Lightning had been traveling for a long, ling time. He had started in his homeland of Japony, where he had run away. Lightning was a sandy colored pegasus with a crimson mane that showed that he wasn't a fan of combing it. His wings were extremely large and able to cover his entire body if he wrapped himself. His tail was an aquatic blue. A pair of goggles reflected the night sky. A satchel was hanging from his neck by an old and worn strap on the verge of breaking. The satchel too was old. It looked very old. The brown bag was worn and beaten. It had obviously seen some action. A hoodie covered his chest. It used to be white and still would have been if he hadn't put it through so much. It was worn and had a grass stain on the right sleeve. It had turned slightly beige from the sands of Saddle Arabia.
Lightning had been walking for hours. The moonlight had been his only companion for his journey from Canterlot. He missed the last train and didn't want to wait for the piece of information that would complete his research on melodic alchemy. He had been told of a pony named Lyra Heartstrings.
A thought came to Lightnings mind. Something he had heard from to pegasai. A heavy storm was scheduled for Ponyville at midnight. Lightning looked to the position of the moon. "Ten thirty-two." Looking ahead Lightning watched as twinkling lights began to appear over the hill. Followed by a large crystal castle. He looked to a point nearer to him. Trees, apple trees surrounded by a wooden fence. Following the fence, it lead him to a break where an arc like sign read Sweet Apple Acres and the dirt road branched off inward.
Thunder filled the young stallions ears. The cloud was close, very close. Through the corner of Lightning's eye he noticed a barn. "Shelter." Lightning said to himself quietly. When he reached the barn it was locked. Lightning looked for another way in. Perhaps a, window? Lightning spotted an open window where he could get in. Lightning looked for a good place to start climbing. He pushed the wall to test it's sturdiness. Strong enough.
The thunder was louder this time. Lightning felt a drop of rain hit him. "Oh dear." Lightning took a deep breath of the cool, crisp autumn air. His wings were useless. He had never learned how to fly. Lightning slowly backed away from the wall and stood to his hind hooves. Lightning charged to the wall and took three steps up the wall grabbing a beam and pulling himself to the wall. He pulled himself upward. Grabbing another ledge, he started to move sideways across the beam. Reaching the window, Lightning grabbed the bottom of the window and pulled himself up.
A beam was directly across from him, horizontal and at least seven or so feat away. Not that far, for him at least. He readied to jump and took the leap. He grabbed the bean in mid air and pulled himself up hunching on it. His tail wrapped itself on the beam and he began to hang from it. Wrapping himself in his wings he felt the nice warmth and the soft cloth of his hoodie. The warmth was comforting and the pitter patter of the rain began to sound. Lightning drifted off and closed his eyes. He woke up to the sound of a cross mare.
"What it tarnation?!" Lightning shook and fell to the ground. The mare was an autumn orange who had a golden mane and tail with a hat atop her head. Her eyes were emerald green and focused on Lightning.
"I'm sorry. I only wanted to sleep here for the night, er day." Lightning rose to his hooves and began to set himself in a submissive position. His flank in the air and his head near the ground next to his hooves. His wings were pressed against his body. Lightning closed his eyes and prepared for a blow. "Be gentle."
"What are you talkin' about sugar cube?" Applejack looked at the stallion on confusion. She put her hoof on his shoulder and he twitched. Perhaps Lightning should have used changeling magic as Chrysalis taught him, however, Lightning didn't know any of the ponies in Ponyville. "What am I gonna do to ya?" Said Applejack in a confused tone. "Can you, uh, get up hon?" Lightning slowly rose to his hooves. He had a hard time standing. He hadn't eaten since a day and a half ago. Even getting into the barn had proved to be a great challenge. His vision was a bit blurry and the daylight didn't help at all. He was part bapony and he had gained the vision gene, the ear gene, and the fang gene.
"Ow." Lightning said quietly. Daylight is something he hadn't seen in a while and he was too used to traveling at night. It took him a moment to adjust.
"What was that hon?" Applejack said curiously.
"N-nothing." Lightning responded in a quick and nervous tone. "I just don't-" He was interrupted by some noise. Lightning held his stomach and blushed from embarrassment.
"Ya hungry?" The kind mare asked.
"Uh, I don't know." He looked down to his stomach. "Been a while since I last listened to that feeling."
"C'mon. I'll get you something." Applejack gestured Lightning to exit the barn
"No thank you. I've caused you enough trouble miss..."
"Applejack-" The mare kindly responded pulling off her hat. "-and none sense. I'd be glad to offer my hospitality."
"Lightning." The stallion bowed as It was a custom from his homeland. He knew there would be no refusing this offer. Lightning pulled his hood over his head and followed the mare out. The hood had a point that nearly touched his muzzle and remained between his eyes. Lightning felt the moist ground beneath his hooves as he struggled to stay in a straight path as he began to sway to Applejack on his left.
"Ya alright hon?" Applejack helped Lightning regain his balance by holding his shoulder.
"Yea, fine. just tired." Lightning shook his head and focused. "I'll be able to force myself-" Lightning inhaled deeply once again taking in the crisp autumn air. Lightning stopped talking and smiled. Applejack led him to a house which was quaint and cozy with smoke coming out of it's chimney. They entered a room where a fireplace had been built into the wall with photos of ponies, most likely family. A rocking chair was to the right of the door and a couch was to the left.
"Now you just take a seat anywhere ya like and I'll be right back." Applejack said before she disappeared. A green rug was placed in the center of the room. Lightning sat down on the floor near the wall. A small sand colored filly with a crimson mane with a bow that kept the mane neat.
"Applejack?" She called out to the orange mare. "There's somepony in the livin' room."
"He's our guest, now treat him nicely." Applejack responded from the other room in a motherly tone. Lightning looked to the filly and lifted his hood to reveal a kind face. His eyes were a cool grey color that showed he had seen many things. The eyes of an experienced pony. The filly walked up to him. Lightning's ears pointed into the air to reveal tuffs of fur on top of them.
"What's your name mister?" The filly asked kindly. She was small and kind with a lot left to learn.
"Lightning. Et tua?"
"Um, 'Et tua?' mister?"
"Oops, wrong language. I meant, and you."
"Oh, I'm Apple bloom."
"Apple Bloom, I like that name. It's nice." Applejack called Apple Bloom into the other room and she left. The conversation was short. Lightning was never one to talk to ponies he met too often, unless he wanted to learn something. Lightning chuckled a little. He remembered how he and Chrysalis would often be to busy saving others from Canterlot Templars. The era of the crusades. Good old Saddle Arabia.
"Can you come here mister?" Apple Bloom said, her head peering in from the other room.
"You can just call me Lightning."
"Ok then, Lightning." The filly giggled. Lightning walked into the next room. Lightning followed and took in the aromas of the kitchen. Apple and cinnamon hit his nose with a strong scent. Although he preferred a mango he also enjoyed apples. Probably third on his list of favorite fruits just below dragon fruit. A table was in the center of the room and had a few chars surrounding it. He adjusted his ears around and listened to the sounds. The stepping of the filly and the clatter of dishes being set by the mare.
"Well, here it is. Granny Smith's famous apple fritters. Courtesy of the Apple family. Applejack sat down in a chair and gestured for Lightning to do the same. He took a seat. Lightning sat idly and began to eat. He savored it and ate slowly resisting the temptation to scarf down the pastry. Applejack simply watched him. Despite his appearance he was very respectful. "Do you have parents your visiting?" Lightning blinked at Applejack. He swallowed.
"Parents." Lightning said somberly. Lightning sat and starred at the wall. A tear trickled down his face. Applejack covered her mouth.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Applejack said in an apologetic tone.
"It's fine. I grew up as an orphan. I don't have any." Lightning smiled to cover his sorrow. "Besides, I've made a few friends here and there." Lightning chuckled a little. "I've always seen one of my friends as a mother anyway." Finishing the last bit of the fritter, Lightning thanked the ponies and went on his way.
"Ya sure ya don't need anythin' else?"
"No, thank you. I'm fine." Lightning made his way into town following the dirt road that felt moist. He was rested and had something in his stomach to give him some energy. There was something he didn't know. What did miss Heartstrings look like. He'll just have to ask around. Perhaps he could even find somepony to disguise himself as.
He just wanted to learn melodic alchemy, and there was no telling how long that was going to take. Perhaps, this could even be his place of refuge. Maybe, just maybe, Lightning could stop running. Stop running from his past. Stop running from his time old enemy. The alicorn by the name of Proto. Maybe she wouldn't encounter him here now that she was the princess of Coltstantinople.
Lightning's thoughts soon geared toward entering the town. He didn't want to draw too much attention. Lightning pulled his hood over his head as if he were entering a restricted area' but what did he have to fear? Lightning removed his hood and pushed some of his mane over his eyes too block the sun. He had a feeling in his chest. Something he hadn't felt since he was a Colt. It was warm. A nice feeling, pleasant and calming. Some questions ran through his head. Where would he sleep? What would he eat? How would he get bits? That is if he chose to stay.
The town was filled with ponies of all kinds. Almost as versatile as Coltstantinople. Except Coltstantinople had changelings, batponies, griffons, dragons, and deer. The changelings were apreciated and willingly loved, so they didn't need to feed of of the others. The changelings even evolved. They had pupils, manes, and tails. Nopony seemed to pay him any attention. Nopony except a pink mare who seemed to be quite excitable.
"Hi, I've never seen you here before and I don't know your name and I know everypony's name, which means your new, so whats your name?" The pink mare said almost too quickly for Lightning to comprehend. Lightning took a moment to respond.
"Uh, Lightning. My name is Lightning."
"I'm Pinkie Pie, but my friends call me Pinkie. You can too." Pinkie took Lightning around the town unwillingly. She was kind, very kind. Lightning was going to like it here. Two incredibly nice ponies had welcomed him, and Pinkie had given him a gift. It was a cupcake that he was definitely going to save for later. Lightning had never eaten a cupcake before, let alone fresh food. He usually looked for scraps other ponies left over.
The place seemed peaceful enough, but Lightning knew better. Every place had it's trouble. Hollow Shades was within the Everfree forest. Saddle Arabia had the crusaders. Canterlot had the attacks from powerful and ancient beings. ect. Lightning looked to the ponies. They seemed happy. Perhaps this place was more peaceful than the other places it had been. Perhaps he could protect these ponies. Or perhaps become an assistant to help with baking or something.
A crashing sound came from lightnings left. He could hear wood splintering and planks hitting the ground. A familiar roar filled his ears and he could identify the creature. A manticore. A big one judging by the roar. Lightning looked for a vantage point. The town hall, perfect. Lightning began to climb the structure as ponies watched in awe.
"What's he doing?"
"Is he mad?" Ponies began to mummer, but that didn't bother Lightning. There was an objective and he had to get to it. He didn't know why or how, he just needed to help. Lightning pulled his hood over his head and looked from the top. A large crystal castle, several houses, Sweet Apple Acres, and the one thing that explained the manticore. The Everfree forest. That's where the manticore was from. It was also on the attack. Didn't this place have a protection force? No of course not, it's a town. Lightning noticed a pile of hay at the bottom of the town hall. Perfect, it was on the opposite side of where the where the ponies were. He was a pegasus so they'll think he just flew away.
"Looks good." Lightning said reassuring himself before he made the jump. Standing on his hind hooves he spread his fore hooves out like an eagle and jumped, closing his eyes. For a brief moment he could feel the rush of the wind through his mane. The next feeling was familiar, the feeling of the impact of the hay. Climbing out of the pile, Lightning pulled out some hay straws from his hoodie. He dashed through ally ways and streets eventually reaching the manticore.
Lightning had a sleep potion ready, only to see six ponies already there. Two of them were familiar. Pinkie, and Applejack. Lightning backed away into an ally nearby. Lightning put the potion away and watched. A dandelion yellow mare with a long pink mane and tail approached the beast. She began to pet it on the nose and it calmed down. Perhaps there was a protection force. He'd best be off. Lightning left the scene and removed his hood. The rest of the day was uneventful and Lightning simply explored.
It was late. Lightning had been walking for hours on end and he'd forgotten to ask about Lyra. A pair of mares giggled at him and he simply kept walking. There was too much on his mind to worry about that. He needed somewhere to sleep. A lone cloud appeared in the dusk, orange sky. He could reach it from the town hall. Climbing the structure once again he jumped from the roof and pulled himself onto the cloud. He laid down and tried to relax. The cloud was harder and lumpier than he had expected.
"Hey, man. Get off me!" A voice shouted from under Lightning. Lightning looked down to see a sky blue mare with a mane of a rainbow. Lightning's face ran red with embarrassment. He had set himself on top of a mare. "What do you think your doing?!" the pegasus shouted, her voice an irritated tone. "I'm not that type of mare!" Lightning jumped onto the roof of the town hall and assumed the same position he did with Applejack. Her tone showed that she may actually land one on Lightning. A few tears dripped down. He was scared. Lightning knew self defense, but he never liked to use it. There were rare occasions where he did, but he was protecting others. Right now, it was just him.
"I-I-I-I.." Lightning stuttered and a few more tears began to flow. He always felt this way with others who became angry, although sometimes he decided not tho show it. Lightning turned and began to run only reaching the end of the roof. The mare closed in on him and began to glare at him. Standing up for himself was never a priority for Lightning. The mare's angry eyes met Lightning's tear-filled eyes.
"Are you crying?" The mare asked. Lightning remained silent. He was still trying to quiet the crying. The mare landed herself on the roof and took a deep breath before exhaling and talking. "I'm sorry." Lightning looked behind him. A roof that seemed accessible if he were to glide. Lightning was too scared to talk any further. He took the leap and used his giant wings to glide to the roof. "Hey!" Lightning didn't hear her. Occupied with one thought that haunted him. Run the memory repeated run, and don't look back. Again and again it repeated. He ran and didn't look back. Just as he did in Japony. Just as he did as a young colt. He ran away and didn't look back. The mare was still chasing him. He jumped from roof to roof not wanting to be caught.
Lightning found an ally with a discarded tarp and, without thinking, he made a dive into the ally and pulled the tarp over himself. Lightning waited for nightfall just to be sure that mare had gone. Maybe he should just run away again. No, he couldn't. He didn't walk half way across the world to leave his journey incomplete. Lightning fell asleep with that thought on his mind. He woke up the next morning cautious of the blue mare.
"Hi!" Lightning shot up into the air. Pinkie Pie had startled him. That's it! Pinkie had mentioned that she knew everypony.
"Oh, Pinkie Pie."
"That's me."
"Do you know anypony by the name of Lyra? Lyra Heartstrings?"
"Oh yes, 'course I do. She lives here in Ponyville."
"Oh, bene. Can i meet her?"
"Sure." Lightning was surprised she didn't question him about why he wanted to see Lyra. He followed Pinkie Pie through Ponyville. He passed a flower shop and boutique on the way. Perhaps he might a little repair work on his hoodie. They reached a household with a lyre and three candy shaped pieces of metal. Pinkie Pie knocked on the door. "Lyra." She said in a sing-song voice as she bounced up and down on the porch. The door opened with a creak and a sandy colored pony with a navy blue and vibrant pink mane appeared in the doorway.
"Oh, hi Pinkie." She said with a soft and calm voice.
"Hi Bon-Bon. Is Lyra home?"
"No she's out for now. She said she'd be back in a couple of minuets. Why, is something wrong?"
"No, my friend just wants to see her."
"Your, friend?" Bon-Bon said a slightly suspicious tone. Nopony had deliberately come to Lyra's in a while, unless it was Pinkie, Lemon Hearts, or Minuet.
"Yea, a new friend of mine named Lightning." Pinkie pulled Lightning close to her as if he were a plush toy. "This stallion right here."
"Oh, I understand now." Bon-Bon said in a tone that made Lightning uncomfortable, and her smile was less comforting. "Please, come inside." Lightning was hesitant to follow Pinkie Pie into the household. The two entered a colorful home with pictures of of the two ponies on a mantle over a fireplace that burned with a nice warm feeling that made Lightning relax a little. It was warm. Like the embrace of chrysalis when she tried to comfort him, like a mother would for her foal. Chrysalis was always more of a sister to Lightning. She was family, despite her past. A muffled voice could be heard from the other side of the door.
"Bon-Bon, do you know where my lyre is?" The door opened to a mint green mare with a mint green and white mane and tail. Her eyes were a mesmerizing gold.
"You left it in the living room." Bon-Bon replied from the other room. Lyra entered the room Lightning and Pinkie Pie were in.
"Hi Lyra." Pinkie sad as excited as usual. "My friend wants to see you. He's got a question." Pinkie pulled Lightning in front of her. Lightning began to blush.
"I was wondering, perhaps you could teach me, music?" Lightning was nervous. Bon-Bon took Lightning's arrival the wrong way and Lyra could do the same.
"Sure." Lyra said and a kind tone that seemed to reassure Lightning. "On one condition." That made lightning nervous again.
"C-condition?"
"Yes." Lyra had a smirk on her face and her eyes had a look that caused lightning to get hot under his hoodie. What could she be thinking? Lightning could never treat her to anything. He had no bits, besides some lose change he found in the alley he slept in. Twelve bits and he doubted he could afford a dinner for two.
"What's the condition?" Lightning said, trying to act confident even though it was evident that it wasn't working.
"A milkshake at Sugarcube corner." Lyra said in response to Lightning's nervous action. Lightning blinked at her. Was he just asked to a date? Was it a romantic preposition? Regardless he was going on a date. At least it wasn't something too expensive, and he didn't have to dress up to go either. Lightning just barely got here and he was asked on a date. "Well come now. We go." Lyra put on a dark purple hoodie and grabbed Lightning by the hoof which made him blush. Wasn't she going to get ready? Lyra tugged at Lightning slightly.
"Um." Lightning said as he followed Lyra out the door and saw Pinkie waving from behind him. They arrived at Sugarcube corner where ponies sat and chatted with each other. Dishes clattered, chairs moved against the wooden floor, and ponies made their way to seats Lightning sat nervously at the table Lyra had chosen. Lyra looked at Lightning who seemed, nervous.
"You can relax. It's not a date." Lightning let out a sigh of relief. Lyra laughed. "I'm not gonna date a pony I just met."
"But, Bon-Bon.." Lightning said until Lyra intervened.
"Did she give you the look?"
"The look?"
"She just likes to make stallions nervous." Lyra said with a chuckle. Lightning felt a weight come off his chest. "I just want to get to know you." Lightning became nervous again. He was never a social pony. Especially when it came to his past. Chrysalis knew he was from Japony, but didn't know about his past there. She let him keep that private. "Let's start with where your from." Mrs. Cake came by to ask for what they would be ordering. The two ordered their milkshakes and Lightning was back in the hot seat.
"Japony." Lightning said calmly so he wouldn't get a strange look. If there was something the Pony's Creed taught him, it was to fake an emotion.
"Japony? Where's that?" Lyra inquired.
"Far off the coast of the middle kingdom. We've remained secluded until a few years ago."
"We'll I've heard of the middle kingdom, but Japony is new. How about that hoodie. It looks like it's been through a lot. It's a Protector's hood yes?" She was right. The Pony's Creed became known after the crusades and were renound as ponies who protected the innocent always following four rules: Stay your blade from all, Be cautious and remain anonymous within missions, Don't compromise the Creed, Don't kill anypony. These rules must always be followed and never be broken.
"Yes." Lightning said in a tone that soon became serious. "But I haven't fought in a very long time. Not since the elements of harmony returned."
"Oh, um." Lyra felt as if she had made the situation awkward. "how about friends?" Lyra asked. Lightning's face lit up.
"Well I've made friends here and there traveling the world." Lightning pulled out a book from his satchel. He opened it revealing pictures of ponies, batponies, deer, and changelings. Lightning flipped through the pages and told stories of his meetings and a great city called, Coltstantinople. A city so versatile and beautiful. The two talked for a few hours about their pasts.
"Do you think you could teach me alchemy?" Lyra asked in a happy and excited tone.
"Sure, why not?" Lightning responded. He was always happy to pass on lost knowledge.
"Great, I'll be back tomorrow with a friend." Lyra and Lightning left Sugarcube corner and with that, Lightning's day ended. He found a cloud that was unusually close to the ground. Lightning inspected it closely. Below, above, the sides, and nothing suspicious. How did it get down here? Lightning poked at the cloud and a note fell out. Lightning muttered something in Japonies and picked up the note. THe note read:
I apologize for yesterday. I may have overreacted and you ran off crying. I kept this near the ground and hope you'll forgive me.
-Rainbow Dash
Lightning smiled. maybe he should stay. He lept on the cloud and began to doze off on the soft fluffy piece of weather. Lightning had never slept on a cloud before, and he really enjoyed the feeling. It kept him warm against the chilling autumn air. He awoke to Lyra who had been poking at Lightning's stomach. Lightning opened his eyes slowly. The green mare had been standing in front of him with another mare. She was a lavender alicorn who seemed to show curiosity toward Lightning.
"He's not much of a talker." Lyra said to the mare. It took Lightning a moment to realize that he was in the presence of a princess. He jerked off of the cloud and bowed deeply.
"Please, you don't have to do that." The lavender mare said in an embarrassed tone.
"Lightning, this is my friend Twilight." Lyra said to the now awakened stallion. Lightning didn't expect to be teaching somepony of such high authority. "You know, you have to talk to teach." Lightning blinked at Lyra and blushed.
"Oh, yea. Well to teach you alchemy I'm gonna have to..." Lightning trailed off on Japonies.
"Lightning, what are you saying?" Lyra asked. Lightning soon realized he was speaking his native language. He apologized and pulled out a stack of books from his satchel. Lyra grabbed the satchel and turned it in her hooves. "How are you doing that?" Lyra looked inside to see a whole mess of items inside. "It's bigger on the inside!"
"Oh, like the Doctor's TARDIS." Twilight added.
"The Doctor?" Lightning asked.
"Oh, the Doctor's a friend. I traveled with him for a little while." Twilight responded. Lightning was nervous, but began talking none the less.
"Ok, alchemy one oh one, essence." Lightning flipped to a page in a book titled Alchemy research basics. "An essence is the base of what an object is made up of, and is often written in Latin. For example, magic. Magic is a base element called precantatio and is needed to combine aspects. To use alchemy, however, you need natural magical talent, or-" Lightning pulled a piece of wood out from the satchel that was at leas two feet in length and had a forest green emerald attached to the back end. "- a wand." Now every thing and everypony has aspects based on what they do and what species they are. For instance, Twilight?"
"Yes?"
"What is your talent?"
"Magic." Twilight said proudly.
"Then your elements are, magic, beast, and knowledge." After Lightning's crash course on elements the ponies were ready for the next step. Basic transmutation.
"Transmutation is the process of turning one thing into another. Like dirt into diamond. What would you like to see made." Twilight lifted her head from her notepad and began to think.
"Oo, can you do gold?!" Lyra said excitedly.
"That's an easy one." Lightning responded. "First I'll need a rock." Lyra picked up a rock and hoofed it to Lightning. "Remember what I told you about elements and transmutation?"
"One item can be transmutated into another, but requires a little of the substance that the user wishes to transmutate." Lightning quoted from earlier in the lecture.
"Malto bene. But we'll have to work in tiers. The rock was about the size of Lightning's hoof. He placed it own in front of him and grabbed a small phial from his satchel which contained a small flahe of iron. He pulled the cork of the phial and placed the contents near the rock.
"How are you supposed to perform alchemy without magic? You're not a unicorn." Twilight stated to Lightning who looked at his giant wings and to Twilight, then back again.
"Well, then aren't you in for a surprise." Lightning waved the wand around and it began to gliw a lime green that seemed to consume the two materials. They began to glow and what resulted was the luster of a large iron ingot. Lyra and Twilight stared in awe.
"How long has this magic been lost?" Twilight asked, still in awe of what had just taken place.
"B.C.L" Lightning responded.
"B.C.L?"
"Before Celestia and Luna. Alchemy disappeared one hundred years before the reign of the two princesses." Lightning looked to Lyra. "You want to see gold, yes?" Lyra nodded. "I'll need one bit."
"I think I have one." Lyra hoofed over the bit and lightning placed it next to the ingot.
"To make gold, a little of it is still needed." The items glowed again and resulted in a shining gold ingot that was slightly larger than the rock they originally started with. Lightning hoofed it to Lyra.
"Beautiful." Lyra said in astonishment. The day passed with one lesson after another. The two students learned more and more to the magic until they had caught up with Lightning's research. Twilight happily left, ready to write a lengthily report over what she just learned. Lyra left with knoledge that could help with fixing things that may have broken. Lightning didn't worry about learning the magic of musical alchemy. Over the days Lightning became a little less secluded and he ended up meeting a pony by the name of Octavia Melody, who taught Lightning how to play the cello.
Lightning had grown attached to Ponyville. It was something he didn't have in a very, very long time. A home. In time, the ponies grew attached to him.
It was an average day and Lightning was happily walking the streets of Ponyville when he saw Apple Bloom who had asked him a question he didn't know the answer to.
"Where's your cutie mark mister?"
"Cutie mark?" Lightning asked. He didn't know what that meant. What was a cutie mark? Was it important?
"Y'know, the picture that appears on a pony's flank when they find their talent." Is that what that was. So there was a name to it. Lightning looked behind him, nothing. Well, if it were really important he would have had one.
"I don't have one, but it doesn't bother me." Lightning was content with what he could do. He didn't need a special talent. "Well, if I have a talent, then I'll find my mark."
"D'you think I'll find my cutie mark?" The filly asked in a worried tone.
"Oh yea, course you will. You have something special that I didn't have as a colt."
"What's that?"
"A family." Lightning said in a fatherly tone, something Apple Bloom had never heard before. And she liked it. Then Apple Bloom did something Lightning had never expected a filly to do to him. She hugged him. It was a warm feeling. This was different from when Chrysalis hugged him. He hugged her back, a fatherly embrace that she had never felt before. Lightning smiled. Was this what it was like to have a foal? "Go on now, go enjoy your family." It was nearing Hearths Warming and lightning was getting cold. As the day dragged on, the cold became more and more potent. Lightning's hoodie was not helping. He didn't have anything in his satchel for cold weather. Everything he did had been given away to those around him.
It was very cold. Lightning was on the verge of collapsing. So cold, so very cold. Lightning's eyes closed. He couldn't move. His body went numb and the cold felt constricting. His hearing left him and he was unconscious. Was this the end? Perhaps, but at least he was able to meet some nice ponies. Lightning sniffed the air around him and took in the scent of embers. his hearing returned and the crack of flames filled his ears. He opened his eyes to an orange, warm, light. Lightning rose to a sitting position to find that he was laying on a couch. A tan couch that felt soft and warm. He was in somepony's home.
"Oh, you're awake. I was getting worried." Lightning turned behind him to see a kitchen with an island and a light grey pegasus mare with golden mane eye's and tail. "Are you ok?" Lightning nodded, unsure of what exactly had happened when he passed out. Lightning looked around to see family pictures on a wall to the left of him, followed by a staircase and in front of him, a brick fireplace. The wall to his right held the front door and a set of windows, one to each side of the door. When he looked out he could see a dark, snow filled Ponyville.
"Come say hi to our guest, he's awake now." The grey mare called out to the upper floor of the home. A brown stallion walked down first. His mane was sort of all over the place and was a darker shade of brown. His eyes a sky blue. He had the cutie mark of an hour glass on his flank. He was followed by a berry colored unicorn mare with a purple and pink mane with velvet eyes. Three diamonds were her cutie mark and she was followed by a small, pale purple unicorn filly with a golden mane and tail and her eyes were also a golden shade. Lightning did his customary bow.
The stallion was first to speak. "Hello, I'm the Doctor."
Next the berry colored mare. "I'm Amythist Star."
The filly spoke with a shy tone. "I-I'm Dinky Hooves."
Lightning placed his hoof on his chest and bowed his head. "I-I'm, Lightning."
"Have you a last name?" The Doctor asked.
"No." Lightning responded. "I thank you for your hospitality, but I'd hate to be a burden."
"Oh, no, it's fine." The cross eyed mare said. "And I haven't introduced myself. I'm Derpy Hooves."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." Derpy and the Doctor said in sync. Over the next few days Lightning grew attached to the Hooves family. Every time Lightning attempted his good bye's they would insist he'd stay. Over the days Lightning grew more and more attached to the family. The day came when Hearths Warming rolled by. Lightnnig had his own room and a family to be with. The two daughters of the family were excitedly accepting gifts from their parents. Why did they insist he stay? The Doctor and Derpy approached Lightning. Lightning blinked at them. They seemed happy. The two asked Lightning a question he had never thought he'd hear.
"Would you like to be part of our family?" Asked Derpy. Lightning teared up and nodded. This had been the best year of his life. Since he had run away from Japony he had been in one set of trouble after another. Lightning embraced the mare and the Doctor joined in and it soon became a group hug. Lightning was happier than he had ever been in a long time.
A few days after Hearths Warming a pegasus stallion had appeared on the doorstep of the Hooves residence. When the Doctor opened the door he saw a pure white pegasus stallion with a crimson red mane and pale blue eyes. He had the cutie mark of a calligraphy style 3 on his flank and seemed like he was looking for somepony.
The stallion spoke with a voice that sounded like Rainbow Dash, if she were a stallion that is. "Does Lightning Hooves live here?"
"Yes, why, is something wrong?" The Doctor said in a concerned tone.
"Sort of, well it involves Lightning."
"And what are you to my son?"
"I knew him when we grew up in an orphanage in Japony. My name is Crimson Wings." Lightning had mentioned a pony by the name of Crimson Wings. The Doctor invited him into his home. Crimson entered the home to see Lightning, who was playing a card game with his little sister, Dinky.
"I'll play two cards face down, and end my turn." Dinky said as she placed two cards before her on the floor. She looked up to see crimson and ran to Lightning's hooves. Lightning looked behing him to see the stallion. His eyes widened in astonishment. He hadn't seen crimson since he last visited Coltstantinople, and even then he didn't talk to him. Lightning picked Dinky up and turned to the pegasus.
"Lightning, how have you been?"
"Fine, and you?" Lightning said in his original Japonies language. The two talked for a little bit about what they had done through their life.
"Are you going to introduce me to your family?" Lightning placed Dinky on his back and stood.
"This little filly is my younger sister, Dinky." Lightning turned to Amythist. "And this is my next sister, Amythist." Lightning tilted his head to the grey mare. "And this is my mother, Derpy Hooves." Lightning looked to his father. "And last but not least, My father, The Doctor."
"Doctor who?" Crimson asked.
"It's just the Doctor." The brown stallion responded.
"Crimson, why are you here?" Asked Lightning, who was afraid to know what reason it was.
"To warn you."
"Warn me of what."
"Proto is coming. She's coming to see Princess Twilight." Lightning's face turned to a shock of fear. Proto was the very mare he ran away from. They used to be good friends until she had hurt Lightning. "It's time to run." Lightning had been running all his life.
"No." Lightning's head was bowed. His mane cast a shadow that covered his eyes. "I'm so tired of running. If I remain hidden while she's here I can wait out the visit." Lightning looked to his parents. "I'm sorry, I've brought trouble to you. I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry." Lightning left to his room.
"Who is Proto?" The doctor asked, worried about his son and why he feared her.
"Princess Proto-" Crimson let off a sigh. "- let me start from the beginning. When I lived with Lightning in the orphanage, we were very close with Proto. We were the trio who seemed to be quite adventurous. Proto was the leader of the group. We were three foals who protected other ponies from bullies. That was until Proto began to hang around some ponies who were very bad influences. The alicorn gained her cutie mark for leadership she began to see herself above others. She had become the very thing we hoped to defend others from. She rejected Lightning as a friend and began to bully him and all he could do was run. After wards he spent most of his time in the library hiding from Proto. That is, until she found him. He spent so much time there that he became very quiet. Books were the only thing that didn't criticize or bull him."
"What happened?" Asked Derpy, who seemed to have gained a pit in her stomach.
"She found him, and began to hit him with books. he ran and hid in a bush where I latter found him and he told me what had happened. Seeing corruption, Lightning and I made a promise."
"A promise?" Derpy thought of her newly adopted son. Did this really happen to him? He always seemed so happy.
"Yes, it went: never cruel nor cowardly. Never give up, never give in."
"Can we help him?" Derpy was very concerned. The pony had grown on her, and she didn't want to see him hurt, or worse.
"Yes, but you may not trust her."
"Who?" Asked Amythist, who gave a demanding tone showing that she wanted to know."
"Chrysalis." The room fell silent.
"Chrysalis? Of all ponies, Chrysalis?"
"He trusts her."
"Fine." Derpy said in a slightly upset tone. "Lightning, Can you please come here?" Lightning descended down the steps and reached the bottom floor. He had no expression on his face. His mane covered his eyes. "We're going to get you some help."
"Come, we'll use the TARDIS." Lightning was familiar with the TARDIS. His father took the family to a beautiful, snowy planet. The group entered the TARDIS and Derpy had Lightning take a seat on the seat near the console. "Lightning, where's Chrysalis?" Lightning sat quietly. "You have to tell us where Chrysalis is so we can help you." Lightning's ears flicked upward.
"Chrysalis." Lightning said quietly, as if he had just heard his mother begin to speak to him. A feeling swelled in his chest. He wanted to see Chrysalis. The pony he had trusted for so long. A lever on the console flipped on its own and the TARDIS engines started up.
"Were taking off." The Doctor said in confusion. "But I haven't done anything." The TARDIS landed and the group fell silent. Crimson was still trying to comprehend the whole, bigger on the inside, concept. The Doctor slowly opened the TARDIS doors. The next sight had shocked him. Buildings with construction styles from all over the world were surrounding a castle that was part honey comb, had the architecture of a castle from Saddle Arabia, the towers of a castle from Canterlot, and the entrance that came from Japony. There were ponies everywhere, no, not just ponies, deer, changelings, and batponies. They were all living in harmony. Lightning exited the TARDIS slowly.
"Coltstantinople." Lightning whispered softly as his eyes looked in awe. He had only been here a few times, but never wanted to stay because of Proto.
"Lightning?" A familiar voice rang in Lightning's ears. The TARDIS had taken them to who he wanted to see. Chrysalis. The changeling queen ran to Lightning and embraced him. She held him in front of her like a foal. "Something's wrong." Chrysalis bay have been a changeling queen, but she was a better mother. The look on lightning was apparent, something was wrong. Chrysalis spotted the Doctor. "Oh, who might you be?"
"I'm his father." The Doctor said looking to Chrysalis. She wasn't how Derpy had described her. She described her as; crule, evil, and selfish, but she was none of those things. Chrysalis cared for the Lightning like a mother.
"Oh, well I'm Chrysalis."
"We know who you are." Derpy said as she exited the blue box. Crimson followed, and then Amythist and Dinky.
"You have a family!" Chrysalis said excitedly. "You are just full of surprises!" Chrysalis hugged Lightning tightly. This made Derpy question her statement about Chrysalis. Crimson told Chrysalis the situation and she gladly accepted. The group brought Chrysalis back to Ponyville. Proto's visit had just begun by the time they arrived.
"Chrysalis' you have to blend." Crimson said as he pointed to the ponies in the town. Chrysalis disguised as Octavia and followed the group.
"Mom, dad, this is not your battle. Protect Dinky and Amythist." Said Lightning in a tone that made Crimson shudder.
"Were staying with you." Derpy said, trying to keep Lightning from doing what he was about to do. Lightning gave his mother a reassuring smile and he left with Chrysalis and Crimson. Lightning pulled his hood over his head and began to blend with the crowd. Chrysalis and Crimson kept close to him. Old memories of Saddle Arabia came flashing back. They had been on the prowl and kept to crowds to easily escape conflict. A few hours passed as Lightning had reached the outskirts of the town. A voice drove dread into Lightning's heart.
"Hello, Lightning. You didn't think I'd just leave without saying hello, did you?" Lightning turned slowly, his breathing becoming heavy. Proto was standing right behind him. The pink alocorn with a hot pink and navy blue mane that had chased him away from Japony.
"Proto. I've been running from you since I was a foal. It's about time I had told you something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time."
"Oh, whats that?"
"I forgive you." Proto blinked at him on confusion, and she wasn't just the only one, Chrysalis and Crimson were confused as well. Proto began to laugh wickedly. She spread her wings and pointed her horn at the stallion. The magic charged up and fired. Lightning closed his eyes and braced. He was ready. realizing he didn't feel anything, Lightning opened his eyes. The bolt of ocean blue magic was stopped by a pink aura. Chrysalis and Crimson looked in astonishment. The aura was Lightning's. He did this. He was stopping the attack. Proto fired another bolt, and another, and another. Each one was stopped by the aura. A calligraphy style 6 appeared on Lightning's flank.
"Princess Proto!" A voice said from the night sky. To the ponies astonishment, Princess Luna flew down in front of the group. "For your crimes against this world you are hereby dethroned by the New Lunar Republic." Two guards pinned down Proto to the ground. "Your alicorn magic will be removed and all authority will be stripped." Princess Luna tapped her horn against Proto and a blinding light surrounded the ponies. When it faded, Proto was no more than an earthpony. Luna walked to Crimson as Lightning's aura dissipated. "Crimson Wings, for your bravery and noble efforts to protect your friends to the bitter end-" Princess Luna summoned a crown from the air around her. It was to intricate for words and had a lime green jewel in the center of it's silver metalwork "-I crown you, Prince Crimson Wings of Coltstantinople." She tapped her horn against the pegasus' forehead and he was consumed by a light. What emerged was an alicorn that donned a crown and stood tall before the ponies.
Everypony bowed to Crimson. Crimson Bowed back and Lightning had finally stood up to Proto. Luna commemorated Lightning and Chrysalis. The day had been won.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye for now." Crimson said to his two dear friends." The three had a group hug and Crimson left to begin his new duties. Chrysalis decided to stay in Ponyville and keep an eye out for those who needed help. Luna left on her way to Canterlot and Lightning left to his family who had been waiting for him with open hooves