It was later in the evening that Blue Jay found herself sitting towards the back of a small, quiet restaurant. The lights were dimmed low and each table there was a lone candle the gave off a little extra light and heat. Sitting in a booth, she looked over the menu trying to decide on what to order and finally settled on the hay fries and hayburger. While she waited for her dinner, she glanced around the restaurant bored since she didn’t have any friends to hang out with her, nor did she bring anything to do while she waited. Thankfully she didn’t have to wait long and was eating slowly when she caught a light blue stallion with a light amber and pale amber streaked mane walk past on his way to the little colts’ room. “Lightning Streak?” she whispered.
The stallion froze and turned before locking his eyes with Blue Jay’s and in a flash, he stood by her table holding her hoof in his. “The one and only Lightning Streak at your service.” He flashed her a smile and went to kiss Blue Jay’s hoof but she pulled it away. “Though, for the right price I can-” He was cut off before he could get any further by another stallion pushing his head down.
“Weren’t you heading to the bathroom?” A stallion with a white coat and an orange with a pale orange streak mane asked as he kept his hoof on Lightning Streak’s head.
“She called me over, bro.” Lightning Streak replied as he pushed his brother’s hoof off.
“Yeah, somehow I seriously doubt that.” Fire Streak rolled his eyes before spinning his brother around to face the bathroom and nudged him in that direction. “Go on now.”
“Fine, fine, I’m going. But I already know she wants me.” Lightning Streak finished with a grin before he was pushed away.
Fire Streak sighed and waited until his brother disappeared before turning to look at Blue Jay. “I apologize for my brother. Moron thinks he’s Faust’s gift to every mare. Are you alright?”
Blue Jay nodded as she replayed the entire conversation in her head, but nodded. “Yes, I just wasn’t expecting that.” She admitted quietly. “I was trying to figure out if it really was-”
Fire Streak put a hoof in front of Blue Jay’s mouth before she could continue. “Not to be rude, but he can hear his name coming from a mare’s lips no matter how quiet they say it.”
Blue Jay nodded and ate a couple of hayfries and offered Fire Streak some subconsciously after he removed his hoof.
Fire Streak politely declined. “So, you were trying to determine if we really were who we are?”
“Yes. I just didn’t think you’d guys would come to a small place like this.”
Fire Streak laughed. “Oh, most of the Wonderbolts prefer these places after telling everypony we’re eating someplace else. Allows us to eat in peace you see?”
“I understand” Blue Jay smiled. “Oh, please, have a seat. You don’t have to keep standing there.”
Fire Streak shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I do have to get back to my squad mates at some point.”
“It’s not just you and- your brother?”
“Misty Fly and Surprise are with us.”
Blue Jay looked past Fire Streak to see if she could see the other two Wonderbolts but couldn’t see either of them from where she was sitting. “Really? You mean that I’m eating in the restaurant with four of the Wonderbolts?”
“That’s correct.” Fire Streak looked back at his table to hide the amusement in his eyes in time to see Lightning Streak sit down, then looked back to Blue Jay. “None of us normally offer this, but because of my idiotic brother, I want to make it up to you. Would you like to join us?”
Blue Jay eyes widen and she froze not believing her luck. Just as Fire Streak was about to ask if she was alright, she shook her head and blushed before looking down at the table. “I wouldn’t consider myself worthy.” She couldn’t believe herself, having just been offered to eat with squad three and she was turning them down?
“Okay, that’s fine. It was nice to meet you.” Fire Streak turned and hadn’t gotten two steps when he heard Blue Jay call out.
“You really mean I can join you guys?”
Fire Streak looked back and nodded. “Yes, I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it.” As Blue Jay stood up, he used his wing to grab her plate and carried it back to his table while Blue Jay followed with her drink. The others looked up when Fire Streak set the plate down.
“Whoa, no fair bro, I saw her first.” Lightning Streak exasperated.
“Shut up, Lightning.” Fire Streak pushed him further down the booth and sat beside him before offering the end to Blue Jay. “Sitting opposite of me is Misty Fly, beside her is Surprise, of course you know him and I’m Fire Streak.” He went around the table introducing everypony with them waving in response. “And this is….”
“Um… I’m Blue Jay.” She introduced herself before sitting down as Fire Streak signed Blue Jay’s name to Misty Fly. As squad three spoke, Blue Jay watched the interaction between them, still not believing that she had been offered a seat with them, and how Fire Streak and Misty Fly interacted in particular. “Fire Streak… is Misty Fly…” She leaned in close and whispered “…deaf?”
“Can I get a-” Lightning Streak began but got cut off as Surprise clamped his mouth shut with two halves of a sub bun.
“Yes, though may I ask that you keep that to yourself?” Fire Streak asked as Blue Jay hoofed her necklace.
“Of course.” Blue Jay then glanced over to Misty Fly, then back to Fire Streak. “How do you sign ‘I’m sorry if I was rude, I didn’t know’?” She asked and Fire Streak showed her before Blue Jay mimicked the signs, getting it completely right on the third attempt.
Misty Fly held a wing to her mouth and extended it outwards followed by a couple more hoof and wing motions.
“She thanks you for being considerate.” Fire Streak told her. “If you repeat her first sign, it’ll mean you’re welcome. Just don’t pucker your lips unless you've taken a liking to her.”
Blue Jay did as he suggested which earned her a large smile from Misty Fly. The group of pegasi soon ordered dessert, which consisted of a hot fudge sundae, two slices of apple pie, and a few large bowls of ice cream. “You’re really going to eat all this?”
“Yep!” Surprise exclaimed as she pulled two of the ice cream bowls towards her while Misty Fly passed out the spoons and they each thanked her. “Ever wonder how we have so much energy during our shows?”
Fire Streak chuckled at Blue Jay’s wide-eyed expression. “She’s kidding. Surprise is probably the only one I know that can eat all this and not go into a sugar coma.”
As they were eating the desserts, Lightning Streak looked to his brother. “Bro, don’t forget about the party.” It wasn’t that they forgot the event, it was just they hadn’t realized how much time had passed.
“Oh right.” Fire Streak was about to relay the reminder to Misty Fly but felt Blue Jay tap his arm so he looked at her first. “What’s up, Blue Jay?”
“Before you guys leave; can I tell Misty Fly something?” Blue Jay whispered as she suddenly felt very conscious about what she was planning to say.
“Certainly.” Fire Streak smiled and patted Blue Jay’s arm that had gripped his nervously. “Surprise, brother, why don’t you two go ahead and let the others know we’ll be a few minutes late.” After he was done talking, he signed what he had just said to Misty Fly.
“Sure.” Surprise said standing beside the table with her arm around Lightning Streak’s neck.
“I sure don’t mind this.” Lightning Streak grinned but Surprise dropped him before he could get to comfortable.
“How did-” Blue Jay started looking between the spot where Surprise had sat over to where she currently stood.
“Don’t question it. It’ll just make your brain hurt.” Fire Streak offered while Lightning Streak leaned in close.
“Hey sweetie, how about a kiss for the road?” Lightning Streak asked getting closer until a cane hooked around his neck and pulled him away with Surprise holding the other end. “You sure you don’t want me, Surprise?” He asked dreamily but whatever Surprise’s response was going to be got cut off by the door shutting.
“Again, I apologize for him.” Fire Streak groaned as he shifted down the bench to give Blue Jay a little more room now that they weren’t crowding the bench.
“It’s okay, I was starting to get used to him.” Blue Jay replied before taking a deep breath. “Are you ready, Fire?”
Fire Streak nodded. “Whenever you are.”
Art by: Foxena
Blue Jay reached up and took the necklace off before setting it on the table to buy herself a couple more seconds. She figured Misty Fly wouldn’t do anything giving their conditions, but she was still afraid since she would be exposing a deep secret to a stranger. As the necklace touched the table, every sound around her became quieter. “Misty Fly, I’m deaf as well. This necklace allows me to hear normally by amplifying sounds and voices. But without it, I can’t hear a whole lot. I want to be fair to you.”
“So how I can I translate what Misty Fly says if you can’t hear either?” Fire Streak asked, not sure if Blue Jay would hear him.
Blue Jay turned to look at him. “Depends on the noise level, how well I know a pony’s voice, and how close I am to that pony. I can hear you just fine because this place is quiet enough but if I was across the room, there’s no way I could hear you.”
“Ah.” Fire Streak signed it to Misty Fly and she replied back. “She wants to know if you were born deaf or if something happened. That is, if you’re comfortable answering that.”
“I don’t mind it anymore.” Blue Jay said looking back to Misty Fly. “It’s usually the first questions ponies ask me when I reveal that.” She gave her a small smile to let Misty Fly know she wasn’t offended before shrugging her shoulders. “More than likely, but honestly, I don’t know. I was three when the doctors learned something was wrong and I’ve been wearing the amplifiers ever since. Growing up, I didn’t have many friends and got teased mercilessly by other colts all because I was different… because… I had a disability but did any of them even try to understand? No, because that would have been too difficult for them.” She angrily wiped a tear away as she recalled her fillyhood and once the memory ran its course, she sighed softly.
“My parents, brother, and sister were behind me and did their best to help me.” Blue Jay continued. “But there were times when it felt like they fell short because they didn’t truly understand. One of the things they did was to have me focus on the success of other ponies yet even that fell through. All the ponies that were successful were perfect, only two ponies in the Equestria Symphony Orchestra wear glasses, and until today, it looked like every Wonderbolt was perfect in every sense of the word –no offense, Fire–”
“None taken.” Fire Streak quietly added.
“–and I felt like I was the only one who was deaf and to be honest, I lost my confidence that I could make something of myself, to be of use to somepony….” Blue Jay hadn’t realized tears were falling down her cheeks freely until Misty Fly handed her a handkerchief –with a light blue embroidered pattern and a couple red hearts in one corner on it– and she quickly dried her eyes. “Then I got invited to sit with you guys and… and….” She tried to continue but her mind couldn’t decide how to put into words what the multiple thoughts were.
“There, there, Blue Jay.” Fire Streak said as he put a comforting wing around Blue Jay’s shoulder so he still had his hooves free. “Take the time you need to compose your thoughts.”
Blue Jay sniffled. “But you’ll be even later to your party if you stay.”
“That’s nice of you to care.” Fire Streak smiled. “There will be many more opportunities to party, but only one opportunity to listen to a fan’s story.” As he spoke, he continued to sign what he was saying to Misty Fly and she nodded. “Even Misty Fly agrees; the fans are always more important than parties.”
Misty Fly waited patiently for a couple of seconds before motioning to Fire Streak and telling him something and he signed back, liking the idea.
“While you collect your thoughts, Misty Fly wants to tell you a story.” Fire Streak said and removed his wing from Blue Jay’s back. “If it’s the one I think it is, only a few ponies actually know this.” He finished and Blue Jay nodded while still holding the handkerchief and once their drinks were refilled, Misty Fly began her story.
Author's Note
Artwork is by Foxena.
Fire Streak and Misty Fly belong to Hasbro, but the personalities and secret belong to Calm Wind.
To be honest, this is how I feel at times with the TV shows and movies because I'm deaf as well. I wrote Calm Wind to thank him for what he did with Misty Fly but wanted to do something in return. So after a while, I decided to write this even though I was nervous because that would be revealing something that's a part of me to strangers.
Clover Echo, an aqua furred mare with a light green mane and tail, stood in front of a closed door for a moment and knocked twice before she heard a voice bidding her to enter. Using her wing, she pushed the door open and stepped in allowing the door to shut behind her.
“What can I do for you, Clover?” Blazetail, the current lead captain of the Wonderbolts asked as he looked up from the papers she had been looking over.
“Captain, I’m requesting permission to leave the compound,” Clover voiced her request.
“What is the reason?” Blazetail asked trying to hide a small grin.
“Today is the day my grandfilly is going to be born.” She couldn’t keep the hint of pride out of her voice.
Blazetail reached into desk and pulled out a sheet of paper, specifically a request for leave, before sliding it over to Clover. “You can go, but I expect you to bring your grandfilly in one day, I know there are a few of us that would like to see a cute filly.”
Clover snapped to attention. “Yes, Sir!” She grinned and left once she was dismissed. She walked out of the building from the second floor and her hooves barely touched the ground before she kicked off hard spreading her wings taking to the sky. Having flown multiple patrols around the city, she had no trouble weaving through the buildings on her way to Canterlot General, and because she couldn’t keep the happiness down, she even showed off performing small loops and barrel rolls as she descended. Taking a moment to compose herself, she walked through the doors of the hospital and straight to the receptionist.
“Can I help you?” The unicorn stallion looked up as she approached.
“I’m looking for Icy Smoke and Cloudy Fit’s room.” Clover replied and the unicorn looked over the patients’ names.
“Ah yes, they’re in room 1205.” He held up a hoof pointing down the hallway. “Head that way, turn right at the end, then take the third left, it’ll be the fifth door on the left.” Clover thanked him and trotted down the hallway, ignoring the stares from the patients and staff alike. Maybe I should have taken off the uniform. She thought as she followed the receptionist’s directions.
Reaching the room, she knocked on the door and it quickly opened, revealing a pegasus with short, light brilliant blue mane with navy blue fur. “Hi Mom, you’re just in time.” Icy Smoke stood aside to let Clover in. “They just finished prepping Cloudy.”
Clover nodded and hugged her son in law before walking over to her daughter. “How are you feeling?” She asked, her voice warn.
“I’ve had better days.” Cloudy replied and winced as a contraction shuddered through her. Her pale arctic blue mane laid matted against her soft yellow fur while her wings remained at her sides.
Clover chuckled. “It’ll be worth it in the end. Trust me.” She finished before there was another knock as two nurses entered the room.
Clover Echo found herself standing outside the room a couple hours afterwards. She had to give Icy Smoke credit for not being a stallion that passed out watching his wife going giving birth like hers had and she had been caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t realize somepony was holding a cup of water out to her.
“I spoke with the doctor,” Icy began softly and looked back at the door to the room where his wife currently was sleeping, then he looked at Clover. “We decided to name her Misty Fly.”
“After my daughter and your great-grandfather?” Clover asked and Icy nodded in response. Before they could continue their conversation, an earth stallion walked up to them solemnly and cleared his throat politely.
“Mr. Smoke, Mrs. Echo, I’m Doctor Healing Spell. I’m in charge of the pediatric ward.” He told them quietly, much that he hated giving parents bad news, especially new parents. “There is something I need to inform you of, concerning your daughter. Would you like to step inside so Mrs. Fit can hear it at the same time?”
Icy shook his head. “No, if there’s anything wrong, I’d like to know first so my wife can hear it from me.”
“Very well.” Doctor Healing Spell drew a breath. “Your daughter, she was born deaf.” He heard Clover gasp but nothing from Icy. “I’m sorry, I’m used to parents panicking when they receive bad news.”
“It’s understandable, Doctor.” Icy Smoke looked him in the eye. “I may not be employed here, but I am a nurse as well. You of all ponies should know we’re trained to be calm and slightly detached no matter the situation, plus, if I let that get to me, Misty Fly will soon pick up on that and worry something is horribly wrong with her.”
“My apologies.”
“Is there any chance of her hearing?” Clover asked as she seemed to find her voice.
“I’m afraid there isn’t.” Doctor Healing Spell continued speaking in the fancy medical terms but Clover drowned out his voice. I thought trying to get into the Wonderbolts was hard…. She thought realizing that Misty Fly was going to have a difficult time from the very first day. “Doctor, is there anything we can do to help make Misty Fly’s life a little easier?”
“Yes, I was just coming to that. I need to get the pamphlets and books for you, but that should give you some time to tell Mrs. Solace.” Doctor Healing Spell bowed. “I’m terribly sorry to have had to tell you that.” He turned and headed down the hallway.
“Cheer up mom, it’s just a small set back.” Icy smiled and hugged Clover. “Besides, you have a grandfilly to spoil from now on.” He held the hug for a moment before sighing and opening the door and then looked at her.
“I’ll wait out here.” Clover answered his silent question before he walked back into the room.
Misty Fly sat on the grass and looked skyward, watching Clover Echo and her squad preparing for their next show, which would be the last one before Clover retired. Even at the age of sixteen, she still hung out with her grandmother a lot (getting spoiled certainly helped) and as such, she had learned so many acrobatic stunts that she had earned her cutie mark one day while flying beside squad three during a practice run. They were flying slow enough for Misty Fly to keep up, but she had loved it while it took her mind off school.
Clover waited until they finished the routine they were working on before calling a halt to practice. At this point, she didn’t have to say anything and just opted to descend in a lazy circle as Misty Fly flew up to meet her. “Wave good bye Misty.” She signed as her granddaughter reached her and smiled as Misty waved to the others while they waved back to her. Once her granddaughter was on her back, Clover flew away from the compound flying fast as she could knowing Misty Fly enjoyed it.
Landing in the backyard of Icy and Cloduy’s home, Misty Fly slid off Clover’s back smiling and giggling quietly. “That was fun, Grandma,” she signed and hugged her.
“I thought I felt somepony landing,” Cloudy Fit said as she opened the back door and was promptly tackled by Misty Fly. “How was she?”
“Good as always,” Clover replied, automatically signing as she spoke so Misty Fly could be part of the conversation. “Certainly better than half the pegasi who fly around.” She got Misty Fly to smile.
“Can you stay for dinner by chance, Mom?”
Clover shook her head. “I’d love to, but I need to get back.” She couldn’t mask the sound of her stomach growling at the thought of a home cooked meal. “Well… maybe a few minutes,” she said blushing.
“Good, I promise I have enough to take back to your squad mates,” Misty Solace said as she stepped aside to let them in. “Misty Fly, go and wash up.” As Misty Fly ran to the bathroom, Misty Solace looked at Clover. “She still doesn’t know about your final show right?”
“Only that I’m retiring afterwards.” Clover said as Icy came in through the side door.
“Hi honey, hi Mom,” Icy said and kissed Cloud. “I have good news.”
“Hi honey,” Cloudy returned the kiss. “I can’t wait to hear the news.”
“I’ll wait until Misty Fly comes back.” Icy told them yet they didn’t have to wait long as somepony leaped onto his back.
“Look out, things are a little misty on you.” Clover teased as Misty Fly “attacked” her father until he managed to get her into a hug.
Once the hug ended, Icy set Misty down. “How was hanging out with Grandma?” He signed to her while Clover and Misty set the table.
“It was awesome. They were doing all kinds of twists and turns and complicated maneuvers,” Misty Fly signed and was about to go into detail when Clover put a hoof onto her shoulder and shook her head.
“Are you going to tell us the good news or not?” Cloudy asked once dinner began.
“Oh right, I nearly forgot when our daughter pounced on me,” Icy said with a wink to Misty Fly.
“No you didn’t,” Misty Fly signed back and playfully stuck her tongue out at him.
“Well, today, Princess Celestia approved my request to open a research lab to work with other ponies that are hard of hearing.” Icy said with his eyes twinkling and voice warm. “It’s all thanks to you, sweetie.” He reached over and ruffled Misty Fly’s mane.
“Me? But I didn’t do anything.” Misty Fly looked confused.
“You came into this world, that’s all you needed to do.” Icy replied and kissed Misty Fly’s forehead.
“Sweetie, after dinner, I need to head into work for a special recording session.” Cloud told her. “I promise it won’t be long, I’ll be back in time to play with you.”
“Okay. Mom.”
Clover stood up when she finished eating. “Thanks for the meal. It’s much better than what the chefs serve on base.” She hugged Misty Fly. “Come visit me again soon.” She got her reply and headed to the backyard where she spread her wings and took off.
A week passed and Misty Fly was excited as they were in the final stretch of the school’s annual soccer game and only one more point was needed for her team to win! Misty Fly watched her teammates ready to spring into action the moment Sky Flight pressed a button causing a strobe light to flash. Galloping forward, she got into place on the opposing side of the field before waving her arms to get her teammate’s attention, then signing to him before he nodded before passing the ball backwards. Misty Fly weaved between the other players waiting for the right moment and it didn’t take long to set up. As one of her other teammates passed her the ball, she jumped into the air before flipping backwards as her rear hoof connected with the soccer ball sending it into the goal as the light above it flashed blue. Getting to her hooves, she hoof bumped her teammates as the strobe light flashed several times signaling the end of the game and after both teams hoof bumped each other, the losing side received a small trophy painted silver while the winning side got a slightly larger trophy painted gold. When the trophies were passed out, everypony was treated to ice cream floats and cake.
Misty Fly joined in until everypony started to pack up for the day. When she saw her parents standing with Sky Flight, she trotted over to them, and since her parents’ backs were to her, neither Icy nor Cloudy realized their daughter was currently heading their way. Icy stepped to the side just as Sky Flight was saying something and Misty Fly read her teacher’s lips clear as day which stopped her dead in her tracks and the trophy slipped from her grasp. Suddenly, the happiness at winning meant nothing as her teacher’s words replayed themselves in her mind as tears sprung into her eyes. Silently choking out a sob, she turned and took to the sky flying away from the school.
She flew fast as she could weaving through the buildings as if flying fast would leave the hurtful words behind. As she flew into the Wonderbolt compound, several pegasi tried to intercept her but years of watching her grandmother allowed her to dodge all of them at the last second. Finding Clover, she dove for her and almost knocked her out of the sky.
Clover had insisted that the squad perform one more run through for the day and they were nearly finished when Misty Fly crashed into her. Spreading her wings, she broke formation and glided down, holding onto her granddaughter. “You guys take five.” She told her squad mates as she rubbed Misty Fly’s back soothingly. “Then… practice your individual routines if you want.” She then picked up Misty Fly and carrying her to her room to pick something up before flying them to The Fine Brew Tea Room & Pub figuring that if her grandfilly was anything like her, tea would be a good place to start.
The Fine Brew Tea Room was a relatively new establishment, recently started by the daughter of one of the Canterlot elite, and the gilded filigree on the windows still shone brightly in contrast to the bright white window frames that dominate two sides of the sitting area. Behind a long counter displaying baked goods of all varieties that looked like they belonged in a high class bakery against the wall near the door, the owner smiles broadly as they enter causing a soft bell to chime, waving cheerfully. “Welcome! Have a seat wherever you like,” the dark gray mare declared, gesturing around the mostly empty sitting area.
Clover Echo nodded and looked around briefly before deciding to walk over to a booth that was near the back of the room and let Misty Fly decide which side she wanted to sit on. Sliding into the seat opposite of her grandfilly, she lowered her hood and picked up two menus, passing one to Misty Fly. “Get whatever you want,” she gestured.
Misty Fly looked blankly over the menu that she had been given but her mind wasn’t focusing on anything. Setting the menu down, she looked out the window then returned her gaze to the table.
“What has you so upset, dear?” Clover signed but didn’t get a response and there wasn’t time to ask again as the dark grey mare approached their table.
“What can I get for you two today?” she asked with a friendly grin, her violet eyes flicking between the two pegasi.
“Tea, Earl grey, hot.” Clover replied kindly with a soft smile as she looked at the waitress. Holding out a hoof in Misty’s direction, she took a moment to think of something that she would enjoy. “Um, do you have anything that can cheer a mare up?”
The mare smiled softly, clearly sympathetic. “Iced double chocolate chip scones and razzle-dazzle berry tea sound about right?” she suggested, her gaze falling on Misty as though looking for any sign of approval.
Clover reached over the table and tapped Misty on the shoulder to get her to look up before she made the correct hoof and wing motions to Misty, however, Clover only received a half-hearted nod in response. Returning her gaze to the mare, she put the menus to the side with a wing. “That sounds good, and a few of those scones please.”
“Absolutely,” the mare responded with a nod, her violet magic quickly writing out an order on her pad before she retreats through a pair of swinging double doors in the back wall.
“My team… we had just won the school’s soccer game.” Misty began slowly. “My teammates and I received a gold trophy before we started a celebration for all the ponies. I even scored the winning goal! Things were winding down….” She stopped and bit her lower lip as fresh tears grudgingly began to form.
The mare returned to their table then, a sizeable fine china plate with the scones held in her magical aura. Setting it on the table, Clover and Misty could see small dollops of sweet cream and lemon curd on the edge of the plate with little rose-handled spoons set beside them, and six iced scones neatly arrayed around it. “I’ll be right back with your tea,” she said as her magic fades from around the plate and quickly ducks back through the double doors.
“Thank you.” Clover told the mare before she left the table. Taking a warm scone, she pushed the plate towards Misty before taking one of the spoons and dipping it into the sweet cream. “Congratulations on winning. Makes me wish I could have been there to see it.”’
Misty took a few seconds to nibble at the scone. “As everypony was packing up to leave, I headed over to Mom and Dad wanting to share the happiness. My teacher, Sky Flight, had been talking to them and when Dad moved to the side…” she paused as her hooves shook while tears flowed down her cheeks. “...he said that I would never amount to anything.” She managed to get out before hiding her face with her hooves, her body shaking from the silent sobs.
It took everything Clover had to not slam her hooves onto the table, furious that a teacher would even say something like that, much less in front of the student. “He said what?” she growled, not even signing that one knowing Misty wouldn’t see it nor hear her.
A soft clearing of a throat cut through the tension like a knife, drawing Clover’s attention the mare who had returned with two porcelain tea pots as well as two small silver stands with tealite candles set in the bottom. With practiced ease, the mare levitated the two stands to the table and set the two pots atop them and a brief flare of magic lit the two candles. “The pot with yellow roses is the Earl Grey, and the pot with pink roses is the Razzle Dazzle Berry…” she explained, gesturing first to the one on Clover’s side and then the one on Misty’s. “I’m Fine Brew, and if you need anything else, just speak up. I’ll just be over at the counter.”
“Thank you, Fine Brew.” Clover nodded, making sure to take the yellow roses pot and poured herself some tea. “I think we’re good for now.” She waited until Fine Brew walked away before reaching over the table and taking Misty’s hooves into her own. Pulling Misty’s hooves from her face, Clover signed with her wings “I have something that I want to give to you.” She pulled her hooves back before reaching into her mane and pulling out a light blue handkerchief with an embroidered pattern on it with a couple red hearts in the corner. Misty, having been pouring herself tea, paused before setting the teapot down and accepting the handkerchief. “I had planned to give this to you in a few days, but I think now is a much better time,” Clover smiled “If you ever forget to believe in yourself, I want you to hold that and think of me, for I will always believe in you.”
Misty dabbed her moderate cornflower blue eyes with the handkerchief and softly smiled though her eyes were still damp. “Thank you, Grandma.” She used her wing to pick up her teacup and took a little sip finding the flavoring to be fruity, but overall, good.
As Misty lowered the cup, her vision is immediately filled with a coloring book surrounded by a silvery-blue aura. Looking to one side of the book, she spotted a small unicorn filly of a paler gray than the server with her two-toned blue mane and tail both braided back. Seeing the filly’s mouth moving, she stood no chance at reading her lips because the filly was excitedly asking her to do something. Looking at the color book, she studied the image for a second and looked back to the filly. “That’s a pretty picture,” she told the filly.
The young unicorn blinked and copied what she witnessed before looking at Clover. “Can she hear me ma’am?”
“I’m afraid she can’t, young one.” Clover informed her. “The reason she uses her hooves and wings is because she can’t hear like you and I can.”
“Oh!” the unicorn exclaimed, blue eyes widening. “Can you show me how to ask if she’d like to color with me?” she asked eagerly.
Clover smiled and nodded. “Don’t worry if you don’t get it exactly right on the first attempt.” Raising her hooves, she slowly went through the motions keeping them short so the filly could copy her. “Would you like to color with me?” she asked, keeping in mind that it was the filly asking the question.
Misty Fly’s mouth made an “o” shape when she saw what Clover had asked but politely waited until the filly was able to ask her before replying, “I would love to.” Since she had signed it, Clover knew what Misty’s response was but couldn’t say it as another voice interrupted them.
“Witching Hour Grey! What have I told you about bothering the customers?!” Fine demanded, quickly coming over and placing herself between the filly and the table’s occupants. “I am so sorry if she bothered you, ma’am,” she apologized, looking almost panicked.
Clover shook her head. “It’s alright, Fine Brew. She wasn’t bothering us at all. In fact, she was just asking if Misty Fly would like to color with her and, to be honest, I think she could use it.” Looking down at Witching Hour, she smiled. “Misty Fly said she would love to color with you,” she translated while Misty scooted over a little.
Witching Hour, now nervous, looked anxiously to Fine. “Mama, please? They don’t mind!” she begged with puppy dog eyes.
Sighing heavily in resignation, Fine made a shooing motion to her daughter. “Very well… But you’d better behave, young lady, or you’ll lose chocolate chip cookie privileges.” Eyes wide with fear, Witching Hour nodded vehemently before joining Misty on the bench seat.
Waiting until Fine Brew was gone, Clover picked up a scone and held it out to Witching Hour. “Here, just in case you lose the cookie privileges, but we know that’s not going to happen,” she said as she winked at the filly.
“What picture do you want me to color?” Misty asked glancing at the color pencils while Clover repeated the question verbally to Witching Hour. Flipping through the already colored pages, Witching Hour found two on facing pages and moved the book between Misty and herself on the table. The page on the filly’s side showed pegasi flying through a sky spotted with clouds with a rainbow streaming behind them. On Misty’s side was a stained glass window depicting the first Hearth’s Warming Eve, with the Fire of Friendship hovering over the three ponies’ heads.
Misty looked at the picture on her side of the book and then picked up a sky blue color pencil and began coloring in the glass planes that made up most of the image. When she was finished, she set that color down and reached for the pink pencil next when she glanced over at Witching Hour coloring in the pegasus and it didn’t take her any time at all to recognize the color scheme. Tapping Witching Hour on the shoulder, she waited for the filly to look up. “Why are you coloring me there?” she signed and waited for Clover to verbally speak the question. She didn’t mind, but was curious since she certainly didn’t feel like she could fly with others and create a majestic rainbow.
Witching Hour looked thoughtful for a long moment, tilting her head to one side as Clover played translator. She opens her mouth, as though to reply before shaking her head and then using her yellow pencil to point at first Clover the Clever and then at Private Pansy. Misty was stunned as she watched Witching Hour first put her hoof to her chest and then gestured to Misty. It was crude and inaccurate as far as sign language went, but the sentiment was unmistakable; Witching Hour was equating the two of them to Clover the Clever and Private Pansy - new friends.
Reaching out, Misty hugged Witching Hour with both hooves and wings for a moment before mouthing “thank you.” Had she not already cried most of her tears, she probably would have sobbed again, although this time being touched and happy that somepony was taking a chance to communicate with her.
Clover watched the interaction as a smile played on her lips. She waited until the two broke the hug before getting Misty’s attention, “So, let me ask you this. Are you going to prove your teacher right? Or will you prove your teacher wrong?” She didn’t verbally say anything this time as it was more of a personal question plus to spare Witching Hour from learning the reason that led Clover and Misty to being there.
Misty didn’t reply right away, instead she looked down at the book to give her time to think about her answer and began coloring Clover the Clever in Witching Hour’s colors and coloring herself as Private Pansy.
“Um… Did I say something wrong, ma’am?” Witching Hour asked, her voice trembling with fear of her mother’s wrath.
Clover shook her head. “No, you did nothing wrong, young Witch,” she sighed before continuing. “For Misty, it’s rare, nearly unheard of actually, that anypony goes out of their way to try and communicate with her. When you told her that you two were friends, via Clover and Pansy, you did that without me and it made her very happy.”
Before Misty started coloring Smart Cookie, she looked up at Clover, her eyes burning with a budding flame of determination. “Grandma, I’m going to prove everypony wrong. Despite my disability, I will follow in your steps and become a Wonderbolt.”
Clover grinned and nodded. “Just the answer I was looking for.” She then looked at Witching Hour, the grin fading into a soft smile. “Thank you, you helped Misty greatly, for you have given her something she desperately needed, hope.” She had signed the last part so Misty knew what she said.
Witching Hour beamed happily at the older mare’s words. “I’m glad she’s happy,” she responded cheerfully. Clover and Misty stayed until they finished their tea and the scones but when it was time to say goodbye, Witching Hour hugged Misty and the two were inseparable for a couple moments.
“Goodbye, Witching Hour,” Misty waved with her wing. “Thank you.”
“Bye, Misty Fly,” Witching Hour waved with her hoof. “It was nice to meet you.” She said before signing it with Clover’s help.
A few days later, Misty sat next to Icy Smoke as they watched the final performance of Clover Echo and her squad set to “Ride of the Valkyries” being performed by Cloudy Fit and the rest of the Equestria Symphony Orchestra. Misty felt somepony tap her shoulder and looked over to see a stallion with an orange and pale orange streak mane and white fur. Reading his lips, she understood he was saying hi so she signed a greeting as well.
Fire Streak looked confused for a moment before opening his program and wrote a question with a pencil and then passed it to Misty. She chuckled before replying and passing it back and soon they had a conversation going until Misty felt something plop into her lap. Looking down, she saw it was a pair of flight goggles and when she looked up, Clover held her hoof out smiling with the invitation being clear.
Misty and Fire wrote a quick goodbye before she stood up and stretched her wings. Snapping the flight goggles over her eyes, she flew alongside Clover in the middle of a V-formation. There wasn’t anything Wonderbolt fancy about the final lap; mainly a couple barrel rolls, a few flips, and one loop-de-loop, but to Clover, it was everything. As the song came to a close, Clover flew in front of Misty while the rest of the squad tightened the V-formation before flying through one of the entrances and out of sight.
Misty looked out the window as the darkened sky as the rain gently fell and there was something about the day that felt off and that the sky seemed to be crying. Turning away from the window, she saw Fire Streak reading and Lightning Streak was currently napping on the bed opposite hers before the door opened with their newest member, Surprise, holding the mail under her wing. After thanking Surprise, she went over to her bed and sat down opening the single letter she had gotten. Reading the letter twice, she felt tears run down her face and falling onto the tear stained letter.
Fire Streak looked up and saw the tears. Knowing she wouldn’t hear him, he got up and walked over. “What’s wrong?” he asked and in response, Misty handed him the letter.
Fire Streak folded the letter and set it on the bed before sitting down next to Misty. “I’m sorry. I may not have known her that well, but I know you were fond of her.” He signed before putting a comforting wing around her back. As Surprise was about to ask what was wrong, Fire shook his head. “Not now,” he told her softly as his hoof rubbed Misty’s back.
Misty stayed there for several minutes but ultimately pushed Fire away gently. “I need some air.” She told him before leaving the room with Fire simply nodding.
“I guess we’re not doing anything?” Lightning asked once he woke up. “Not that I mind, it’s nice to sleep in. OW!” She shouted as Surprise smacked him on the head and Fire silently mouthed “thank you” to her.
A few hours later, a soaking wet Misty came back into hers and Surprise’s room. While Surprise got her a towel, Fire presented a plate of food that he had snuck back from the mess hall. “Everypony listen up.” She sighed after drying off. Seeing that Lightning was the only one sleeping, she reached over to her desk before throwing a small book at him at the same time Fire blasted an air horn with a flat expression that Surprise had given him, and Surprise dumping a bucket of ice on his head.
“HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF CELESTIA!” Lightning yelled now thoroughly wake. Teeth chattering, he moved away from the ice that evaporated mysteriously once he was on the floor.
“I was thinking; our next show will be dedicated to Grandma Clover.” Misty began. “In her honor, I’m bringing back the coordination that she was known for.”
“But we only have three weeks before the show.” Lightning pointed out.
“Then we need to practice like we’ve never practiced before,” Misty grinned, knowing that three weeks were more than enough time.
It was at this point Misty’s hooves stopped as she continued the memory in her mind.
“You can imagine that show was a popular one.” Fire told Blue Jay. “Misty even got the ESO play “Rise of the Phoenix” for us. After that, everypony loved the routine that we simply stuck with it and thus what Squad Three is known for.”
“Wow,” Blue Jay breathed out as she let the story sink in. Looking down at the handkerchief in her hoof, she looked up about to ask if it was the same one but Misty nodded smiling. Surprising Blue Jay even more, Misty also pulled out a folded piece of paper and spread it out before showing it. It was a copy of the picture she had colored with Witching Hour, with Clover's color scheme standing in for Smart Cookie and signed by both of them.
“I always carry a copy with us when we go out for shows.” Misty explained. “The real one is still framed in our room back at the compound.”
It was at this point their waiter came up to them. “I apologize for interrupting, I just wanted to let you know we’ll be closing the doors in ten minutes.”
“Don’t worry about it my good pony,” Fire told him. “I think we were just about done anyhow. Oh, and put this one’s bill on mine,” he said gesturing to Blue Jay and the waiter nodded before leaving.
“You don’t have to do that.” Blue Jay blushed in embarrassment.
“It’s not a problem.” Fire smiled and they paid before leaving. “Miss Jay, were you ever able to find your thoughts?”
Blue Jay nodded. “Yeah, even though you two are Wonderbolts, underneath it all you’re just normal ponies.”
Fire chuckled. “That’s the problem. We get put on such a high pedestal, that most forget we’re mostly average ponies.”
Outside the restaurant, the trio paused and took a moment to appreciate the cool evening breeze. “Well, it’s been fun,” Fire said kindly. “Goodbye, Miss Jay. Hopefully we can meet up again some day.”
“Hopefully. Goodbye Fire” Blue Jay replied as they hugged. When she looked at Misty, she saw warm tears in her eyes. “Fire, how do you say goodbye in sign-” she broke off as Fire was already going through the motion. Blue Jay nodded and repeated it which rewarded her with a tight hug from Misty. When the hug broke, she saw Fire make a couple more motions and she simply repeated them. “What did I just say?”
“You told Misty that you want to see her again one day.” Fire replied as Misty signed the same thing back.
Turning, Blue Jay headed in the opposite direction back to her hotel and was nearly half a block away when she realized she was still holding the handkerchief. Turning around, she spread her wings and bolted back the way she came hoping to catch up with the other two. “FIRE STREAK!” she shouted once she found them and they paused. Folding her wings in after landing, she walked up to them.
“When you said you wanted to see us again, I didn’t think you meant in fifteen seconds.” Fire teased.
“No, I wanted to give this back.” Blue Jay couldn’t help but to roll her eyes at Fire’s teasing, but as she looked at Misty, she held out the handkerchief. “I nearly forgot I still had this,” Fire translated it over to Misty.
Misty shook her head and pushed the handkerchief back towards Blue Jay. “Keep it for now, the next time we meet. if you have more confidence in yourself and have great friends… Ones that will accept you for who you are, I will accept it back.” She took a moment to get her thoughts in order. “Blue Jay, I know life will be tough for you, but once you find the friends that are special to you,” she shared a warm smile with Fire, “then life will become easier. As my Grandma told me; if you have trouble believing in yourself at times, think about me because I will always believe in my friends.”
Blue Jay nodded and signed “thank you” before holding the handkerchief close to her chest showing she would keep it close. With another round of hugs, they separated once more with Blue Jay feeling like the luckiest mare in the world but one thought came to mind. Moony, Sunny, why didn’t either of you two tell me she was deaf? With the thought completed, she spread her wings and took to the sky for a nighttime flight.
Author's Note
I had fun writing this and am pleased with how it turned out.
Special thanks to Witching Hour, Sylvian, and Zoljen for proof reading, and suggestions on this.
Also special thanks to Calm Wind, for without him, I wouldn't have been able to write this.
Fine Brew, filly Witching Hour belongs to Witching Hour
