name dear?” Said Rarity as she approached Fluttershy who stepped back cautiously and hid behind her mane.

“Oh....I-I’m....Fluttershy.” Replied Flutters with her voice becoming as quiet as a mouse near the end.

“Sorry I didn’t quite catch that.” Said Rarity.

“Oh ermm...Fluttershy.”

“What a lovely name!”

Fluttershy’s face became camouflaged in her mane and was now hiding from the kind compliment.

“So are the suits and dresses complete?” I asked.

“Lightning! Don’t be so impatient! Please excuse him Rarity.” Panicked Hemlock sharply turning to me with a disappointed look.

“Huh? I was just asking! Jeez.” I replied turning away from him.

“Oh gentlecolts! This mare does not mind for an impatient stallion who likes his fashion! Yes Lightning Flash they are complete and ready! I hope you like them!” Said Rarity butting in and ending our little dispute.

“Thanks! Hem you grab yours and FireSpeed’s and I’ll grab mine and Dash’s.” I replied and advised Hemlock to his luggage.

“I’ll take mine and Kensei’s!” Said Fluttershy with a skip in her step and a smile suddenly on her face.

“Thank you so much Rarity but we must go. We’ve got to be in Canterlot soon!” Said Hemlock with a thankful smile.

“I am always happy to tend to a stallion or mare in need of such fashion. I’m so glad you like them.” Replied Rarity with a slight blush towards Hemlock.

“Come on Hemlock we gotta go!” I said as me and Fluttershy stood ready to leave at the door.

Hemlock quickly turned back to me with a loud sigh. “Again...my apologies Miss Rarity. Lightning is quite the speedy and non patient type.”Said Hem raising his voice a little at the end and turning to me again.

Rarity gave probably the most elegant giggle I could have ever heard!

“Catch ya later Rarity!” I said opening the door for Fluttershy and Hemlock. Rarity stood once again in an elegant pose waving us off just as kindly and almost royal like.

With our attire collected all that was needed now was a train to Canterlot! Then the real planning could begin! Well hopefully already began before we get there!

“Hey Lightning why are you in such a rush?” Asked Hemlock as we walked away from the boutique’s perimeter.

“You know me! I don’t like waiting around ya know? Plus we gotta get to Canterlot!” I replied with a smile. Yes I am very impatient at times but a pony with the speed of lightning can’t be waiting around can he? Heheh.

“You do remember that the train just left right?” Added Hem with a raised eyebrow at me.

“Your point is?”

“We got at least a few hours to wait till the next train.”

“Damn it!”

Fluttershy hid her face in her mane as she giggled in her usual cute way.

“What are we gonna do until the train arrives!? I hate being bored!” I moaned and sulked, sitting down on the bench and shoving the clothes beside me.

“Hmmm we could go for something to eat?” Suggested Hemlock looking at a sign which displayed the train times.

“Meh I’m not all that hungry. Anyway I wanna-”

A cluster of muffled explosions and bangs bellowed and echoed from a house back the way we came. Sounding like lightning striking through the air or the wrong formula of a wizard mixed together. Whatever it was, it caused a loud enough disturbance that cut me in mid sentence and drew everypony’s undivided attention.

Even though the other were probably worried for whatever was going on, I on the other hoof was feeling relieved! Finally after all the prom planning and clothes collecting...finally some action! Something out of the blue!

Well I hoped this wasn't going to be boring.

Explosions usually aren't......

Chapter Twenty Three: The one known as Discord

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.”

Chapter Twenty Four: Our Night

Chapter Twenty Four

“Ya ready yet Dash!?” I shouted across the hall as I left the bathroom in our suite.

“No! Jeez why do I have to wear something like this!?” Replied Rainbow Dash from inside our bedroom. Agitated and not one for dresses.

I myself was all freshened up and dressed for tonight. The night of our Prom.

After our arrival in Canterlot everything had gone swimmingly! No more delays, no replacements or refunds. No clumsy pony to ruin it.

All the music, food, decorations and the ponies to enjoy it all were ready. Kensei even managed to teach me to dance in time! I mean I’m no professional at it but I know enough for tonight!

At last the night was here! All the work and planning over. Along with the inconvenient encounters on the way.

“Hey I’m not a big fan of suits but it’s for tonight! Ya gonna look great Dash.” I replied approaching the door but not entering just yet.

My suit fitted me perfectly and even though I’m not one for such type of clothing, I gotta admit I look pretty good in it!

“Fine. I’ll ermm.......meet ya at the hall yeah?” Said Dash as I could hear her pacing about in the room.

“Sure thing. See ya in a bit!” I replied walking away from the door and towards the stairs.

The hotels we were staying in were pretty nice and posh. Comfy bed and heating was all I asked!

All of us stayed in the same hotel of course and shared our own rooms. Dash, myself, Kensei, Fluttershy and some others stayed on the third floor.

Making my way downstairs I bumped into a few others who were heading out too. Thunderlane, Blossomforth and others too all leaving their rooms in their own attires.

Entering the reception area I found more fellow stallions and mares leaving for tonight.

“Hello Lightning Flash. Busy night am I right?” Said the receptionist as I approached the counter he was behind.

Only knowing him for two days,  he’d been a good guy to keep ya company. None of us knew a lot about him but Golden Bark was certainly friendly and social. Always wearing his uniform over his amber coat. His hat concealing his brown mane.

“Yup! The whole thing hits off in a little while.” I replied resting against the counter as I looked to the clock above Golden Bark.

“Well you have fun ya hear! Wanna know all about it when you come back. When does it finish exactly?” Asked Golden Bark as he leaned against his side of the counter.

“Well it’s almost 8pm now, goes on until midnight.”

“Alrighty. Ah I remember my prom. Quite a few years back now. Hahaha! If yours is anything like mine then I doubt you’re gonna come back walking straight!” Replied Golden Bark with a huge smile on his face. Still laughing and tapping the desk as he did.

“Hahaha! Gotta wait and see I guess.”

I’d never gotten drunk before but maybe tonight was the night for a lot of things!

“Enjoy the night buddy and I’ll be seeing you when ya come back stumbling.” Said Golden Bark followed a chuckle.

“Oh I will! See ya!” I replied turning away and walking towards the main entrance.

Leaving the hotel my eyes were brought upon the magnificent lights of Canterlot. Each street light perfectly in line and the halls glowing in the distance.

The night had that feel that brushed over me as I walked. The feel of being free and alive. Knowing anything could happen. Fun, laughs, smiles, dancing, music and a load of food and drinks!

I felt refreshed and ready as I walked alone around the street corners and soon up the path to the hall.

Suddenly I felt the path tremble a little underneath my hooves. A gush of air hitting me from behind.

“Not looking too bad in that suit Light.” I heard FireSpeed say from behind me.

Turning to see him I could say the same about his.

“Right back at ya.”

“Where’s Dash?”

“Told me to wait here while she got ready.”

“Hahaha!  Shall we head up?”

“Yup!”

The two of us continued our walk to the hall. The lights on each side of us shone so brightly in the approaching night. The moon gleaming high up in the sky and surrounded by clouds with it’s light breaking through.

The gates to the halls wide open and a royal guard standing at each side.

Each one taking a look at us both and then nodding to each other.

“Enjoy your night sirs.” The guard to our left said.

“Cheers!” Said Speedy.

“Wilco.” I added.

Walking through the gates and nearing the hall itself did it then hit me. Tonight was the night we had been planning so long for. Of course I already knew that but I only just recieved the feeling to remind me.

Before entering we noticed Kensei also in his suit standing beside the closed doors. Various ponies were split into their own little groups outside of the doors.

“Hey guys!” Joyfully said Kensei as we walked over to him.

“All alone?” I asked taking my place beside him with FireSpeed next to me.

“Yeah. I saw Fluttershy before she went to get ready. Not sure about Hemlock.” Replied Kensei.

“I think Hemlock wanted to visit the gardens before meeting here. Of what I remember anyway.” I said thinking back to earlier.

“Ah ok. So you two ready for tonight?” Asked Kensei adjusting the collar on his suit a little.

“Should be fun!” Replied FireSpeed.

“Hell yeah it’s gonna be!” I added.

Turning my head to see watch the path again I noticed a lone stallion suited and trotting this way. Hemlock.

He was too busy admiring the lights beside him to notice us.

“Hem!” I shouted followed by Kensei whistling to him.

“Ya know I can’t whistle! Damn you.” I turned to Kensei who grinned and looked back over to Hemlock who nodded back. Taking his time approaching us three, Hem soon stood beside us.

“Hey guys! Hope tonight’s gonna be fun.” said Hemlock still admiring the lights nearby.

“Damn straight!” Agreed FireSpeed.

Although we done the planning and setting up, Xenon Draft had hired some royal acquaintances to serve us and manage tonights doings.

“Hey as I was leaving the gardens I could just about see the girls walking this way.” Said Hemlock pointing his head in the direction of the path.

The four of us all turned to look towards the gates and waited for the mares to arrive.

“There they are.” I said as the the girls walked into view, making their way up the path.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Camouflage coming slowly into our sight in their amazing dresses. The lights on either side of them brought out each and every colour that they wore upon them.

Rainbow Dash looked absolutely stunning in her dress!  White as the most clear snow all over with a rainbow decorated trim. The lights practically bounced off of her dress. The colours of the rainbow gleaming and the white sparkling.

Camouflage wore her dress as well as she did her dog tags round her neck. Which of course she kept on. All bright green with a chocolate brown trim. Suiting her coat very well!

Fluttershy looked quite fitting in her’s too. A soft pink as the main and a gold trim. Looking very comfortable on her.

Dash stood in between Fluttershy on her right and Camouflage on her left as they walked towards us together. Camo wore her usual cheery smile, Fluttershy with her eyes amazed by her surroundings and Rainbow a grin knowing she looked awesome.

Each of them had a dress for the night and to suit them in particular.

“Wow.” Said FireSpeed.

“Hahahaha! They look amazing!” I agreed in such amazement.

“Beauty before us.” Added Hemlock to ours.

“Fluttershy...” Whispered Kensei but I think only I heard. His eyes wide and his balance slightly put off as he gazed on at Fluttershy. Looking back at Dash I almost felt my body fall over my hooves.

The three mares of our night now stood before us, taking notice of our suited selves.

“What do ya think?” Said Dash grinning still and standing as she usually did with pride in her stance. The dress looked so great on her.

“Ya look amazing Dash! Suits you perfectly!” I replied stepping closer towards her.

Dash’s grin grew into a larger smile. “You don’t look too bad yourself Light.” We both quickly hugged before I now stood beside her.

“Everypony looks so great!” Exclaimed Camouflage taking a good look at all of us individually.

“Right back at ya.” Said Hemlock smiling at Camouflage.

Camouflage blushed a little with a giggle at Hem’s compliment.

“Hey Kensei....you look nice tonight.” Fluttershy nervously stepped closer next to Kensei as his cheeks grew slightly red.

“Thanks. You look beautiful in that dress.” With Kensei’s reply Fluttershy’s cheeks grew almost as red as roses and hid a little behind her mane.

Dash had to put a hoof to her mouth to stop her from giggling at them.

“Here we are at last everyone! Damn tonight’s gonna be awesome!” I exclaimed amongst the group.

Kensei stepped forward a little and went from nervous to ready and confident. His usual self.

“Alright guys and gals. The night is young and so are we. There’s food, drinks, music and the six ponies I need to make tonight awesome! Now are we gonna have a good time!?” Announced Kensei. At times  Kensei could be quite the leader type.

“Hell yeah!” Me, Rainbow Dash and FireSpeed all replied at once.

“Then let’s do this!” Said Kensei and just in time as well. The doors to the hall were opened! Two stallions standing by the sides and observing us as we strolled on in.

The halls looked so magnificent! The lighting brought out the different coloured banners and paint. Each and every table laid out with decorations on each single one. Half of the hall was filled with separated tables while the other half was clear for dancing.

Spotlights at each top corner of the room. A long table extended from one end of the hall to the center was covered with food and drinks. Munchies, nibbles and cravings of our desire displayed upon such a table.

“Hahaha! Just epic!” Said FireSpeed as we stepped further into the hall.

“Oh my Celestia look at the food!” Hemlock adored in awe at the amount of grub at hoof.

“Sorry to do this guys but I gotta get to my station!” Said Kensei pointing to the machine of tonights music at the other end of the hall.

“Dude without you we wouldn’t have the tunes to keep us dancing. Go strut ya stuff.” I replied placing a hoof on his shoulder.

“Hehe. I won’t let ya down!” Added Kensei turning to walk off.

“Ermm Kensei?” Said Fluttershy causing Ken to quickly turn round.

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“Can I ermm....come to?”

“Of course Flutters! Come on!” Replied Kensei grabbing Fluttershy by her hoof and trotting off. The two of them soon across the hall and at the music maker.

The five of us all walked over to the dance floor as more ponies entered the hall.

Within a couple of minutes the hall was populated with ponies! Stallions and Mares all in their own designed suits and dresses. Some going to the food and others around us on the dance floor.

“Testing...ermmm hello!?” The sound of Fluttershy’s usual soft voice echoed throughout the hall and not as quiet as normal. “Is...is this on?”

“Bahahaha! Ahahaha!” Dash again had to place a hoof over her mouth but couldn’t stop herself from laughing.

“Thanks Fluttershy.” Kensei’s voice replaced Fluttershy’s over the microphone. “Hey everypony are ya’ll ready to party!?!?” Announced Kensei Coal as he stood proudly in his place behind the tool of his art.

“YEAH!!!!!” The hall erupted with everypony synchronised at once in agreement.

“Then let’s get this party started!!!” And with that the spotlights spun round and aimed at the dance floor. A huge disco ball descended from the ceiling bringing a rainbow selection of new lights to the hall.

The atmosphere went from thriving to booming as Kensei put on the music! Loud, fast and just like Kensei......more than enough to get ya dancing!

“Let’s go Dash!” I said breaking into my own style of dance as did everyone else around us.

“Hehe. Bring it Flash!” Replied Rainbow Dash as she joined in.

The room was suddenly engulfed with the tunes of awesomeness. The dance floor covered with raving ponies and their best and worst dancing moves.

Fast, quick and in a flash everyone’s hooves meeting intune with the beat of Kensei’s rythme. Deep in various styles of moves, everypony just started and couldn’t stop!

About half an hour into our prom and we had all been deep in dance still! The juices flowing and the dance floor pumping! Kensei had so much music to keep us all busy so far.

Myself, Dash, Speedy, Camo and Hemlock all stepped off of the dance floor. Each of us a little sweaty and slightly exhausted.

“Damn Speedy! I didn’t know how much of a good dancer ya were!” I said as the five of us walked past some tables.

“Hehe thanks! You ain’t so bad yourself!” Replied FireSpeed. Anything we said, we had to shout pretty much. The hall was ear thumpingly loud with Kensei’s awesome music and everypony’s dancing.

“Hey you guys wanna grab some grub?” Suggested Hemlock.

“Sure!”

“The Sooner we eat the sooner we can get back out there!” Said Camouflage with a hop in her step.

The five of us all lined up behind each other, beside the table of food. Trays of various and ranges of snacks! Pizza, salad, crisps, chocolate, cakes, muffins, sandwiches and more! Not to mention  the drinks. From energy drinks to milkshakes and fruit juices.

Each of us grabbed a plastic plate and gazed at the selection of food.

Hemlock picked up two or three bits of each food with his mouth and placed it onto his plate. The rest of us just chose a few in total.

“You hungry Hem?” I said as we all left the food and walked over to an empty table.

“Very! Plus this pizza looks great!” Replied Hemlock as the five of us sat down around a circular table. Decorated with a red cloth covering its plain old looks. White napkins spread evenly apart around the edges. A single candle lit in the middle.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard such great music!” Said Camouflage nodding her head to the on beating tunes.

“This is Kensei for ya!” I replied munching into my muffin and eating it whole. They are mini muffins!

The other four jumped into their array of snacks and munchies. Banging their heads in tune with the beating rhythm occasionally when we weren’t eating. The food was great and we couldn’t help but get up for more!

“Hey has anyone seen Derpy around?” Asked FireSpeed taking a sip of his punch.

I and Hemlock both shrugged before hearing a crash at the table behind us. All of us turning our heads to instantly look upon what was Derpy laying upside down, next to a flipped table.

A few muffins laying on her belly as the clumsy mare laid still with her eyes still spinning. The table on its side and the candle on the floor and luckily no longer burning! The cloths sent flying but Derpy’s dress was still clean and almost unaffected!

“Bahahahahaha!” Dash broke out in laughter and almost falling off her chair. I couldn’t help but join her!

“Derpy are you ok!?” Hemlock slightly panicked and jumping out of his seat to help her.

Derpy’s eyes came to a halt and back in their opposite positions. “I just don’t know what went wrong!?”

Dash and  I still keeping our balance on our chairs as we couldn't stop laughing. Derpy jumping to her hooves with Hemlock's help.

“Thanks!” Said Derpy before leaning down and  biting into a muffin, carrying it to her own table.

“At least I helped her.” Said Hemlock returning to his seat.

“Come on Hem, ya know that was funny!” I replied with the same huge grin on my face.

“Hahaha! Derpy’s always gonna be her clumsy old self.” Added Dash.

“Okay it is kinda funny.” Said Hem taking a bite out of his pizza.

With Lightning Flash and the others biting into their party food, Kensei was still busy at his best. Creating music that is absolutely head banging and hoof stomping. Fluttershy by his side as he placed yet another song on.

“Your amazing Kensei.” Said Fluttershy but her timid little voice was no match compared to the tunes of Kensei Coal.

Kensei stood proud on his pedestal, the DJ of the night. Playing the tunes he loved and standing beside the mare he adored.

Leaving the record to play, Kensei stepped down from his place behind Vinyl’s music cannon.

“Hey Fluttershy, you wanna help?” Asked Kensei  as he stared into her eyes.

“Really? Oh..but I don’t know how to?” Replied Fluttershy.

“Here let me show ya.”   Kensei  swung a wing over Fluttershy and walked her behind the machine. “Just press this gently against the record and  I’ll do the rest.” He smiled kindly turning to her after his words.

Fluttershy, still nervous,  smiled back and did as Kensei said. Holding the needle to the spinning record. The music changed a little in speed and volume. Fluttershy noticed the change more than anypony else and panicked until she felt the touch of Kensei’s hoof upon her shoulder.

He turned to her and smiled. The music still sounded great as everypony carried on dancing to it. With his touch on her and his face smiling at her, Fluttershy soon calmed again. With a few tweaks and button presses by Kensei Coal, the current song changed from loud and fast to booming once again!

“I’m doing it!” Fluttershy exclaimed with a huge smile on her face as she now stood happily next to Kensei.

Kensei couldn’t take his eyes off of her for a second. Watching her smile and be so happy.

“Hey look! I think that’s Fluttershy up there with Kensei!” Said Dash pointing to the two of them at the other end of the hall.

“Yeah! Go Fluttershy!!!” I yelled but the volumes of music were too much to compete with.

“Who knew Fluttershy could be a DJ?” Said FireSpeed before returning to his drink and cake.

The five of us sat eating, telling jokes and pretty much just doing our usual thing when we talked. Camouflage was still getting used to being around us but we made her feel in good company. She just got confused when we would discuss events she never saw!

“So did it feel toasty being a fireball?” Asked Hemlock with a giggle looking over to FireSpeed. Our previous conversation resorting back to Skyline. and then leading to FireSpeed’s come to firepower!

“Knowing ya have fire at your hooves and wings while being a living fireballl” Speedy took a sip of his drink before continuing. “It feels pretty awesome.”

“Not as cool as breaking the sound barrier and creating an awesome rainbow!” Replied Dash as she sat up with pride on her face.

“Guys please! Nothing is as epic as creating Lightning and beating ya both in a race!” I said resting both of my front hooves onto the table. Dash giving me one of her determined and competitive looks, FireSpeed laughing before biting into some more grub.

“Oh yeah? After tonight, the three of us are gonna race! No sonic rainbooms, no turning  into a fireball and NO lightning!” Dash slammed her hoof onto the table and declared.

“Deal!”

“Alright!”

It was settled and kept me anticipating for the race!

After about ten more minutes of eating and talking,the five of us all stepped onto the dance floor once again. Now with our bellies filled a bit more, we were ready to move again!

“Now this next song is for all those with a special somepony!!!” Kensei’s voice roared across the hall from his stand. The hall went silent for a second before the record began to spin.

Slowly but softly the most gentle music to our ears was heard. As smooth as a   the sky is blue and as calming as the night was young.

Almost everypony around us began to come closer to another. Picking their partners and drifting to the music.

I turned to Dash who did the same , perfectly synchronised in time. Our eyes locked into each others, staring deep. My heart felt this sudden wave of......I’m not too sure how to describe it. That sense of knowing true love.

Looking at the one you love more than anyone or anything else. Not for the first time but just enjoying the feeling again. Something you can never lose. I’m not sure why but  this moment, the hall, the music, the night and the best and most special pony in front of me.

All was perfect.

As mine and Dash’s eyes were caught in each other’s stare, our hooves slowly moved with the music. Our bodies coming closer until our noses touched. Dash slowly beginning to smile. That soft and beautiful look on her face. I couldn’t help but smile back.

I rubbed my nose against hers, gently before leaning further forward and brushing her cheek with my own. Closing my eyes to only feel her soft coat against mine.  Stepping ever so more forward until our necks were aligned. Our styled manes in touch with each others.

My hooves becoming interlinked with the peaceful music, slowly  stepping to the side but  keeping my neck against Dash’s. She noticed what I was doing and followed my movements. As if by naturally moving to the music in a slow stepping circle. Rainbow Dash seemed to rest her head onto me some more., obviously more comfortable.

I couldn’t help but smile as I opened my eyes to see my beautiful mare resting onto me in the bright light. Her hooves following mine. Her dress so perfectly fitting her amazing figure.

Her coat soft to the touch against mine and our manes simultaneous in colour.

“I Love you Lightning.” I heard Dash say softly into my ear. No interruption in her steps or movement.

“I Love you too Rainbow.”

Chapter Twenty Six: A Heroic Debt. A Lover's Reward.

Chapter Twenty Six

(This Chapter DOES include Clopping material and sexual nature. My first time writing clop as I tried to use appropriate words without it turning into some cheap description of sexting. For those that do not enjoy this then please read up to when the hotel is mentioned. All before that is important. All after that point is clop. Enjoy my fellow friends! )

With the sound of Fire Speed's words, the three of us didn’t hesitate to zoom off into the dark night sky.

Our wings fell back, our heads focused ahead of us and our bodies all in line as our speeds increased.

Usually when the three of us had a race it varied on who won. This time seemed more serious than the others but at the same time with us all being at our own levels of drunk....it would seem funny to the ponies below.

“Is this all we got!? Come on you two!” Shouted FireSpeed before he picked up even more speed and flew ahead. Myself and Dash followed without a second thought.

More and more clouds appeared and as they did we soared past them. We were far from the halls now, the lights of the Prom back behind us were not to be seen even out of the corners of our eyes.

The city of Canterlot stood lit and filled with ponies below us. Street lamps and festive lights were the only things lighting up the buildings.

“You two are soooo slow!” Said Dash in her very drunk and far from sober voice. She looked at both me and Speedy before Dashing ahead even more.

Were we actually doing this? Racing above the royal city while drunk out of our minds almost?

“Aww come on Dashie!” I spoke aloud and pelted forward through the wind. “We got a while to go before I beat you both!”

Ya know what? This could be fun!

Or maybe that was the drinks talking....

“Oh yeah! BRING IT!” Replied FIreSpeed in a slightly more aggressive tone. The three of us were back in an equal line of speed again.

“I CAN’T wait to see you two weeping when I wipe the clouds with ya! Hahaha!” Said Dashie, she began to sound more and more drunk as we flew. While focusing my mind on what was in front of me, I looked beside me to see Speedy.

His eyes began to glow a bright orange, his mane the same colour as usual but with what seemed to be a flame appear from near the end of it.

“I’M GONNA WIN THIS!” Shouted FIreSpeed as his eyes now lit up with fire. Literally turning into mini fireballs but with a black pupil in each one still. His tail began to thrive with fire as did his matching mane.

“FOR ME! SO I CAN SHOW THOSE IDIOTS AT THE ACADEMY! WHO’S SO GOOD NOW!” He continued to shout, not even in his usual aggressive voice but now different somehow. I could only guess it was the alcohol.

Wait...how could I not notice this! It was so familiar!

“NO PONY CAN BEAT ME!” Fire Speed’s body combusted into flames as he was swarmed with heat. His coat turned completely into fire and both his mane and tail liquidated, melting into flying flames. Literally.

Now I remember! Aah this cider had really taken it’s toll on me.

FireSpeed was getting more and more angry and for no reason at all! If we couldn’t calm him down soon then our race might turn into an emergency call to Canterlot’s fire department.

“Speedy! STOP!” I demanded as around his entire body a wall of fire spread, he was quickly burning into a flying fireball. Just like he had done before. Usually this was normally bad due to the fact of him being angry but while drunk?

“Woah! Look at you!” Shouted Rainbow Dash as Speedy began to cut through the air in front of us.

“AHHH IT FEELS SOOO GOOOOD!!!” FireSpeed almost moaned as he yelled, his body was entirely engulfed into a ball of fire now. This was far from bad.

“Hahaha! What a trick FireSpeed! WOOH!” Dash exclaimed as she focused both of her eyes on him. She soared forwards even faster as she cut through the air herself.

“FIRESPEED!” I shouted at the top of my lungs but as I watched hims burn through the sky, my eyesight became blurry. My eyelids drooped every so often without command. I shook my head and tried to gather a sense of what was in front of me.

From the dark and deep sky above a huge storm of clouds erupted and began to unload a shower down upon us and the proud city.

Rainbow Dash was directly in front of me as she split through the air. Her dress was being pushed to it’s limit against her increasing speeds and the weather. The continuing downpour of water began to soak my coat and mane, not to mention blur my sight a little.

“Oh yeah FireSpeed!? Try this on for size!” Dash said as she flew side to side before zooming forwards and started to cut through the air at the speed of sir fireball over there.

“BOTH OF YOU STOP!” My shouts landed on deaf ears and drunken spirits. My energy was still high though. I had to bring a halt to our race before someone got hurt or out of control.

Rainbow stared at FireSpeed as she kept her front hooves straight and laid out, soaring straight through the barrier of air. I could even see where the wind curved over and around her. She was only trying to attempt what I could imagine to be the Sonic RainBoom. Why now!?

“Come on! Come on!” I could just about hear Dash’s hopeful words to herself. As her eyes left the sight of FireSpeed she looked forward. “OH BUCK!”

“DASHIE!” I yelled so loud my voice screeched at the end of her name.

Rainbow without noticing had only a split second to see a cluster of thundering clouds, within each one contained a constant substance of lightning.

FireSpeed was too drunk to notice and carried on flying ahead.

Without any second thinking, no doubt or questioning or even another breath. I forced all of my weight and speed forward towards the striking clouds as any sight of Dash was gone. As my body made contact with the barrage of clouds I only felt more...powerful. More energetic and stable, my eyelids ceased to droop and all of my senses began to return to normal.

“RAINBOW DASH! WHERE ARE YOU!” I shouted as loud as my lungs could make me. I carried on flying through the cluster of clouds but my search was in vain as Dash was nowhere to be seen. I dived down and into the showering clearer sky.

“DASH!” I saw the rainbow maned mare falling through the air below me, her body seemed to just drop without any resistance. No struggle or...or life. Her wings were spread as they seemed to slow her down but only by a few seconds more.

“I’m coming Dashie, just hold on. Please just hold on!” I said to myself as I dived straight down and chased after my beloved mare.

I held both front hooves out in front as I felt the night’s air bash against my eyes and face. My entire body was soaked and my suit was burned from the clouds of lightning. Rainbow’s falling body was going so fast I had to use every bit of energy and strength in me to come closer to her.

I could feel tears running down my cheeks but they were no different from the many drops of rain. As I got ever so closer to Dash in her freefall, I could see her closed eyes, her wet face and burnt dress.

“Just a little closer!” I shouted aloud, still holding my hooves out in front of me. Dash was still far below me, far out of my reach.

As my heart continued to pump too fast for me to keep up with, my breaths panicked and fast, I only just noticed that it was merely seconds before Dash will hit the ground. Seconds until I could lose her!

I couldn’t bare it! I Couldn’t lose her! Without her I’m nothing! I NEED HER!

I closed my eyes and more tears began to flood down my cheeks and smear all over my face. Not noticing it at first but a few small portion of sparks started to gather around my wings and torso. My wings sparked at their edges and all I could think was the thought of losing Rainbow Dash.

My eyes still closed and my body still diving through the air but for a moment everything went absolutely silent.

“I love you Lightning.”

I heard her voice speak to me and upon hearing that I felt it. My heart ceased to beat as I opened my eyes and pulled it off. Without even meaning to I activated the FlashBang and now only a legs length in front of me was Dash.

I reached out both of my front hooves and grabbed her under her wings, pulling her into me tight and close before shooting up and forwards as the ground lurked a couple of meters below us.

“I DID IT! I GOT YOU! DASHIE!” I shouted until my lungs were sore. I embraced every second her soaking wet coat was against mine. Her torn and burnt dress brushed against my damaged suit.

I could quickly feel my body becoming more weak and instead seeked out a cloud to land on. Luckily there were definitely enough and I touched hooves down onto the one closest. Resting Rainbow Dash on her back I checked to see if she was still breathing by placing and leaning my face down over her mouth.

I felt the warm and moist feel of her breath land on my cheek and that was enough to make me smile.

“Thank you, thank you!”

I reared my head back up and noticed her chest had begun to inflate and deflate like normal. What a relief! As I checked the rest of her for any injuries I saw just how burned she had really gotten. Both of Dash’s wings were patterned with small black burns and her mane too. Luckily none of them looked serious but all I cared about was waking her up.

“Wake up Dash, come on!” I said loudly against the night’s on pouring rainstorm and thunder. Not to which I must have added to as well with my trick. If I hadn’t have pulled that off then....ya know what I don’t even wanna think about what if.

“Come on! It takes more than that to beat the great Rainbow Dash!” I shouted as I stood over her. All of a sudden her head lunged up and forward as she coughed hard.

“Oh thank buck...” I said as she sat up on the cloud, clearing her throat and quickly opening her eyes. She began to start gasping for air and spun her head round to see me. Upon her eyes meeting my own she leapt onto me with a hug and gripped me tight.

“It’s okay..I got you. I got you Dashie.” I said as I wrapped a fore leg round her back and let my head rest into her mane.

She dug her head into my mane and on my neck. I could feel just a couple of tears dampen my coat even more. Dash’s entire body shook a little by little as she held onto me so tightly.

“I..I...how can I ever repay you!?” Asked Dash as she stayed on me.

“You don’t need to. Think of it as a debt repaid for saving my flank all those years ago.” I replied with a smile, Dash let go of me and sat on her flank as she giggled with a big smile. “At least ya didn’t get that awesome mane burnt off.” I added.

“Hehehe. What would you do without me anyway? Not to mention miss my awesome antics.” Replied Dashie, more cheery in her voice.

“I can’t even imagine.” I said with a grin as I reached out and stroked her slightly burnt mane. Rainbow smiled and blushed a little.

“I love you Lightning.” Said Rainbow Dash as she looked straight into my eyes.

“I love you too Rainbow.” I replied as I continued to stroke her mane.

She leant forward and kissed me straight on the lips, our lips smothered each other’s for a few seconds before she fell back onto her plot.

“Could we...not tell anyone else about this?” Asked Dashie.

“Sure thing.”

“Wait...what if they ask about my dress? Or the burns?” Said Dash as she looked back and down over her body.

“I’ll think of something.”

She smiled and got to her feet, checking herself over again for any injuries.

“Wait! Crap I forgot already!” I shouted as I opened my wings and hovered into the air. “We need to find FireSpeed!”

Rainbow Dash opened her wings and joined me in the air. “Where to?”

“This way I think!” I said before I flew off in the direction where I last saw Speedy disappear to.

The two of us flew against the night;downpour of rain as we soon found a fire trail left in the sky by Speedy. As the trail being our only but obvious indicator, we followed it.

“Hey, ya seem a lot less drunk now.” I said, turning my head to Dash.

“Huh?....Oh yeah! That was soo weird.” Replied Rainbow Dash.

“Odd, ya think maybe the lightning has something to do with....I dunno. Maybe helping stabilize you?”

“That’d be cool. Maybe it did make me more sober. I think I prefer being like this anyway.” Said Dash as she smiled.

After a couple of minutes the fire trail came to an end and we were still without luck of finding FireSpeed.

“Damn it! Where the hell is he!?” I shouted as I scanned the ground below with my eyes until I noticed a hill with smoke arising from behind it. “There!”

Me and Rainbow both flew over and past the hill to find a burning crater in the ground. The surrounding smoke was too thick to see through.

We both flew down the crater and landed, walking through the smoke until we reached the bottom of the big hole.Only to find a stallion’s body...FireSpeed.

His mane and tail were no longer flames and for the rest of his body, everything was back to normal. Except for his burning eyes, still alight with a small flame in each.

“Speedy!?” Shouted Dash as we both approached him, he shook in place where he laid.

“NO!” Replied FireSpeed as he jumped up into the air and hovered for a second before falling again.

“Please....stay back.” FireSpeed moaned as he slowly got up to his hooves and shook his head.

“Dude....it’s okay. Everything is okay.” I said with a smile as he looked up at me.

FireSpeed sighed and looked at both mine and Dash’s smiling faces.The flames in his eyes were extinguished. “Yeah, yeah it is.”

“Now, let’s leave this all to another time to tell ponies and for right now? Let’s go find the others!” I said as I bro hoofed FireSpeed. The three of us hovered into the air and began to fly back towards the hall.

“Sorry about all of that. I guess that cider got the better of us eh?” Said Speedy.

“Hehe Sure did.” Replied Dash.

Together we all flew through the dark night’s sky, the rain still continued to pour down on us. Each three of us had burns on our outfits...well Speedy actually had nothing but burnt parts stuck to his coat.

After a short but now much more enjoyable journey back where we came from, us three soon reached the hall where outside the main doors stood our friends.

“Well this should be interesting.” I said as they spotted us in the sky, our slow descent towards them caused them to run over. All three of us landed in dodgy synchronization.

“Where the hell have you been!?” Demanded Hemlock.

“Who won!?” Asked Kensei Coal.

“Oh my...FireSpeed.” Said CloudChaser as she wobbled in her stance.

Fluttershy was still glued to Kensei as she leant her entire body against him. While all of the others just inspected us with their eyes. Kinda creepy.

All five of them stared at us with blank faces before cheering and raising their hooves in the air.

“Wow! You lot are awesome!” Camouflage exclaimed.

“Damn...guess ya gonna have to have another race huh?” Said Kensei.

“Hell yeah! Just not tonight though, we have some plans.” Said Dashie as she turned to me and winked, she wore a smile that looked seductive.

“Ermmm yeah. We’re gonna be really busy!” I replied looking at the others.

“Awww can’t ya hang around for a little while?” Said Fluttershy, still drunk and dizzy like before.

“Nah sorry Fluttershy, Hahaha, we should probably be off.” Replied Rainbow Dash as she still found the sight of a drunk Fluttershy hilarious.

“I think I’m gonna head off too you know.” Said FireSpeed as he yawned.

“Hey FireSpeed.” CloudChaser said as she stepped closer to the stallion in burnt shredded cloth. “I wasn’t given a roommate in the hotel and....I’d...I’d hate to be alone on such a great night.” CloudChaser’s tone seemed to send a chill down FireSpeed. His eyes widened and it looked like he was resisting to raise his wings.

“Su-sure! Let me escort you to the hotel.” Replied FireSpeed as he offered her a hoof.

“Thank you.” Said CloudChaser as she took a hold of his hoof. Speedy opened up his wings and flew them both off into the sky, gliding towards the hotel.

“So what are you guys and gals gonna do?” I asked, looking at them all.

“Well if anypony’s still got some dance left in them, I’m still up for some partying!” Replied Kensei Coal as he turned and trotted into the hall, Fluttershy close behind him as Camouflage followed.

“Hahaha well I guess ya better follow them.” I said looking at Hemlock.

“May as well, I think there’s still some food left!” Replied Hem as he turned and followed the others.

“Soo, you ready for a hero’s reward?” Asked Dash as she turned my head with a very seductive look on her face.

I knew exactly where this was going, after being together for this long, I knew exactly when Dash was in the mood for some special fun.

“Hehe I think I am” I replied with a wink as I held out a hoof, Dash grabbed it with her own as we began to hover into the sky. Together the two of us flew ever so fast down the long royal path, into the main  area of Canterlot and soon near the hotel.

“There he is!” Shouted Golden Bark as he still stood behind his desk, I had just opened the door for me and Rainbow as he spotted us.

“Hey dude!” I shouted back as the lobby was much more empty now. We approached Golden as he finished putting away a book.

“Well I guess you haven’t come back stumbling through the door! Either you’re a heavy weight or there wasn’t any drinking!” Said Golden Bark with a chuckle.

“Oh we got our cider alright.” Said Dash with a smile.

“Hahaha well ya both seem to have tackled it well.....I’m not gonna ask about the outfits.” Replied Golden Bark as he raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, probably best we don’t talk about it.” I said as me and Rainbow started to walk past the desk and towards the stairs.

“Glad to hear ya both had a great night! Sleep well.” Said Bark as we stepped up the stairs.

We made our way to our floor and found our room. I stepped forward and opened the door for me and Dash, closing it after we entered.

“Come on.” Said Rainbow Dash as she slowly climbed onto the bed ,the covers a cream colour which matched the pillows. The sheet underneath was a pure white. Her hooves slowly stepped and creased the neat quilt. She got into the centre as I joined her on the bed.

Dash quickly grabbed me by the neck and swung me around and onto my back. My entire body fell onto the comfortable bed covers. Rainbow stood over me and smirked as she leaned towards my face.

Our lips met with a long passionate kiss while I felt her hoof slowly stroke down my chest.

Our mouths separated as she reared her head back up.

“Gotta get these torn clothes off of ya.” Said Dash, her voice so seductive now. Her eyes gleaming with a hint of romance. She bit into my shirt and ripped apart where the center joined. The rest of my shirt and suit became much more loose, what was left of it anyway.

I had become so relaxed that I didn’t want to move but I quickly managed to rip off the rest of my suit.

“Hehehe, now here we go.” Said Rainbow Dash as she went back in for another kiss, This time our lips separated and our tongues met in each others mouths. A hoof of hers was slowly stroked down my chest. My entire body began to thrive for what was to come. Our tongues soon entangled each others and smothered the inside of our mouths.

Me and Dash had done dirty things, private and very fun things together when we’re alone. We never got extremely serious though, ya know...with intercourse. Wasn’t sure if either of us was ready or if both of us were just making the anticipation build up for that day. We had only done things with our hooves before, I think Dash had something more than that planned for me.

Dash’s soft but firm hoof continued down my chest until it soon came closer to my waist. where I reached up a hoof and placed it against her flank. Slapping her right on the cutie mark as she jumped in place. Our tongues still busy in twists and turns. I continued to rub her plot with my hoof as I moved closer and closer towards her tail, at the same time my breaths became deeper as Dash reached down and placed her hoof on my now erect stallion hood.

As she began to rub me slowly but soon speeding up, her wings opened up without warning and stayed spread. Her head tilted up and our mouths slowly left each others as drops of saliva dripped from her tongue onto mine before she stepped backwards. Rainbow Dash’s hoof still busy in working it’s magic down on my crotch, I looked down to see Dash smile at me before tucking her head in between my rear legs.

I tilted my head back onto a pillow as the touch of Dash’s tongue licked against my more hard and personal piece. My wings spread to my sides in a second, stiff and straight as Rainbow Dash continued to stroke my crotch with her tongue. She reached up with a hoof and rubbed my belly, her lips pressed against my cock as she kissed it. Again and again. Moving her mouth further down until reaching the bottom of my hard shaft and meeting her tongue with my other two stallion parts.

I couldn’t help but begin to moan as she smothered my crotch with just her tongue and lips. She raised her head and smiled up at me as she licked her lips.

I raised my head and looked into her eyes as she drove her mouth down onto my cock, letting it slide between her parted lips. At the touch of her warm mouth surrounding my stallion hood, I had to reach forward with a hoof and place it on Dash’s head, she started off slow but soon sped up as she sucked harder on my thriving piece. My body began to fill with adrenaline and heat up so much it felt amazing.

I pushed her head down further as she took in more of my hard member inside of her wet and slowly dripping mouth. I had no resistance as I let Dash spend the next coming minutes having her way with me.

Without noticing, I heard moans escape my lips as I was overcome with pleasure. Dash’s head bobbed up and down as fast as she could go, I could feel a build up begin to get ready to flow in my crotch.

The feel of Rainbow’s tongue and lips against my stallion hood was so rough yet perfectly soft. In a jolt of energy, I began to thrust ever so slightly into her mouth as she pumped away, sucking faster and stronger.

The hoof of hers on my belly had stopped and reached back down and closer to Dash.

A loud moan, more louder and ecstatic than any other escaped my lips. Followed by a yell as I unloaded my fillings into Dash’s mouth. The hot sensation as my load shot from my cock and into her throat. Rainbow Dash began to slow down as I took my hoof off of her head. She came to a slow stop with sucking and lifted her head off of me. Licking her lips as she looked straight into my eyes, before leaning closer towards me.

I let my head fall back but only for a few seconds as my breath slowed down slightly. I tilted my neck forward and up as I noticed that Rainbow had one of her forelegs stretched underneath her belly and near her hind quarters.

Quiet moans left her wet and licked lips as I grabbed her by the neck with both front hooves and rolled her over onto her back. Her forehoof was still embedded between her hips as she continued to pleasure herself.

“My turn now Dash.” I said in a low tone before dipping my head down and placing a hoof onto her sealed, tight private lips between her hind legs.

I pushed away her hoof and replaced it with my own as I rubbed her slowly and gently, in a circular motion my touch roughened against her body. Soon speeding up, I dug my hoof harder and in between her tight opening, a gasp came from Dash as she moaned louder than before.

I pushed my now wet hoof further inside of Rainbow Dash. I looked up at Dash as I began to slide my hoof back and forth slightly. She was so tight that there wasn’t enough space to fit an entire hoof past a few inches of course! Her head had fell back just as I did before. Moaning and deep breathing came from her hard worked over lips.

I smirked and pumped my hoof faster inside of Dash’s tight hole, taking barely any mercy in being gentle.

Dash’s moaning continued as I worked my magic on her sensitive section, my hoof now beginning to drip in her juices that flowed out of her private lips.

With my spare hoof I grabbed hold of Rainbow Dash’s plot and lifted her up long enough to reach forward and underneath her, towards her tail. Her perfect and sweaty plot fell down on my now stroking hoof as I massaged her from both ends. For another few minutes, Dash was in the pleasure of my hooves.

I rubbed my second hoof roughly against Dash’s plot until soon coming closer to her back hole. A shiver was sent through her body as I felt my hoof dig against her rear end. A moan turned into a gasp as I circled Dash’s rear hole.

“I’m...I’m gonna!” Dash shouted as a wave of her juices gushed out of her tight but opened lower lips. My hoof had become drenched in the warm liquid as I slowly pulled it out of her body.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes focused down on me as I looked at my now dripping hoof but before getting up. I licked some of Dash’s private fluid off of my hoof, this must have sent a few more things through her head as she rested backwards into the pillows.

“Lightning.....that was.....amazing.” Said Dash in a soft tone, her body exhausted and now in a state of not wanting to move at all.

“You’re telling me. I haven’t felt nearly that great before.” I replied as I raised myself up before climbing over Dash. Each of my hooves rested beside her on both sides, my wings only just starting to relax as Rainbow raised up a hoof against my chest and pushed me over and onto my back. She rolled over and laid ontop of me as her warm body rested against mine.

The door was shut tight as FireSpeed watched CloudChaser step close to her bed. Her hotel room was no different from anyone else’s.

“Hey FireSpeed...wanna have some fun?” Asked CloudChaser as she climbed onto the bed and fell onto her back. Fire Speed’s eyes went wide as his wings sprung wide apart at the sight of CloudChaser on her back. Legs apart and exposed.

FireSpeed grew a huge grin on his face as he approached the bed and slowly climbed on. His hooves stepped over and around CloudChaser as she laid there exposed, all four of her legs spread and her head leaning back.

“What are you waiting for?” The drunk mare asked as she watched every little move Speedy made. The excited stallion placed his towering body over CloudChaser as she anticipated what was to come.

FireSpeed lowered himself down on top of CloudChaser as he landed his lips against hers, catching the mare in a deep and romantic kiss. CloudChaser opened her mouth wide as she let Speedy work his tongue inside of her mouth.

A hoof of his pressed against the mare’s chest as he quickly worked his way down towards her belly and then further still. Soon reaching her lower haunches as she began to sweat with deep breaths.

“How far you wanna go?” Asked FireSpeed as his moving hoof came in contact with the now wet and tightly closed lower lips of CloudChaser. The mare squirmed at the touch but smiled as Speedy broke away from the kiss to work his magical hoof.

“I’m ready for you.” Replied CloudChaser followed by a hiccup.

FireSpeed pressed his hoof down even further and into the opening of his mare’s private area. His hoof dipped in between her lips as she moaned loudly. Speedy leaned back down, with his hoof still busy he continued their passionate kiss. CloudChaser wanted this even without having the pints of cider in her system. In just a small time of being together but much longer in being classmates. CloudChaser wanted FireSpeed for even more than just this lucky night.

CloudChaser brought up her right front hoof and slapped it right round FireSpeed’s neck, bringing him closer as their seductive and romantic kiss evolved elsewhere. The stallion’s busy hoof was pushed further in and slid from top to bottom as he practically dominated the mare, indulged in pleasure.

CloudChaser moaned in delight as her marehood was fondled. Her crotch became moist as her entire body began to sweat, her breath slow and deep but soon speeding up as FireSpeed worked faster by the second. The overexcited stallion kept his hoof pumping as he stopped kissing his mare to instead bring his head down past her heated chest and soon over her crotch. FireSpeed withdraws his hoof and peers his face further in it’s place before licking his lips.

Speedy’s mouth pressed against CloudChaser’s wet lower opening, his lips spreading as his tongue slowly hung out. He started off slow as he roughly licked and plunged his tongue inside of the mare. Her wings sprung wide open as did FireSpeed’s. His tongue delved deeper as CloudChaser began to squirm and moan louder, one of her front hooves was suddenly placed on top of Fire’s head. Pushing him down against herself as she moaned even louder still, her head reared back in pleasure.

FireSpeed lapped his tongue against CloudChaser like a dog thirsty for water. His lips becoming more wet as he licked out the now soaking crotch of his mare who moaned in absolute pleasure. Both of their bodies so warm and heated in the night atmosphere.

A night that had certainly escalated.

Chapter Twenty Seven: Kensei's Courage.

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.

Chapter Twenty Eight: New House, New Experiences.

Chapter Twenty Eight

We all love birthdays right? I mean...they’re awesome and it’s the one day a year that focuses solely on you. What is there not to love?

Well when the day all about you is the same day you move house….it’s kinda annoying. Especially if it’s the third time you’ve moved house as well and it’s your 19th birthday. At least this time it was to a better and much better house than any of the others, one that I and Rainbow Dash only owned and possessed.

For the past few days, myself and Rainbow had been preparing our move to this new house just above PonyVille. We’d actually helped make some of it, when it came to construction...I let Rainbow take the lead. She seemed to have a very eager fueled plan for some of the style of the house. Well, she tried to take charge of the entire building of it and would happily of done so if the construction Pegasi didn’t ask her to leave ‘em be! Heheheh.

So on the day of my birthday, I got a breakfast in bed early in the morning, even on my birthday I didn’t like to lay in for too long and breakfasts in bed was rare….for me or Dash as neither of us could be awake enough to ever do so! Birthdays excluded of course as can be guessed.

I won’t bore and go over all the events of our moving process, which started right after my great breakfast. It was long, tiring and a pain in the flank to get it all done but certainly worth it. The house was amazing from the outside as well as the inside, rainbows literally dripped off the front edges of the house. Cloud columns were added as decoration and support just around the front door, a reasonably sized cloud was of course worked as the base for the house. Which this base also spread out a little further round the house itself.

From twelve in the afternoon to about almost eight in the evening, everything was finally done. We had to make adjustments here and there, get all of our belongings to the new house and basically...do everything that was needed, in a single day. Totally worth it though and possible thanks to our friends, heheh.

So, the clock that was just placed in our new bedroom, struck the hour of ten in the evening, our house was occupied by just me and Dash alone. Everyone else had retreated to their own business and personally, I was glad. I finally got some time to relax on my awesome day. Oh and for the fact of gifts, I got that all done earlier in the morning or during the day and after dinner, randomly given to by my pals. I shall never be the one to forget about presents, no matter how busy I am!

“Flash…come upstairs soon alright?” Said Rainbow as she made her way to the stairs, sounding tired which of course I couldn't blame her.

“You heading to bed?” I replied, kinda early to hit the hay, well cloud but whenever I said that I’d get the roll of the eyes at a bad joke.

“Maybe…..been a tiring day ya know.” Dash yawned after her words but….for some reason it sounded kinda fake. Her acted yawns were always super obvious.

“Hmmm suit yourself, I’mma head to the bathroom and then I’ll come in…..I’ll be expecting another present when I get in there! Like….I mean I checked under the bed earlier, then the closet...I know ya got one!” I replied, seriously….there must be another present. I shall find it even after Dash goes to bed.

Rainbow Dash made her way up the stairs and into our bedroom.  After a few minutes of just laying back on the sofa downstairs, I decided to head upstairs, go to the bathroom and brush my teeth.

“Flash…..gonna be much longer?” Asked Dash from the bedroom as I was still brushing away.

“Yu...jus….be thur in a secund!” Whatever it sounded like out of my toothpaste and toothbrush filled mouth before spitting out and into the sink.

“Urm….okay.” Replied Dash with a short giggle afterwards.

“I’mma comin...ya know I still got energy in me so I thought the great and fast Rainbow Dash wou-” My words were cut off as first I had to take in the sight before me.

Rainbow Dash laid on the bed, her back against the sheets as her stomach and chest was facing up. Her left front hoof was to her side as her right front hoof held the bed covers over her, covering her chest to the top of her legs but leaving her crotch in view. Her rear legs were spread apart but not too far from normal.

Her face held a cheeky and seductive grin which was nicely complemented by the light pink blushing of her cheeks.

“Remember that extra present you wanted…..it’s all yours.” Said Rainbow Dash as her voice was tongue deep in seduction and her grin grew wider from the probable hilarious look on my face as I stared on. I could feel a sudden strain and stretching in my wings, a struggle between letting them spread and keeping them folded but…

*POMF*

I still couldn’t help it.

“So...ya gonna jump on this bed or just stand and stare?” Asked Dash, a little less seductive sounding and a bit more impatient.

I grinned, feeling a huge stretch on my lips as I stepped closer to the bed before slowly climbing on and crouching down forward. My head ducked down and lifted up the bed covers to allow my face to pass over Dash’s crotch before I crawled my way up and forwards under the covers until our faces met.

“Ya wanna know what makes this night even more special…...birthday boy gets whatever he wants.” Dash said in her seductive tone but a short laugh broke out afterwards.

The grin upon my face grew even more as I stared into Dash’s eyes. Her Magenta glossed eyes which stared right back with anticipation.

“Well ya gonna do something or wha-” I cut off her words in mid sentence as I landed my lips against hers, catching Rainbow in a deep to be kiss. Our lips smothered each others in a fluent and smooth motion. I continued to stare into her eyes as she tried to smile or grin through the kiss before I let my tongue enter her mouth and meet her own tongue.

Both of which played with each others as I pressed myself closer and more intimately against Dash, then wrapping and placing my front right hoof under the back of her neck and pulling her up and as close as she could be to me.

We continued doing so in each other’s grasp for a good few minutes, I could have continued forever but I know this wasn't all of my treat.

Pulling my head back to slowly break our kiss, I brought my hoof from behind Dash’s neck down onto her back as my eyes looked over her furry cyan chest. Her eyes followed my head as I brought myself down lower and nuzzled her belly playfully before bringing my stroking hoof from behind to stroke onto her plot.

Lightning Flash’s eyes still stared onto Dash’s crotch for a little more once his head first towered over the gap between her haunches.

“Aren'’t ya lucky.” Said Rainbow Dash as her eyes still focused down onto Lightning’s head.

The over thrilled stallion had such luxuries similar to this before but not one as full on as the lucky night of his nineteenth birthday. His hoof behind Dash suddenly and quickly forced itself against the left side of her flank, stroking hard against her flesh as Flash’s hoof got lower still. The stallion’s head lowered down some more as the nostrils of his nose slightly twitched with the scent of a sweet smell filling his nose.

From both Rainbow and Lightning, the two Pegasi anticipated what was to come but the eager stallion made sure to make each moment last for it’s potential. His wet and ready tongue licked softly against his own lips before licking his spare front hoof, the same one of which was then pressed gently against Dash’s lower lips. The warmth of the mare’s crotch was almost like a slight aura surrounding the red and white tipped hoof that now stroked down and then up the sensitive region.

The soft and velvety moist feel to the mare’s opening was seen as a treasure to unlock to Lightning Flash but at the same time it wasn’t just a trophy or a win…..none of this was just a success and a win over others. This whole night was an ultimate share and connection of passion and love between the two Pegasi. A milestone that both of them would certainly remember.

A moan escaped Rainbow’s mouth as Lightning’s hoof pressed harder against her opening down below. His hoof steered upwards with the same force as it met with the mare’s sensitive and delicate clit. The rim and curve of his hoof began to dig in a little before slowly rubbing the mare’s more sensitive part. Lightning’s force got harder and more pressured as Rainbow’s breathes became more deep and anticipating, the stallion’s hoof pressed harder as he massaged and rubbed against and around Dash’s clit. The look upon Lightning’s face was that of almost an adult child, he was pumped and thrilled with such a moment but he was certainly not to look at it too immaturely.

A huge smirk remained upon Rainbow’s face as Lightning’s hoof slid down the mare’s slit before suddenly pushing in between her private folds. The wet moist dripping from her crotch soon smothered the stallion’s inserting hoof as it drove itself little by little deeper inside of the excited mare. The inner folds and and walls of Rainbow’s mare parts seemed to cling tightly around Lightning’s hoof which drove itself further in before pulling back and pushing forward repeatedly. Pumping itself back and forth with the occasional stroke upwards as it did so, causing Rainbow Dash to exhale moans of pleasure.

The hoofing or clopping continued for a good few minutes as the speed doubled and the force increased as Flash knew just the way to open up the mare’s lower opening for his next plan. The stallion’s hoof slowly and surely made it’s way backwards but slid itself upwards as it did so until coming out of Rainbow’s now moist and slightly dripping lower lips. Lightning’s tongue dipped out of his mouth and slowly licked against his wet and mare moistened hoof.

The sight of this sent a slight chill or spike of excitement through Rainbow’s body, her face dripped with a couple drops of sweat as her wings had spread open since the first insertion of Lightning’s hoof. The stallion focused his eyes onto Dash’s before looking between her rear legs and lowering his head as his wet hoof pressed against the mare’s left rear leg to push it aside a little more. Lightning kept his slow head dive going until his lips were kept just a few inches from Rainbow Dash’s vagina,now dripping more so with her mare fluid. Her cheeks grew a rosey pink with as she blushed.

Lightning moved his mouth closer and roughly licked around the edge and rim of Rainbow’s marehood. A tingle shot through the mare’s body and up her spine as her stallion lover’s tongue dipped between her pink and luscious lower lips, the taste of her fluids drenched Lightning’s tongue and soon began to enter his mouth more so. A moan escaped Rainbow’s mouth again followed by the same exclamations of pleasure, slowly becoming louder and louder the deeper the stallion’s tongue drove itself inside of her.The velvety feel of her inner folds were an easy tunnel for Lightning’s tongue to drive itself into furthermore until reaching as far as it could go, the stallion’s teeth almost pressed against the coat and skin around Dash’s marehood.

Gasps and moans repeatedly escaped Rainbow’s mouth as her chest rapidly inflated and exhaled itself of air for the next few minutes as Lightning Flash’s tongue lapped itself for the luscious liquids inside of Rainbow’s marehood. Each stroke and lick of his tongue sent uncontrollable shivers of anticipation through Dash’s body, still even more.

“That….the best ya got?” Dash caught her breath and managed to slowly halt her moans as her words caused Lightning to stop in place. His tongue shot upwards inside Rainbow’s marehood, stroking it’s way out as Lightning pulled his head back in reverse until only the tip of his tongue now circled its way round the rim of Dash’s dripping lower opening. A smirk happily grew on Flash’s face before Dash felt her lower body suddenly being lifted up, Lightning’s hoof underneath her plot forced itself upwards and against her backdoor hole. The mare’s crotch almost slamming up and into the stallion’s face as his tongue was placed right back in between Rainbow’s pink and private lips down below her body. A gasp and a squeak helplessly escaped Dash’s mouth as her head fell backwards whilst Lightning’s hoof was still forcefully shoved into her and only an inch or two up her ass. His tongue stroked and slided inside Rainbow’s marehood hole as she couldn’t help but moan until his tongue quickly departed from her and his head rised up.

The stallion’s hoof slid out of his mare’s ass and out from under her before placing both of his front hooves, each one on the bed on both sides of her hips, Rainbow’s plot fell back onto the bed sheets as Flash quickly brought his head up to it’s common height before stepping forward and catching the bed covers over Dash and sweeping them off of her and to the right side of the bed.

“Wh..why d-did ya stop?” Rainbow Dash asked as her voice spoke with sudden disappointment and almost a little sorrow as her moment of pleasure was cut to an end.

“Because this stallion can’t wait any longer.” Lightning replied with a smirk, his tone a mix of seductive and serious as he stepped ever so more forward, each two hooves on beside each side of Rainbow Dash. The mare looked to Flash’s ready face before looking down and under him where her eyes literally became frozen in a stare with a grin upon her face. His stallionhood was hanging stiff, hard and long at at least twelve inches in length, the tip dripped with his erotic and male fluid.

Rainbow’s body soared for this moment, just below her haunches almost ached and itched for more personal treatment from the Pegasi stallion and her mind anticipated the final strike into her marehood….the piece that pointed straight for her as Lightning lowered his head and caught Dash in a slow and deep kiss. The mare could taste her own fluids that still moistened the stallion’s lips, she didn’t care for it though and instead actually enjoyed the taste of herself. Their tongues played against each others just like before.

A matter of seconds passed before the urge within Lightning’s body couldn’t hold back any longer, the stallion with his lips departing from Rainbow’s, he quickly placed each front hoof above each of Dash’s shoulders as he pressed the tip of his stallionhood up against Dash’s sensitive lower opening lips. The stallion lowered his head slightly to Rainbow.

“I won’t be gentle.” Lightning whispered with a grin, before Dash could even respond, the stallion thrusted himself forward and had his member forcefully enter the mare’s wet and fluid dripping marehood. Rainbow gasped and winced as the stallions stiff, long piece was inserted further into her, with another sudden and hard thrust Lightning forced the rest of his stallionhood into Rainbow Dash. His size and length stretched her inside before a shot of pain soared through Dash’s body, she let out a gasp followed by a scream before throwing her head and front legs upwards, wrapping her two front hooves around Flash’s back whilst she closed her eyes. Lightning with his member as far as it could almost go, pumped and thrusted himself back and forth as Rainbow kept herself clung onto him, her body rocked with each motion and the pain was becoming overcome with pleasure.

Rainbow Dash let out constant moans and gasps as Lightning Flash grunted and moaned with each thrust and push against the mare. Rainbow pressed her lips against Lightning's as they quickly shared another kiss before Dash had to pull back and let her head fall back slightly in absolute pleasure.

“I-I...I c-can’t hold it any longer!” L-LIGHTNING!” Rainbow shouted as she could no longer hold back her inner pulses of pleasure, from within her lower lips, a wave of her mare fluid spilled out and over Lightning’s hard and pulsing sex piece. A long and well deserved moan escaped Rainbow’s lips as she tried to pull her head upwards.

As the hot and wet fluid dripped around and covered the stallion’s member, he forced a good few more thrusts against the mare, still rocking her body back and forth with moans before he himself winced and shouted.

“Arrrrr RAINBOW!” Flash’s words were loud and suddenly followed by a masculine moan as from his stallionhood shot warm and thick streams of his semen up and inside of Rainbow’s marehood. This caused the mare to continue to moan a few times more before slowly letting go of Lightning and letting herself fall back onto the bed. Rainbow breathed heavily as did Flash as he slowly pulled himself out of the mare, his eyes looked down and over the pegasus mare’s sweet crotch. Her sensitive and now satisfied lower lips dripped with a mixture of thick white semen, her own mare fluid and a tiny trickle of blood.

“Tha….Lightning….I love you.” Said Rainbow Dash as her head rested back against one of the pillows, her breaths still deep as Flash sat back and onto his flanks before looking at his own stallionhood. It dripped from the tip with his white fluid whilst the majority of it was covered in the mixture of his and Rainbow’s fluids, along with a slight smudge of blood from Lightning penetrating the mare’s sweet virginity.

“I love you Dash.” Came Lightning’s reply with a smile. He stood himself back up as his wings became less stiff but remained slightly spread open as did Rainbow’s. “I love every single part of you.” Flash added as he stepped forward and stood over the mare just like before, he slowly met her in a deep and passionate kiss.

They rested in the moment for a minute before slowly departing their lips from one another.

“What….what do ya say we get ourselves cleaned off.” Said Rainbow with a smirk as she regained her breath and looked to Lightning’s eyes. Their bodies weren’t the only things that needed cleaning now, at least the sheets were gonna get changed at some point, now tonight instead.

“Sure thing Dashie.” Flash replied as he stepped backwards and off of the bed, his stallionhood still hung in it’s pride presentation but had become less stiff.

The two pegasi made their way into their bathroom where they prepared themselves a shower after the night’s special incident. After a few minutes of waiting in the bathroom and tampering with the new water system,the hot water streamed and sprayed from the shower. Flash was the first to make his way in and of course followed by Rainbow.

His mind raced with every thought of every second that had passed just moments ago. He was extactic before, during and still after what had happened, as was Dash who seemed to hide more of it in her teasing ways.

“I hope I didn’t hurt you.” Said Flash, still in a happy and ecstatic tone.

“It hurt….but that’s just the way I wanted it.” Replied Rainbow as she lifted her front right hoof and placed it under Flash’s chest and stroked it further down a little. The mare grinned before pulling back her hoof and then stepping to Lightning’s right side, she lowered herself down in a slight pouncing posture before meeting the stallion’s private member with her lips.

“R-rainbow are you- aahhhh” Lightning’s words were cut short with a moan from himself as Rainbow Dash took Flash’s stallionhood into her mouth and excitedly began to suck and lick the large and now stiffening piece. Lightning continued to moan as Rainbow had her way of “cleaning” the stallion.

All in all, the night for the young stallion and mare was one to certainly be remembered. One that was especially anticipated for by the two of them for a time only each of them knew personally. Their times of seductive fun were to come to an end soon on this night but prolonged for a lot of times to come after, soon and long after just this night of when they would take rest and sleep in their new house. Quite a birthday treat for Lightning Flash.

Chapter One: Discovering My Dreams

                                                                               The Life Of Lightning Flash

                                                                                           Chapter One

If you're reading this then you probably have some sort of idea of who I am. Therefore, you are somepony who is interested in, or perhaps just stumbling upon, the only story I can truly call my own.

My name is Lightning Flash, which I guess might give some insight into how destiny  expected me to shape the world. No easy task, high chance of failure, and yet, I'm not sure I'd swap that raw, youthful ambition for anything Equestria has to offer. It is mine and I own it.

I wasn't always so driven, however.

I was born in Trottingham and lived there for most of my young life. My brother, Storm Flash, and I loved to dare each other and we were in constant competition: especially, for him at least, when flying was concerned. I remember he used to talk of joining the Royal Guard, an older boy's dream my Mother used to say, sometimes forgetting her little foal was nearly sixteen when he first realised his dream. Maybe it was because she was an earth pony, or maybe just too timid, but she never wanted us to pursue aggressive careers, or even pursue careers aggressively. She loved art and loved a pony who educated.

Who'd have thought such hooflums could have been born to such a gentle pair as Mr. & Mrs. Flash?

I feel they brought it on themselves when they called us Lightning and Storm.

At the age of seven I learnt to fly. I didn't think much of it back then being so young, though I don't remember thinking much of anything until high school. By that time, Storm had run off to join the Royal Guard and that really hit me as the first time I experienced intense emotion. I felt abandoned, betrayed by his selfish fixation on what I had always assumed was just a fantasy. It hurt, but I did my best to shoulder the pain and I tried to move on. My parents seemed to have the same idea because no more than a few months passed before we were packing up our lives to go to Manehattan. There I found a taste for art and athletics, and a liking for girls.

Actually, I found my true passion in life while trying to impress a girl. Don't ask me to recite the specifics, they have long been suppressed. No, it the generalities that I find to be more significant in this case. For I gave up my pursuit for female affection and found a passion for volitation in the same. Foalish. Mistake.

Or, to put it another way, I simply began to live up to my ill-chosen name.....

Chapter Twenty One: Planning, Prepping and Pinkie Pie

                                                                                   Chapter Twenty One

"Damn it!" Yelled FireSpeed as he dropped the can of paint that was once firmly in his mouth and now plummeting down towards Blossomforth below him.

*CRASH*

The can of paint hit Blossomforth right on her head and drenched her in an Aqua Blue coating.

"G'AAAAH!" Shrieked Blossomforth dropping her bunting on the wall and getting covered in paint.

Banners half held up because of ponies not paying attention, paint spilt around the hall, bunting dangling from its hooks and pins and pegasai whizzing all over to complete their jobs.

Kensei figeting with an unfamiliar Bass machine, Hemlock and Fluttershy painting banners with a pegasus or two trotting over their work occasionally, me and Dash hovering over everypony else to ensure everything goes to plan and Miss Skyline being a jerk of a boss.

Yeah. None of this was going well or as planned.

Allow me to explain.

More than a year has passed and me and my buddies are all now eighteen years old. This is our final year here at Wingbury Academy. One month till we leave for good and we are now in the middle of planning our Prom night.

The original plan was for the dance to be held in the Academy's main hall for the confirmed night. About three weeks spent discussing and planning in our heads and on paper the arrangements. Two days into the actual practical and physical planning side of things and it was going left instead of right.  We only had four days till the night that was agreed on. We all had our given tasks and jobs.

Kensei was of course in charge of music and anything technical. His personal Bass Cannon was out of commision due to Derpy accidently smashing part of it as she delivered it to the Academy. So this meant using a less reliable one we had hired.

Ya know, all this time since I first knew Derpy Hooves. I always felt sorry for her, although almost all of her clumsy mistakes are hilarious, especially when she doesn't get hurt. Ponies love to take a crack at her and make fun out of her..

Me, Dash and a few other friends would always be there to defend her though. Scaring off any bullies and jerks. Eventually everypony accepted Derpy's ways and the insults and bullying died down.

For everypony else's jobs it was varied. Hemlock was incharge of banners and bunting and so were most ponies. Fluttershy was to gather a flock of birds to sing as a choir for a more calm mode of music.

FireSpeed was the guy of errands. He was to assist anypony who needed help with any job. If somepony needed something found or gathered than Speedy would get it.

Me and Rainbow Dash were put in the place as leaders for the organising. Everypony had their inputs and ideas. We all came together to make everything but myself and Rainbow had to make sure everything went as planned.

Miss Skyline just watched from the sidelines and pointed out any flaws and fixes needed. More of a pain than a planner.

Good thing was that she wasn't bothered enough to intervene so that meant worrying about her less.

So far the hall was clear of any interferences and obstacles in our path. It was also days away from being ready at this pace of ours. Art was being demolished by clueless ponies,  there were too many errands for FireSpeed to keep up with, Kensei was having to work with an unfamiliar bass machine and was not at all happy with it. Me and Dash had both realised that we were way behind schedule.

Oh and to top if all off. None of us had something appropiate to wear for the dance. Not that all of us wanted to wear jewelled dresses and official suits but we all knew that it was sorta needed for such an occasion.

"Speedy!" Screamed Blossomforth as she glared above her at FireSpeed.

"Sorry!" Replied FireSpeed with a slightly worried tone.

"Oh great." I said to Dash who hovered beside me giggling a little. She managed to hold back her laughter and flew over to the now Aqua coated Blossomforth.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Screamed Blossomforth as FireSpeed stayed hovering above.

"It was an accident Blossomforth!" Said Dash as she landed beside her and helped her up."Let's go get ya cleaned up in the mares room."

Rainbow Dash glared up at FireSpeed but smiled a little before leaving the hall with Blossomforth.

"Well well Lightning Flash." I heard Skyline say as she flew up to me. "How much of this is actually going to plan than?"

"The food, That's about it. Everything else is either wrecked or unavailable." I replied with a sigh.

"I can cancel all this right now and save you alll the trouble." Added Skyline.

"No. We all want this Prom so badly. We're not gonna give up just because things are going buttside up."

"Fine. Don't say I didn't offer." Said Skyline as she flew out the hall.

"Oh please watch where you're stepping Thunderlane." I heard Fluttershy say in her so timid and polite voice. I looked down at where she and Hemlock sat painting their banner. Thunderlane seemed to almost knock over their can of paint.

Fluttershy had to help Hem with any art like issues because any and all birds for her choir weren't practised enough or ready to sing for us. So we decided to just have Kensei's music instead unfortunately.

I flew over to Kensei Coal to see how he was doing. He seemed to still be rewiring and reconfiguring any and all of the device.

"Any luck with it Kensei?" I asked landing beside him.

"Ummm no. Not really." Replied Kensei still looking at the device.

"Seems that almost everything is screwing up." I sighed and briefly looked all around the hall.

"More than just bad luck eh?"

"Seems so."

"Damn it Derpy! Why did ya have to drop my bass cannon!?" Shouted Kensei hitting the machine.

"Well Skyline isn't helping either."

"What's she doing now?"

"Trying to convince me to cancel this whole thing."

"I know that ya said back off right?"

"Ya know me too well."

"Hahaha! True but ya always manage to surprise me somehow."

"Hahahaha! Good."

The main and only 2 doors into and out of the hall opened with a gush of air swooshing in. Inside stepped an old but familiar pony. Xenon Draft.

"Xenon Draft!?" I shouted in glee as both me and Kensei turned towards him.

"Lightning! Kensei! Ah tis good to see you both once again!" Replied Xenon Draft walking over to us.

"What are ya doing here sir?" I asked with a smile. I hadn't seen him since his last day before retirement.

"I heard of your Prom planning and thought it'd be best to see how it's all going!" Replied Xenon before looking around at the chaos."Oh dear."

"Yeah." Said Kensei simply.

"It's unfortunate to see that it isn't going as planned." Said Xenon.

"Unfortunately." I agreed.

"Well..I was going to ask this before but I thought it wouldn't be needed." Said Xenon looking slightly doubtful.

"What is it sir?" I asked.

"Lightning. You don't have to call me sir anymore remember? I'm retired." Replied Xenon with a smile.

"Right. Sorry."

"Oh what was I on about again?" Asked Xenon being very forgetful.

"About something you were going to ask us?" Said Kensei.

"Oh yes! Right. Well as I heard that your Prom was coming up I was going to ask you if having it held at the Royal Canterlot

Halls sounded any good?" Replied Xenon.

"Wha-Wha-What!?" Said Kensei startled by his offer.

"The Canterlot halls!?" I repeated just as shocked.

"Hahaha! Yes. For having connections to Princess Celestia herself I was able to reserve a spot in the hall for you all but because it was to be held here. I cancelled it. Seeing how things are going...I could get it back for such an honoury student though." Said Xenon Draft.

"Really!?" Asked Kensei.

"I'll have to pull a few strings again but I should be able to yeah." Replied Xenon.

"Well by the way things are going here." I said and looked behind us to see the others working but still swamped with chaos."Well I think a new and clean start would be good! Plus we would have more to work with!"

"Yes. Agreed. If this happens than you'll have access to more decorations, tech, music and food!" Agreed Xenon Draft with a grin.

"Music!? Better than this crappy thing?" Asked Kensei pointing at the machine.

"I would assume so yes!" Replied Xenon.

"Sweet!" Kensei became filled with glee at the thought.

"Well I will do my best to get it arranged! I shall notify you on the outcome!" Said Xenon Draft as he approached the door. "I

shall see you both soon hopefully! Goodbye!"

"See ya!"

"Bye!"

"Still manage to surprise me Light." Said Kensei with a grin.

"Heheh. The magic of the Lightning I suppose."

"Umm one problem dude. We only have a few days until the night. How the fudge would we get the halls ready in time? That's if we're even allowed to use them!"

"Whoa don't start turning all negative on me now! I'm sure Xenon will get it all sorted out. Until than we better get carry on as normal."

"Not telling the others eh?"

"Nope. Can't get their hopes up just incase."

"Well ya got a point there! I'll get back to working with this piece of crud."

"Okay. Catch ya later!"

I hovered away from Kensei as he went back to working with his new and hated music maker. With Xenon's offer being a great possibilty for us all I still couldn't tell everypony just yet. If I did than our plans and work would come to a stop for something that may not happen. On the other hoof if we carry on working and we do get the Canterlot halls than we may not have time to prepare them and would have to undecorate the Academy hall.

Argh! The decisions! None of this was going to plan at all.

"Alright Fluttershy let's hang this up!" I heard Hemlock say to Fluttershy as I turned to see them stand and carry their banner up to the wall.

I quickly hovered over to them to help. They lifted the banner into place on the wall and held it perfectly still. Hemlock went to open his mouth but I appeared next to him as he did.

"Oh hey Lightning!" Said Hemlock.

"Need help?" I asked.

"Yes please." Replied Fluttershy.

With the two of them holding the banner perfectly still and in place, I flew down and grabbed a hammer and nail. Flying back up to nail one corner of the banner into the wall and than back down again to grab another nail.

"So how's everypony else doing Light?" Asked Fluttershy.

"Umm well." I hammered the second nail into place and we all let go of the banner as it stayed in place."Not as best as we planned."

"Oh my." Said Fluttershy.

"Yeah. The only thing going as planned so far is the food! Sweet Apple Acres and SugarCube Corner have promised more than enough treats!" I replied.

"What about the clothes?" Asked Hemlock.

"Umm what about them?" I replied.

"Damn it. I told Thunderlane to let you know about our suits and dresses for the night. He obviously forgot." Added Hem.

"Ah I see. Why did everypony ask for a certain design and set of clothing?" I asked.

"Well some of us did but others didn't like the idea of dressing up so I told the maker to create something fitting for them. I sent her pictures of the ponies and said what I think they'd prefer." Replied Hemlock as we all landed back down.

"Ah ok! Who's making all these clothes for us and how much for them?" I asked.

"Well I convinced the headmaster to rent them for us just for the night. The lovely mare who's making them is called Rarity. She works in Carousel Boutique in PonyVille." Replied Hemlock.

"Heheh and how did ya know about such a place?" I asked with a cheeky grin.

"Oh don't even go there! I unlike you enjoy looking quite suited for business." Replied Hemlock. Fluttershy giggled at our small dispute.

"Well anyway. I told ThunderLane to ask you if ya could check on the clothes?" Asked Hemlock.

"Sure I guess. While I'm gone Rainbow will keep an eye on everypony." I replied. The doors that Xenon once entered through opened again but this time welcoming both Dash and Blossomforth.

They both walked in side by side and seperated as Bloosomforth who was her own and original colour now continued with her work.

"Well with that done and out of the way! How's things been going since I left?" Asked Dash as she walked over to us.

"Um not great. Hey Dash I gotta go check on something so can ya watch over everything while I'm gone?" I replied.

"Sure!" Replied Dash with a cheery grin.

"Thanks." I hugged her tightly and walked past the three of them and out of the hall.

Ahh it was kinda relieving to leave the hall for once in this long day. Ever since we started decorating I and the others had spent all our spare lesson times in that place. With our school year coming to an end it meant that a lot of lessons finished early and our work for the year was finished. We had taken all our exams and wouldn't get our results for a while.

Walking down the hallways and corridors I came across a water fountain and refreshed myself with the simple but rewarding beverage. Taking a few gulps of water and splashing a little on my face to wake me up more. It seemed to do the trick.

I continued through the halls and eventually left the Academy through the main gates. TIme to head to PonyVille to see this mare called Rarity. Carousel Boutique? Never heard of it before.

Posh and etiquette clothing?

Meh more like swag and stylish!! Heheh.

After a couple minutes of calmly flying I reached PonyVille and began looking for the boutique. I probably should of asked

Hemlock what it looked like and where exactly it was.

I landed by a row of stalls selling various foods and goods. The one next to me selling ruby red apples with a stallion selling them.

"Would you like an apple or two mate?" Asked the tall and young looking stallion.

"No thanks." I replied turning to face the opposite direction hoping to see the boutique just pop out of nowhere.

"Damn it. Where is it?" I muttered to myself.

"WHERE'S WHAT!??" I heard an over excited and hyper mare shout from behind me. In shock I fell on my back in the opposite direction of her voice.

While flat on my back, I opened my eyes to see the always excited pink mare with the bouncing and puffy mane. Pinkie Pie.

"Ahahaha! You alright!?" Asked Pinkie Pie as she stood over me with a huge smile.

"Pinkie!?" I asked with surprise. I hadn't seen her in a while. I got to my hooves and stood beside her.

"As pink as can be! Heheheh!" Replied Pinkie Pie.

"As always I see."

"So what brings you to PonyVille today Lightning?"

"Looking for a place called Carousel Boutique?"

"Oh I know that place!"

"Ya do!?"

"Sure do! Do ya want me to take ya there!?"

"Umm ok! Lead the way Pinkie!"

Pinkie Pie began to bounce and hop as she went further into the town. I hovered slightly above the ground as I followed.

"So why do ya wanna visit Carousel Boutique!?" Asked Pinkie in her usual hyper and eager self.

"Apparently the maker of clothes there is supplying me and my friends with suits and stuff."

"Oooh what's it for!?"

"Ummm my class's Prom night."

"PROM!!??" Pinkie halted to a stop and turned to me." That's like a huge PARTY!!!"

"Yeah. Hahaha!"

"Oooh I'd love to come but my school is also holding a Prom!!! So I'd be too busy planning my own!!!"

"Ah ok!"

Pinkie Pie continued on her hop and bounce to the boutique as I followed her still.

After a couple minutes of following Pinkie around PonyVille we eventually came to a large and tall tower like building. It was decorated in many different colours.

"Here it is! Carousel Boutique!" Said Pinkie with a slight accent on the boutique's name.

"Cool! Thanks Pinkie!"

"No problem! See ya Lightning!" Said Pinkie with a huge smile still on her face as she hopped off away from me and dissapeared around a corner.

"Carousel Boutique eh?" I said to myself as I approached the door of the building.

A sign on the door read "Open" so I slowly pushed the door forward and entered the boutique. Furniture of all sorts were scattered across the room but all kept in an organised fashion.

A line of mannequins stood at one side of the room with clothes and accesories on a few of them. Out of the various furniture there was a purple sofa that stood isolated from anything else. Behind the sofa stood a curtain that stood on its own. It was decorated with various patterns on it.

At the other end of the room there was a single door that was shut. Well it was until it was gently swung open by a mare entering the room.

"I thought I heard somepony enter! A pleasure to meet you sir!" The mare said in such an elegant way. Her step so perfect in place. Her coat was as white as the purest snow or cleanest and untouched marshmallow. Her mane and tail was curled but in a fashionable way. Her curled hair was a dark purple that glistened in the room's light.

"Hey! I'm here to meet somepony called Rarity?" I asked walking further into the room and briefly looking around.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rarity. Fashionista and owner of Carousel Boutique! It;s a pleasure to meet yet another customer." Said the mare with a welcoming smile.

"Cool to meet ya Rarity! Name's Lightning Flash!"

"What an interesting name might I say so myself! What brings you here today Lightning Flash?"

"Thanks! Well my friend Hemlock rented some suits and dresses from ya? Well he asked for them and I'm just here to see how it's going."

"Hemlock? Hmm yes! I remember him. A fine fellow indeed. Let me just grab them for you." Replied Rarity as she dissapeared behind the standing curtain.

"Ya mean they're all completed? Already!?"

"Well of course my darling. When Rarity is asked of a task or favor ponies should expect the best!"

"One, two, three, four, five, six! Four suits for the stallions and two dresses for the mares!" Rarity exclaimed from behind the curtain.

"Cool!" I replied excitedly but to be honest I was afraid of what my suit would look like. I'd never worn anything elegant or fancy before. Well there was the one time for my father's funeral. Only than have I ever worn a suit.

"With only having pictures of each of you to see what would suit you all it restricted my knowing of everypony! So I hope that you like what I have created for you!"

Rarity pulled the curtain aside and what stood before me was a mannequin dressed in a clean white suit. A light grey undershirt underneath that could only be seen through the half buttoned up chest piece.

Alongside the mannequin stood five others but they were each covered and hidden in a large golden cloak.

"Do you like?" Asked Rarity as I stared at the suited mannequin.

"Yeah! I mean I'm not a big fan of suits but this. This is good!"

"Oh you are too kind Lightning. Just wait till you see the others! Would you like to now?"

"Oh umm. Nah. I'll bring the others along to see them with me! We'll take them off ya hooves than."

"So I'll see you soon Lightning? With your friends?"

"Yup! I'll get them to come by tommorrow!"

"Delightful! I'll be looking forward to it!"

"See ya Rarity!" I said approaching the front door and opening it slightly.

"Farewell Lightning Flash!" Replied Rarity with a joyful and elegant wave.

I left the boutique and thought it was time to check on the planning. Hopefully no more paint coated ponies.

After a couple minutes of flying I soon got back to the Academy. I enjoyed taking a break from it all so I didn't rush my arrival back. Once flying through the Academy's gates I landed and worked my way through the many corridors. I sure was getting hungry by now. Let's hope lunch was soon!

I entered the hall once again to see a few more banners hung up, less ponies zooming about hard at work and instead resting at a table. Hemlock and FireSpeed were finishing off a painting, Kensei and Fluttershy sat with Blossomforth and Thunderlane at a table.

"Yo Lightning!" I heard Rainbow Dash yell and began flying down to me.

"Hey Dash! How's everything been going since I left?" I replied as she landed beside me.

"Got the last of the banners up I think! Apart from that...not much."

"Ah ok! It's almost lunch right?" I asked.

Dash looked at the clock that had been taken down for decoration which was now sitting beside Kensei's music maker.

"Yup! Just about to start I think!" Replied Dash with a smile.

"Sweet!"

A loud cluster of bells rang through the hall bringing everypony to a stop. Those that were sitting stood up. Others who were hovering and and hanging up decorations stopped and landed. Kensei, Fluttershy, Hemlock and FireSpeed all walked over to me and Rainbow as most of the other ponies rushed out of the doors.

"Thank Celestia! I'm as hungry as a horse!" Exclaimed FireSpeed appearing beside me.

"Same bro." Agreed Kensei as him and Fluttershy walked past us and waited in the doorway.

"I think we all deserve some grub for now!" Added Hemlock walking with Kensei and Flutters to the door.

"My belly's been rumbling since I started heading back here!" I said as we all walked through the doors and headed towards the canteen.

"Hey Lightning! Lightning Flash!" I heard a mare's voice shout my name from behind us. Me, Rainbow Dash and FireSpeed came to a halt as the others were deep in conversation.

The three of us turned to see a dark green and brown mare trotting towards us. A double coloured coat? Odd indeed but this pegasus looked familiar. Her coat was like camouflage but her mane and tail were a bright blue with a stripe of lighter blue. She wore a pair of dogtags around her neck. They were blank as I could tell.

Just like her cutie mark as well. A pair of dogtags that were blank with a pure chrome colour.

"Umm yeah?" I replied to the mare who was definately familiar.

"I was just wondering if...well.." The mare suddenly turned a little shy as she attempted to reply.

"Spit it out!" Said Dash with an enthusiastic tone..

"Would you mind if I ate lunch with you?" The camouflaged mare asked in a very polite way.

"Umm sure! Ya can chill with us." I replied.

"Thanks!" The mare's face lit up with a smile bigger than Pinkie Pie's almost!

"Heheh. Hey I recognise ya from somewhere. What's ya name?" I asked.

We all turned around as the mare stood beside me to my left with Dash on my right and FireSpeed in front.

The mare held onto her cheery smile and replied...

"Name's Camouflage!"

Chapter Twenty Five: To Each Their Own

Chapter Twenty Five

The music as soft as the calm night’s air against any ponies coat. Slowly casting into our ears and bringing the whole hall into a romantic trance almost.

Fluttershy felt herself relaxing more and more to the gentle rhythm and beat Kensei had created. A tune just for her. The thought embedded in her mind, asking herself so many questions. So many opportunities but before she could decide or do anything, Kensei was stood before her.

Perfectly dressed as so was herself.

“May I have this dance?” Asked Kensei so kindly. His voice so gentle to Fluttershy. His eyes shining and his hoof out to offer. A dance with Fluttershy? No pony had ever asked her for such a thing. No matter how many times she had dreamt about it.

Her lungs felt as if they had stopped, her breath getting caught in the night air. Her eyes deeply looking into Kensei Coal’s.  So afraid, worried, nervous and happy all at once.

Fluttershy ever so nervously stepped closer towards Kensei. One hoof at a time. Almost shaking as she did. Soon coming so close to Kensei, he put his offered hoof around her neck and slowly brushed his face against hers.

Their cheeks meeting with the softest touch. Her cheeks growing as red as roses while Kensei’s were just a tone of pink almost.

As Kensei’s hoof and leg rested gently but firmly around her fragile neck, Fluttershy’s shaking slowed down and ceased to exist. Her breaths began to deepen and slow down as well, her entire body started to just lean onto Kensei as Fluttershy felt more relaxed than ever!

The yellow and timid mare felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time. To feel safe by another pony. To not worry as much or feel the need to watch her step around others. Kensei gave off an aura that only Fluttershy could feel and collect, a feeling that he gave to no other pony in the great hall. Love and protection. Safety and kindness.

Of course almost everypony had their special somepony who loved them and wanted nothing more than to protect and be with them. Lightning Flash had Rainbow Dash and many others had their own partners. To Fluttershy this was all so new, to feel this way about someone else?

“Fluttershy...you look so pretty tonight.” Said Kensei as he whispered into her ear. Their hooves slowly stepping to the side as they followed everyone else’s dancing. Keeping in perfect touch with each other as they walked in a connected circle.

"Thank you..thank you Kensei." Replied Fluttershy as she closed her eyes and whispered.

The beautiful rhythm echoed through her head as she let herself be held by Kensei.

"Fluttershy. I've always wanted to tell you this." Said Kensei as he felt and admired every touch between their bodies. Fluttershy's eyes opened as she tilted her head back to look at him.

"Fluttershy, I love you."

Fluttershy's heart began to beat too fast for her. Her eyes widened and her ears pricked up at his words.

Her chest pumped in and out deeply. Her eyes suddenly closed shut as she dived her head back onto Kensei. He wrapped a hoof back around her neck, holding her close.

Fluttershy ruffled her face into Kensei's mane. Letting him take her in his gentle grasp.

"I-I...I love you too Kensei!"

---––----------------------------------------------------

FireSpeed walked past pairs and pairs of ponies dancing. The only stallion standing by himself, he briefly glanced at each couple.

From Dash and Flash dancing, to Kensei's and Fluttershy's hold of each other.

"Seems fun." FireSpeed muttered to himself.

"I wouldn't know."  A mare’s voice spoke from behind him. Soft and nervous in her tone.

FireSpeed turned around to face the mare to be met eye to eye with CloudChaser. A pegasus mare in his class along with Lightning, Dash and everyone else. Her eyes stared into his as she swept her front hoof on the ground.

CloudChaser stood there opposite him in her fine dress of a mix of light blue and white intertwined together all over. Except for the shining and glitter trim which was a shade of lavender purple. It represented her coat and mane perfectly.

“CloudChaser? You....look beautiful.” Said FireSpeed as he scanned his eyes over the mare.

CloudChaser blushed as her cheeks went bright red.

“Th-Thank you.....you look.....quite handsome FireSpeed.” Replied CloudChaser as she tilted her head back with a nervous smile.

FireSpeed looked deep into her eyes and smiled.

“May I have this dance?” Asked FireSpeed as he stepped closer to her.

“Oh....y-yes.” Replied CloudChaser nervous but wanting it more than he knew.

She stepped forward as did FireSpeed. Their hooves almost in perfect alignment as their eyes stared into each others. FireSpeed stepped a little closer as he broke their line of eye contact, brushing his right cheek against CloudChasers left cheek. Slowly but firmly, their faces met under the still beaming lights in the hall.

The music still slow but ever so perfect in tune.

Their cheeks felt so warm against each others, FireSpeed’s head soon passed CloudChaser’s face. His chin turned and rested gently onto the back of her neck. Their ears stroked the other’s as he moved his head.

CloudChaser breathed slowly and deeply as she rested her head onto him. Smiling and letting her eyelids drop shut.

FireSpeed slowly scanned with his eyes what was in front of him, without moving his head at all. He only saw other ponies dancing so calmly together. Through the crowds he spotted Lightning, still dancing with Dash of course. Then just near them stood Kensei and Fluttershy. He could feel and know somewhat what they felt, being together as they were.

But....CloudChaser? FireSpeed had never really had a special somepony in mind. Not at Wingbury anyway. For CloudChaser to randomly come up to him, seemed like a nice coincidence.

Their hooves still stepped in tune with each other’s. Didn’t seem like anypony was messing up their dance moves tonight.

“Thank you.” Whispered CloudChaser as she felt ever so comfortable with Speedy.

“No, thank you.” Replied FIreSpeed in an equally quiet tone of voice.

The beautiful and romantic time for dancing lasted for a few more minutes. Couples and pairs all in each other’s grasp. Necks and heads meeting and some with even their lips too. Mares and Colts, together and with each other. Everypony had someone to hold onto. Even Hemlock found someone, as well as Derpy.

A few minutes later a door at the end of the hall, near where Kensei stood with his music before dancing with Fluttershy. No one could see the newly arrived pony but within a few seconds the music stopped. Luckily everypony had got their time together, done what they needed to do.

I was so nervous at first about dancing with Dash, I wanted every second of it. It felt so......perfect. Neither of us would be interested in something like a big dance, but this was all made by us. Our first one together as well.

With the ending of the peaceful music coming to a halt, the scratch of a record was heard by the machine of music.

A mare’s head appeared from behind the stand. Her coat a clean white, her mane a mix of two tones of blue. The mare’s eyes were......well actually the colour of her goggles were purple.

“WUB A DUB DUB MOTHERBUCKERS!!” The mare screamed as she slammed a hoof down onto a record and the booming of music began to roar throughout the room!

“YEAAAHHH!!!!” Almost everypony stopped and stared at the famous Vinyl Scratch. Letting go of each other’s grasps and raising a hoof in the air.

Kensei Coal looked Into Fluttershy’s eyes one more time before running up to Vinyl Scratch on the stand, seen by everypony as his face lit up with a smile of wonder.

I couldn’t hear what he was saying but they hugged each other quickly before standing side by side as the new booming music carried on. Fluttershy was edged on by Kensei to walk up next to them. Nervous but also becoming more deaf by the roars of tunes as she approached him again.

Vinyl Scratch held a microphone up to her mouth before looking at Kensei, then back to everyone else.

“Listen up everypony! I was just on my way here to play ya some wicked tunes but it seems like this guy has been doing an AWESOME JOB! I could hear you guys and gals from down the street! Kensei Coal! Would you kindly help bring these ponies some amazing wubs!?” Shouted Vinyl as she turned to Kensei who bro hoofed her before adjusting the record spinner.

“Gladly!” Replied Kensei as the music became even louder. Fluttershy who stood next to him just about managed to have her ears survive the waves of rhythm. She stepped closer beside Kensei as he helped Vinyl play. Her head rested against his neck as he nodded his head in tune with the music, he turned for a brief second to face the mare. Smiling at her as she blushed.

What was just a hall of ponies dancing romantically together, slow and passionately had now transformed into a wave of ponies jumping and bouncing.  Raising their hooves in the air, causing the floor to tremble with each jump.

For the next half an hour the hall boomed away with Vinyl and Kensei Coal supplying every pony with beats. A variety of dubstep, rock, rap and more!

With Dash still dancing right beside me, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder from behind. The crowds around us still roared on. I slowed down my dancing and turned to see Hemlock.

“Hey Lightning! We there’s something you two have gotta see!” Hemlock’s voice was drowned out by the sounds of everypony else.

“What!?” I replied to whatever he had said.

“I said! There’s something!.....Just follow me!” Said Hemlock as he turned around to find a way through the crowded room.

I turned back to Dash and tapped her on the shoulder, she looked at me with a smile.

“Come on! Hem’s up to something!” I said before I nodded my head in Hemlock’s direction.

I began to follow him with Dash close behind me.

After a couple of minutes of making our way through the herds, the three of us finally came up to a decorated table. It looked no different than those with food on. Upon it was a stockpile of empty cups, four large jugs of orange liquid and a few dripping and used cups.

“Dash, Flash. There’s Cider!” Hemlock exclaimed as he stared at the jugs in front of us. Mine and Rainbow’s eyes widened at this sight, so much alcohol and it was free! The two of us have had a glass or two to drink but it was with a special celebration among families.

Me, Dash and Hemlock all looked at each other before rushing to the cider and filling ourselves a cup each.

“Well guys, cheers!” Said Dash as we all raised a cup each and bashed them against each others.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The three of us all chugged down our drinks in a matter of seconds,

“Damn that’s good!” I shouted as I brought my cup down to the table, as did the other two.

“Another?” Asked Hemlock as he reached for the jug again.

“It’s gonna take more than a few to stop this mare.” Said Dash as she smiled and refilled her cup with some more cider. Me and Hemlock did the same.

“Cheers!” I shouted as we all had our cups meet in the air again.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

And our second row of cups were diminished.

“Hey, we should get FireSpeed over here! Kensei too!” I said scanning the room for Speedy. Out of the corner of my eye I just about managed to see his fiery mane. “You two stay here. I’ll go get him.” I walked off towards FireSpeed’s bouncing mane of which the rest of his body was hidden in the crowd.

Making my way through the wall of stallions and mares I soon got to him, only to notice that he was dancing with a mare. CloudChaser to be precise.

“Yo Speedy!” I shouted as I came closer to him but he must not have heard me. Don’t blame him! “Hey Speedy!” I shouted again but this time I tapped him on the shoulder, making him turn round. As did CloudChaser.

“Oh hey Lightning! Tonight is so great! Ya having a good time!?” FireSpeed replied as he stared at me with the surrounding lights reflecting off of his eyes almost. CloudChaser waved a hoof at me as we spoke.

“Yeah I know right! Follow me! We got something to share!!” I shouted back and fortunately they both heard me and followed my steps.

The two and new apparent lovers, well I’m guessing it has something to do with love. Anyway, they followed close behind me until we returned to Dash and Hemlock.

Hemlock was sipping his next cup of cider while Dash held a full cup as she watched me come closer.

“You found him. Come on Flash, got a cup waiting for ya!” Said Dash as she stood next to the table, a full cup of cider stood on top of it.

“Thanks!” I replied, taking the cup and turning back to Speedy. “Feel free to try some!”

FireSpeed looked at CloudChaser, the two of them smiled and shrugged before grabbing a cup each and filling it a little with cider.

“Nothing drank, nothing to thank!” Said FireSpeed as he poured the drink into his mouth. CloudChaser giggled and did the same.

I looked to Dash and we both began to drink down our cups of cider too.

“Damn this is pretty good!” Shouted FireSpeed as a couple of ponies walked over to the table and grabbed a few cups.

“Not too bad!” Agreed CloudChaser.

A male Unicorn dressed in a black suit with a white top underneath approached the table. Hic coat a dark tone of beige with a black mane. He was obviously much older than us but he belonged to the catering staff for the hall.

“May I refill our cider for you?” The stallion asked as he levitated two of the jugs.

“That would be great buddy!” I replied giving him a smile. He turned and walked past the crowds and seemed to enter a single doorway.

“Who feels like dancing some more!?” Shouted Dash as she and I finished our drinks before grabbing one of my front legs and dragging me into the crowd. The others finished their drinks and followed.

As I walked I felt each step I took feel a little out of place. Apart from that I felt great! I could see that the cider must have affected Dash’s hooves when she danced. Only a tad though. It would take more than a few cups to keep me and Dash down.

With our bodies more energized and hydrated, the five of us got to dancing again. Neither of us did a specific dance style...we never really did apart from earlier before Vinyl appeared.

About ten to fifteen minutes later and we had all danced till sweat dripped of our noses.

“WOO!” CloudChaser shouted as she hopped beside FireSpeed still.

“I love this tune!” Cheered Dash and I in synchronisation.

While still dancing in tune to the DJ’s beat, I noticed Kensei still up on his pedestal. His face was red with glee and shining with joy...and probably sweat. I felt kinda bad for him though, although he was loving his time in the spotlight. He hadn’t actually got time to dance with his pals.

Dashie noticed that I was distracted on Kensei so I turned to her and nodded. She smiled and followed me as we made our way towards the DJ’s stand. Finding a couple of metres without coming into contact with anypony was as easy as finding a needle in the EverFree Forest.

Struggling and pushing past some others who were too caught up in the night to move, me and Rainbow Dash eventually made it up to where Kensei, Vinyl and Fluttershy stood. We walked around behind them and made our way up the steps. Huge speakers on both our sides and three ponies right in front of us.

Vinyl had one hoof to her ear as she held her ear pieces in place, her other hoof was on the spinning record. Kensei stood next to her with his own hoof on another record spinner, Fluttershy beside him.

“Hey! Kensei!” I shouted as I stepped right up behind him. Fluttershy jumped off of the ground at arrival. Rainbow Dash appeared by her side as she landed down, making her gasp.

Kensei Coal turned his head and smiled at me. “Oh hey Light! Ya enjoying the party!?”

“What do you think!?” I replied with a grin and nudging him with a hoof.

“Hahaha good to hear! Being up here is sooo friggin amazing!” Replied Kensei.

“I bet! Hey dude, do ya wanna come hang with us!?” I asked as Vinyl turned to see me and him.

“Aww man I’d love to but...gotta keep it busy up here! Ya know!?” Replied Kensei as he watched over the ponies below.

“Hey Kensei! You don’t have to stay up here, I got it all under control!” Said Vinyl Scratch as she lifted her goggles onto her forehead. Her eyes were a bright red.

“You...you sure!?” Replied Kensei as he stared at Vinyl.

“Yeah, no problem dude! You’ve been awesome! Now go and hang with some buds!” Said Vinyl as she held up a hoof, the two of them bro hoofed each other.

“Sweet! Thanks Vinyl!” Replied Kensei as he turned back to me as we stood near the microphone and a record spinner.

“Great! First off ya need to try the cider!” I exclaimed to Kensei and the sound of the microphone screeched a little.

“Cider!?”

“Cider!? Where!?”

“Really!? CIDER!?”

“CIDER!!”

The hall erupted in a cluster of ponies cheering for cider. Almost each and every one began to turn and look for any cider. Without trouble they soon spotted the table where Speedy, Hemlock and CloudChaser stood. Their faces were that of confused and their ears drooped back.

“Aah Lightning...what did you just do?” Asked Kensei as he looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

“I think I’ve just made tonight a little more interesting.” I replied with a short laugh.

“Probably funny too! Man when they start dancing after a couple of drinks. Hehehe, it’s gonna be priceless!” Added Rainbow Dash with a giggle.

“Hahaha, come on you two! We gotta get to the others!” I shouted as I walked back around the stand with the other three behind me.

The large crowd of dancing ponies had now began to separate as groups searched for the cider while others carried on showing their moves. The four of us made our way back to the table and found the others who were almost being squashed between ponies. The three of them managed to struggle their ways past and closer to us.

“Hey! So errmmm yeah....nice job mentioning the Cider Flash.” Said FireSpeed. CloudChaser giggled.

“I wanted some too ya know!” I replied.

“Aah both of ya stop complaining! You sound like a pair of alcoholics!” Said Kensei as he wrapped a leg round me and another round FireSpeed’s neck. Fluttershy and Dash both giggled.

“Naah just damn thirsty.” I replied.

“Well if we want some more then I guess we might be waiting awhile.” Said Hemlock as we watched the que of ponies increase and grow.

“Darn it.” Said Dashie with a slight irritated tone.

“HEY! LIGHTNING!” A mare’s yells managed to cut through the hustle and bustle of pegasi, along with the ongoing music. A familiar mare’s voice actually. I turned in it’s direction to spot a n almost empty table, it’s only resident being Camouflage.

I waved over to her and started to walk over to the table. The others followed me and we were welcomed to the table by Camouflage and her still cheery smile. The table was decorated just like any of the others. Except this one had more than enough seats compared to the others. Much bigger in size but still circular. The seven of us took our seats round the table.

“Sup Camo! Sorry we got a little split up earlier.” I said as I took my seat beside her, Dash than on my other side.

“Ah no problem! Just glad to see you all again.” Replied Camouflage .

“Good to see you too” Added Hemlock.

“Excuse me sir” A stallion’s voice spoke in between me and Camouflage and as I turned to see him, a jug of cider was levitated and carefully dropped onto our table, followed by a stack of cups. It was the same stallion waiter from before.

“Cheers my man!” FireSpeed shouted as the rest of us all smiled at him.

“You’re quite welcome sirs and madams.” Replied the stallion before he walked off towards the other tables.

“Sweet!” Dash squeed as she stared at the jug and then grabbing herself a cup.

The rest of us did the exact same while Hemlock held the jug and poured some cider into each of our cups.

“Oh I..I’m not too sure if...if I should.” Said Fluttershy as her voice was very muffled by the rest of the hall’s sounds.

“Awww come on Flutters!” Dash said enthusiastically as she held up her own drink.

“Yeah I bet ya gonna like it!” I added, tapping my cup against Rainbow Dash’s in the air before we both began to take a couple of gulps each.

“Flutters!”

“Flutters!

“Flutters!

All of us revved up a chant to encourage Fluttershy to drink.

Kensei edged closer to the nervous and timid mare, placing his mouth near her ear.

“I’ll give you a surprise if you do.” Said Kensei in more quiet voice but he obviously didn’t care for us hearing him.

Fluttershy’s cheeks instantly grew a bright and rose red. Her ears stood up and chest began to inflate and deflate slowly with each breath.

“Oh urrmmm okay.” Said Fluttershy as she pulled her cup closer and held it near her lips.

“Atta girl Fluttershy!” Camouflage yelled.

Fluttershy quickly closed her eyes and pulled the cup up and towards her face. Her mouth open and ready as the cider poured in past her lips. I don’t think she meant to but she drunk the entire cup in one go, followed by a couple of coughs and then a hiccup.

“YEAH!!” All of us roared together as Fluttershy began to hiccup while falling back into her seat a little.

“That was *Hiccup* actually quite...nice.” Fluttershy said and again had a burst of hiccups.

“Hahaha!” Dash laughed at the sight of Fluttershy bouncing ever so slightly in her seat.

“Now let’s all drink till our mouths are dripping!” Shouted Kensei as we all raised our cups and began to gulp them down.

A few minutes later and we had all drunked down at least three more cups each. Fluttershy was just about to drink her third.

“Don’t be...a lightweight! Ya gotta know how to..take the drink! Can’t let it KEEP YOU DOWN!!!” Said FireSpeed in whatever way he was trying to bring his message across. THe cider had obviously hit him kinda hard already.

“You’re one to talk!” Replied Camouflage who was comfortable enough to lean back into her seat.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and slowly began to chug down her newest cup of cider. Gulp by gulp until finishing it where she let the cup drop onto the table.

“GO FLUTTERSHY!” Shouted Hemlock as he swayed a bit in his seat.

“Well done Flutters!” Said Kensei as he wrapped a leg round Fluttershy and looked into her eyes. She stared back at him with what seemed to be....confidence? Obviously the drink was effecting her too!

FireSpeed and Hemlock were clearly not very sober, Camouflage was pretty chilled and taking it kinda slow. Kensei seemed a bit tipsy, Rainbow Dash went from stroking me with a hoof to shouting at the top of her lungs when we all cheered. As for me, I was afraid to stand up but my vision was giving me double. That wore off every now and again though. CloudChaser kinda just took each drink a little slow but enjoyed it as she got a new one.

“Kensei, I.” Said Fluttershy but instead of finishing her sentence she screwed up her face and shoved herself onto Kensei. Kissing him right on the lips. His eyes went wide and his cheeks a blushing red. Fluttershy had just landed her entire face onto Kensei’s as the rest of us laughed and were caught off guard.

“Woah! Way to go Fluttershy!” Dash screamed in her much less sober voice followed by a whistle.

“Go Kensei!” I shouted, raising a hoof above us.

Fluttershy at last let go of her stallion and rested her head against him, closing her eyes. Kensei still sat there with a huge grin on his face and speechless.

“Hey....Lightning....and Dash! We still gotta race....you two up for it!?” Said FireSpeed as he stood up and away from the table, he grabbed a glass of water that was brought to us earlier and chugged it down, then shaking his head.

“Ya still think ya got it in ya...to beat me!?” Replied Dash as she stood too.

“I don’t know if we should...although it does sound like fun.” I said, pondering inside my head of the thrill of flying tonight. Maybe...the alcohol was taking a grip of me. Luckily I think I could still focus and fly straight. I mean compared to the others, I think I was far from being a lightweight!

“Come on then you two!” Said FireSpeed as he trotted out of the hall in a criss cross line. Myself and Dash followed him. I turned to see the others rise from their seats and quickly catch up to us as we exited through the two large doors.

“So, us three are gonna race, from here to the train station! Got it!?” Said FireSpeed in a tone that was just a tiny tad less drunk sounding then a moment ago.

“Can’t wait to kick your flank into the clouds!” Replied Dash as the three of us spread our wings and hovered into the air. Mine and Speedy’s suits had a region in them cut out for our wings to move. For Dash, her dress was lifted slightly as her amazing cyan wings were shown.

“This is gonna be easy!” I said as we all lined up, high above the hall with the others watching from below.

“WOOO!”

“Go Lightning!”

“Come on Dash!”

“You can do it FireSpeed!”

“Fly straight!”

“WOOP WOOP!”

“Alright, on your marks!” Said FireSpeed as he readied us. The three of us shifted our bodies back and up into the air.

“Get set!!” Our wings spread and heads forward.

I was having second thoughts about this though. Dashie and FireSpeed kept swaying in the wind ever so slightly, and just a moment ago they were shouting their heads off.

“GO!”

(So why has it been so long to post more?)

So this is not a chapter to tell more of Lightning Flash's life as you should probably be able to tell by the title.

For anyone who's been following his tales, I'm sorry it's been so long since I last posted another chapter, I got carried away with other things (Less important or not etc) and then I knew I had continue at some point, I had other parts of his life to post and tales created by myself and a few friends but I just never brought myself to writing them here.

Lightning's life goes on of course and there's lot more to the handsome stallion but I can't promise I'll be posting the rest of his tales here. I doubt they'll be many people here that care since for some odd reasons I got a lot of hate for very silly reasons at times but that's not why I might stop posting.

Anywho, sorry to any friends and folks who were waiting to see more. If I do end up posting his tales here again, then I don't know when that will be.

Stay awesome folks and let us all dream about Lightning's very bright colours ;P