Pegasus Dreams

by BluePhoenyx

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Adventure, Sad, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 15137

A Pegasus who can't fly? Lame, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to the rescue!

Cloud Dream,a Pegasus who can't fly, is rejected from his home in Trottingham and came to Ponyville where he has heard of the six ponies that seem to continuously save Equestria. He has more specifically heard of two Pegasus, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, whom he feels can help him fly and achieve his dream of controlling lighting clouds.

Alright everyone, So since my first story didn't go over too well I'm going to try this one. If you read my other story (written in the stars, which i deleted) I appreciate constructive criticism not just "this sucks" so if that's all you're going to say about it, don't comment I will delete it.

Published 2012-06-13 16:04:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-13 05:54:48 UTC

Cloud Dream's arrival

Sweat poured off of the white and gray pony as he hauled his heavy cart to Ponyville. His coat was a brilliant white but had a dark gray mane and tail with gray eyes to match. He had heard about the small town all his life. For him, Ponyville meant a second chance at life and possibly some friends that would understand him. He heard some of the best fliers lived. He especially wanted to meet the legendary pegasus pony who successfully created a Rainboom, and also represented one of the elements in the Elements of Harmony. He had heard all about the six ponies representing these elements and their exploits in saving Equestria.

Soon, The Pegasus was in Ponyville, Just on the outskirts. He saw the little town in the middle of a busy day. Ponies were rushing to food stands or going to the various shops in town. He looked up and could just barely see Cloudsdale above him as he crossed a small bridge. Of course, not watching where he was going, the Pegasus crashed into a cart… nose first. He stepped back a few spaces and rubbed his nose with his hoof to rub away the pain.

“Ugh, Sorry about that. I wasn’t paying attention.” He said and looked up to see a cart full of apples. A yellow Pony with a lighter yellow mane and three apples for a cutie mark came from around the cart. She was wearing an old fashioned western hat and had three little freckles on each cheek. Her eyes were an emerald green and had a look of sincere concern in them.

“Oh my goodness. Are you alright there sugar cube? I didn’t realize I was in the middle of the road.” She said in a smooth southern accent.

“Oh, that’s alright. I’m pretty clumsy. I’m new to Ponyville, my name is Cloud Dream.” The Pegasus replied with a bright smile.

“Pleasure to meet ya Cloud Dream. My name is Apple Jack. I’m on my way into the Ponyville market place if y’all wanna come with, I can show ya around.” The Pony said, grabbing Cloud Dream’s hoof and shaking it vigorously.

“Apple Jack? Hey you’re one of the Ponies that represent the Elements of Harmony. Uh, uh, Honesty right?” Cloud Dream said in excitement. He reared and kicked to show his enthusiasm.

“Uh well yes I suppose that’s right. Have we met?” Apple Jack asked.

“No, but I’ve heard all about you. I’m from Trottingham and the stories of you and your friends are the reason I’m here.” Cloud Dream replied happily.

“Well shucks, I didn’t know we were famous. I bet the others would be pleased as punch to hear about this. Come on I’ll show ya around.” Apple Jack said and turned back to her cart to get back in the reigns and drag it off. Cloud Dream happily began to follow until a voice from the distance stopped them.

“Apple Jack! Apple Jack! Apple Jack!!!!!!!” a young southern voice screeched as a little filly came racing across the field. She had a red mane with a yellow body much like Apple Jacks’

“Oh..What in tarnation is it now Apple bloom?” Apple jack asked, obviously annoyed by the young filly. “She’s my little sister.” Apple Jack explained to an obviously confused Cloud Dream.

“Please can I help in the market today? Please, please, please? I just know I’ll get my cutie mark that way pleeaaassseeeee?” Apple bloom begged, bouncing up and down on her hind legs.

“Apple bloom I told ya you’ll get yer cutie mark when yer ready and not before.” Apple Jack said, stomping a hoof down.

“But Aplpe Jaaackk. What if I’m late? What if I never get my cutie mark? What if I don’t have a special talent!?” Apple Bloom whined and sat down on her rump hard, making a small cloud of dust.

“You’ll get yer cutie mark sugar cube don’t you fret. Yer not late or nothing. Ain’t that right Cloud Dream?” Apple Jack said and turned to Cloud Dream for some back up, considering the little filly was moments away from tears.
“uhm well uh, yeah of course. You’ll get it little miss.” Cloud Dream said, tightening his wings closer to his body.

“See? Now run along Apple Bloom, I’m busy showing Cloud Dream here around.” Apple Jack said, nudging Apple Bloom away gently.

“Aw let her come along miss Apple Jack, I’m sure she won’t be a bother. Isn’t that right little miss?” Cloud Dream said, Patting Apple Bloom on the head. Apple Jack beamed brightly and stared at her older sister.

“Ohhh…Alright.. but you better stay out of trouble ya hear?” Apple Jack said, eyeing Apple Bloom sharply.

“Yes Ma’am!” Apple Bloom said and saluted. “Can I help ya with yer cart there Cloud Dream?” Apple Bloom asked, rushing over without waiting for a response and started trying to climb into the cart.

“Oh, no little miss that’s alright I-Ah!” Cloud Dream yelled as the cart tipped over, taking Apple Bloom and him with it. Instinctively, Cloud Dream opened his wings and tried flapping but he went down anyway.

Apple Bloom landed softly on a blanket and pillow that fell out of the cart. She shook the dizziness from her head and looked over to Cloud Dream who was getting up and rubbing his head in pain. He lifted his wing a bit and groaned. Apple Bloom gasped and left her jaw open.

“Apple Bloom!!! Look what you did no-” Apple Jack cut herself off when she saw Cloud Dream’s body completely missing a cutie mark. Cloud Dream looked up to see what the matter was and realized what they were looking at. He quickly closed his wings and covered up his flank.

“Wha..why. I don’t understand. You don’t have a cutie mark?” Apple Jack asked, lifting a hoof up.

“well..Um…no.” Cloud Dream said lowering his head in shame. “See, that’s the whole reason I’m here. I never found what my true talent was in Trottingham. But my dream has always been to control and monitor the lighting clouds during storms.” Cloud Dream explained, keeping his head down.

“Then, how come you never tried?” Apple Jack asked, tilting her head slightly.

“I…I can’t fly…” Cloud Dream admitted.

“Well shoot, you’ll be alright. My friend Fluttershy can’t fly too high neither and she’s done alright. Her talent is communicating with critters.” Apple Jack said, snickering softly.

“It’s not that simple.” Cloud Dream said and got up, walking over to the bridge and climbing up on the side. He spread his wings and clenched his eyes shut as he jumped off. He flapped as hard as he could, but simply dropped down into the shallow creek below. He grunted from the landing and sat up, dripping wet.

“Well my goodness. I’ve never seen a Pegasus who can’t fly period.” Apple Jack said.

“Or an older one with a blank flank.” Apple bloom said almost accusingly.

“Apple Bloom, you hush now.” Apple Jack said and slid down the bank to help Cloud Dream out of the creek bed. Once they were out, Cloud Dream shook off the water and closed his wings tightly against his body.

“So you see, I was hoping you and your friends could help me learn to fly.” Cloud Dream said sadly. He walked over to his cart and started to try and push it up.

“Of course we’ll help you sugar cube.” Apple Jack said as she walked over and put a hoof on his shoulder. Cloud Dream smiled faintly as he looked down at her. He was a bit taller than Apple Jack but he didn’t seem to notice much. The only thing he could think of was that she was really pretty; a bit rough and maybe a little dirty from working on a farm all day, but still pretty. Apple jack cleared her throat and backed off a bit once she realized he was staring.

“Apple Bloom, go find Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity and have them meet us at Fluttershy’s cottage.” Apple jack said and got back to her own cart of apples. Cloud Dream got back to his and followed Apple Jack towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

About half way there Apple jack looked up and saw a rainbow colored tail hanging off a cloud along with one blue hoof.

“Rainbow Dash! That you up there?” Apple Jack called out. The hoof and tail disappeared into the cloud and on the
other side a blue pony’s head and rainbow mane poked out.

“What Apple Jack? I’m busy.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Get yer tail down here Rainbow Dash yer not busy.” Apple Jack demanded. Rainbow Dash Groaned and jumped down, gently landing on the ground in front of Apple Jack.

“Who’s the new guy?” Rainbow Dash asked, walking over to Cloud Dream.

“This here is Cloud Dream and he desperately needs our help. I’ll explain at Fluttershy’s place.” Apple Jack said.

“Wow, Rainbow Dash I can’t believe I finally get to meet the mare that did the sonic rainboom.” Cloud Dream said
beaming brightly.

“Hah yeah it was pretty awesome wasn’t it?” Rainbow dash asked, flying on her back all around him.

“Well, I never actually got to see it but I bet it was amazing. Is it true that you’re going to join the Wonder Bolts some day?” Cloud Dream asked, following after Apple Jack with Rainbow close behind.

“You bet! I might even get to be captain one day.” Rainbow said, trotting behind them. Cloud Dream was speechless as he watched Rainbow do various tricks as they walked on. Things were finally starting to look up for Cloud Dream and he couldn’t wait to meet the others…

End ch.1

Riding the Winds

Authors Note: Please enjoy :) Ch. 3 may take a while considering its getting close to the weekend and that is when I get busy so bear with me.Also, I know it has a few grammar errors but i keep getting conflicting info about them so try and work with it.

As Cloud Dream, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash reached Fluttershy’s cottage, Cloud Dream freed himself from his heavy cart and left it by the side of the cottage. He followed Apple Jack to the door and waited as she knocked on the door.

“Fluttershy! You home in there?” Apple Jack called out. A few moments later a pastel yellow Pegasus with a long, swooping, pink mane opened the door with a bright sweet smile on her face.

“Oh, hello girls. How are you today?” She asked in the softest voice Cloud Dream had ever heard. It sounded like a gentle breeze flowing through tall hollow grass on the edge of a pond.

“Sorry to bother ya Fluttershy, I have Twilight and the others coming over too but this pony needs our help”. Apple Jack said. Fluttershy looked around Apple Jack and saw Cloud Dream Standing behind her smiling lightly.

“Oh my goodness. Um..Well, yes please come in”. Fluttershy said opening the door more for the others to enter. Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash entered with Cloud Dream right behind them. He bowed Courteously to Fluttershy and smiled.

“Thank you very much, miss. If I have it right, you represent the Element Of Kindness right?” Cloud Dream said. Fluttershy’s coat turned a bright pink for a moment.

“Why, um yes I suppose so.” She replied then walked into her living room, smiling softly to himself.

Rainbow Dash took a seat on a nearby chair while Apple Jack and Cloud Dream stayed standing. It wasn’t long after, when there was another knock on the door. Fluttershy walked over to the door and opened it to reveal three more ponies. The one in the front was a purple unicorn with a darker purple mane with streaks of other shades of purple in it and purple eyes. Behind her was another unicorn with a brilliant white coat and a purple, flowing mane that was trimmed and cleaned and brushed to perfection. She carried herself with dignity and elegance.

“We came as soon as Apple Bloom told us what was going on. What do we-” the purple pony was cut off when a flash of pink jumped on top of her then over, bouncing over to Cloud Dream and singing loudly.

“Welcome, welcome, welcome, a fine welcome to you! Wel-” The flash of pink began to sing until the purple pony cut her off.

“Pinkie Pie, later.” She said a little sternly.

“Awwwe but Twilight I have to!” the pink one said, pouting a little. There was the sound of clapping behind her and she turned to look with a huge smile. Cloud Dream was clapping his hooves together and laughing a little.

“Let me guess, you’re Pinkie Pie.” He said and walked over to the three.

“Yep! That’s me! Wait how did you know my name? Who are you? I know your secrets spill the beans bub!” Pinkie Pie yelled, staring him in the eye.

“Pinkie!!!” Twilight yelled.

“My name is Cloud Dream. I’ve heard all about you Miss Pinkie Pie, and you miss Twilight Sparkle, oh, and miss Rarity as well.” Cloud Dream said, acknowledging the white and purple pony, who had yet to say anything.

“miss!? Hehhehe!” Pinkie Pie said and started laughing hysterically.

“Well you are well mannered, aren’t you darling?” Rarity said walking up to Cloud Dream.

“Uh, my name is Rarity. It’s a pleasure to meet you Cloud Dream.” Rarity said shaking his hoof gently and elegantly.

“Pleasure to meet you too, Miss Rarity.” Cloud Dream said happily.

“Alright everypony let’s get down to business” Twilight said, “Apple Jack, why are we all here exactly? Apple Bloom said something about Cloud Dream needing our help?” Twilight said, sitting down while everyone else formed a circle. Apple Jack looked at Cloud dream and nodded to him. Cloud Dream returned the nod and stood up in the middle of the circle.

“Well… I came here from Trottingham because I was rejected for my…um..’disability’. See, I can’t fly and as a result…” He trailed off and lifted his wings to show his flank. “As a result, I’ve never been able to get my cutie mark.” He looked down and covered his flank up again with his wings. There was a soft gasp from everyone, except Rainbow Dash who was laughing.

“A Pegasus that can’t fly? That’s impossible.” Rainbow Dash said.

Cloud Dream sighed and stood up on a chair and jumped off, demonstrating his inability to fly once again. Rainbow Dash stood shocked and a little embarrassed that she would make fun of someone like that.

“Oh you poor darling, It must be terrible for you not to be able to fly or have a cutie mark.” Rarity said, walking over and helping Cloud Dream up.

“It was the reason I got kicked out of my home." Cloud Dream began. "I’ve come here to Ponyville to find more understanding ponies, and to request the assistance of Rainbow Dash. I figured if anyone could help me learn to fly it’d be the pony that successfully pulled off the Sonic Rainboom.” Cloud Dream explained and turned to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smirked a little.

“No Problem. I can teach anypony how to fly!”. Rainbow said, floating up into the air.

“I’ll see what I can find in my books about a flightless Pegasus and missing cutie marks.” Twilight added.

“I’ll see if Miss Cheerilee knows anything about them too”. Apple Jack said.

“Pinkie Pie and I will assist Twilight in her library”. Rarity added and held her head up proudly.

“I suppose I’ll help Rainbow Dash with flying lessons”. Fluttershy offered.

“Thanks, all of you. If it becomes too much of a problem though I’ll understand”.

“Not at all, Cloud Dream. Alright girls lets get to work!” Twilight said and rushed out with Rarity and Pinkie Pie close behind.

“Alright Cloud Dream, let’s get started” Rainbow Dash said and zoomed out the window. Cloud Dream followed with Fluttershy close behind.

Rainbow Dash led the trio to a cliff, just outside Ponyville. When they got to the top, Fluttershy hung back from the edge to avoid seeing how far up she was. Rainbow Dash, However, was hanging out on the edge, flying off it and walking around the edge with ease. The light from the sun was catching her rainbow mane perfectly so it shimmered and even reflected its colors on the ground when she hit the light just right.

“Alright, a strong up draft will get you gliding right off the bat. From there you can use the different air currents to fly until you get the hang of it.” Rainbow dash explained. Almost on cue, a huge gust of wind came up the cliff side, blowing her mane and tail upward.

“Umm Rainbow Dash? Are you s-sure this is a g-good idea? I mean w-we’re up s-so h-high” Fluttershy whimpered as she laid down low to the ground.

“It’ll be fine, right Cloud Dream?” Rainbow Dash said looking at Cloud Dream. Cloud Dream was visibly shaking but nodded in agreement. He was scared, but determined to fly and he was not going to let his fears get to him.

“Good, now watch me.” Rainbow said and dived off the cliff, spreading her wings. She used her wings to catch the up draft, which carried her high up into the air. She made minor, almost invisible movements to stay straight and in one spot. As the air draft failed, she fell into a current and let it carry her all around the sky, still making those minor adjustments to keep within the current. She then looped back and landed easily on the cliff, striking a proud stance.

“Wow Rainbow Dash, that was great!” Cloud Dream said in awe.

“way to go!” Fluttershy squeaked and fluttered her wings gently.

“Alright Cloud Dream, now you try .” Rainbow Dash said stepping away from the cliff edge.

Cloud Dream walked up to the edge and spread his wings nervously. He waited for the next up draft and when it came, he jumped right into it eyes closed. He felt the wind pushing him upwards and began to get nervous. He could just see himself falling straight to the ground. He kept his wings rigid and tried to keep straight. Suddenly he wavered and gasped as he felt the draft slip away from him and he fell from the sky. He tried flapping as hard as possible, looking for an air current, anything to help him stay up but he found nothing. He slammed into the side of the cliff and kept falling. His vision started to blur and go black. He couldn't feel the wind anymore and could just make out the dulling sun . He heard someone call out his name, but it sounded deep and far away. The last thing he saw were two silhouettes of Pegasus ponies flying down after him before everything finally went dark…..
End ch.2

Ch.3 Dark Skies.

Cloud Dream lay on the ground, unconscious with Rainbow Dash kneeling beside him. Tears were forming in the normally strong-hearted pony’s eyes. Fluttershy had rushed off to find help and left the two alone.

“Cloud Dream… I’m so sorry: This is my fault. If I had just thought of a safer way.” Rainbow Dash whimpered, trying to fight back her tears. She buried her face in between her hooves and was close to breaking down, until she heard a small, weak groan. She looked up, her face a little dirty and streaking with tears, to see Cloud Dream moving and starting to wake up. She jumped to her hooves quickly and waited, holding her breath in fear.

“Ughhh my head…” Cloud Dream mumbled and opened his eyes slowly. He frowned, something was wrong.

“Cloud Dream! Thank Celestia you’re alright! We saw you hit the side of the mountain and you weren’t waking up, so Fluttershy and I rushed down to catch you and we got you just as you were going to hit the ground.” Rainbow Dash said, getting more excited as Cloud Dream tried to stand.

“R-Rainbow Dash?” He mumbled just as he got onto all four hooves. He wobbled a little then fell right back down in to the dirt.

“Yeah, it’s me. You okay Cloud Dream? Maybe you should just stay down.” Rainbow Dash said, putting on a hoof on his shoulder.

“Rainbow Dash… I..I can’t… I can’t see.” Cloud Dream said. His voice cracked and he started visibly shaking. His eyes were as wide as possible, trying desperately to turn the blackness into shapes and colors. Rainbow Dash backed away slightly. She was in pure shock and felt like she was going to throw up. How could she have let this happen to somepony?

“Rainbow Dash? A-are you there?” Cloud Dream asked when he didn’t hear her respond. He started moving his hoof around to find her.

“Y-Yeah I’m here Cloud Dream.” Rainbow Dash replied, finagling getting a hold of herself. She walked back over to him and put her hoof over his searching one.

“You’re gonna be okay.” Rainbow Dash said just as Fluttershy was running back with Twilight and the others, as well as ponies from the hospital with a cart, close behind.

“Rainbow Dash! How is he?” Twilight called out as she arrived on the scene. Rainbow Dash looked up at her. This time, there was no holding back tears or acting brave.

“Twilight... He says he can’t see!” Rainbow Dash said as tears were pouring out of her eyes and down her cheeks. A few drops fell on Cloud Dream’s hoof as she continued to hold it.

Twilight paused in mid step and bit her bottom lip. She knew extreme impacts had deadly effects and could cause permanent damage in other ways, but she wasn’t expecting blindness. The two ponies from the hospital pulled Cloud Dream into a cart, forcing Rainbow Dash to let go of his hoof. Cloud Dream was frozen and stunned into allowing other ponies to do what they willed with him. He was trying so hard to see anything. A small shadow would have pleased him but there was nothing.

The cart took him back to the Ponyville Hospital with the six friends following close behind. Rainbow Dash took up the rear, keeping her head down and walking instead of flying off or anything. Twilight looked back and saw her friend obviously in pain and hung back to walk beside her.

“Rainbow Dash? Are you okay?” She asked softly, keeping pace with her.

“It’s all my fault, Twilight. If I hadn’t made him jump off that cliff right away, he’d be okay right now.” Rainbow Dash said, turning her head away in shame. Tears were still streaming down her face but she was too proud and too headstrong to start sobbing, especially in front of others.

“Rainbow, it’s not just your fault. Cloud Dream knew it was dangerous and if he felt like he couldn’t do it, I’m sure he wouldn’t have tried it. He wanted so badly to fly and he wasn’t going to let anything stop him.The best you can do right now is support him until he gets better.” Twilight said with confidence. Her voice held the weight of years of knowledge and understanding of how someone’s dreams can drive them beyond their capabilities.

“Don’t you get it Twilight? I messed up, I told him to do it. I need time to think.” Rainbow Dash said and flew off into the clouds in a flash. Twilight sighed and looked up at her friends, who had turned their heads to view the scene.

“Don’t you fret now Twilight; she’ll come ‘round.” Apple Jack said.

“Of course she will! She’ll HAVE to come to my ‘get well soon’ party and then my ‘welcome home party’ that I’m going to put on for Cloud Dream. I mean, come on! What pony wouldn’t miss a welcome home party?” Pinkie Pie said, smiling brightly and bouncing all around the group. She was doing her best to keep everything cheerful and keep their spirits up.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Rarity asked. She never did handle drama well but she was trying very hard to keep her cool and hope for the best.

“I don’t know Rarity. We’ll just have to wait and see.” Twilight replied. The party quieted down and pressed on towards the hospital.

When they arrived, Cloud Dream was still in the emergency room. Rarity had decided to go home and wait until he was ready for visitors, while Apple Jack, Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all stayed in the waiting room. Pinkie Pie was playing with a younger pony, who was worried about getting her first shot. Of course, the young filly had completely forgotten about her fear and went willingly into the doctor’s office. Twilight smiled at the joy Pinkie Pie was bringing to all the ponies in the hospital, and wondered if the pink ball of joy ever felt worried or upset like the rest of them were.

After a few more hours, Cloud Dream was moved into a recovery room and the four friends were allowed to go in and see him. The doctor was just finishing up reviewing Cloud Dream, who was currently sleeping, and was leaving as the girls entered.

“How is he doing Doctor?” Twilight asked softly.

“Well he has a couple broken bones, a broken wing and the blindness is due to a heavy concussion he received when he initially hit the cliff. We’re not sure if the effects are permanent or not right now. Only time will tell.” The Doctor said and then left to see other patients that needed his attention.

Cloud Dream was lying on his side, with bandages around his wings and rib cage, as well as his right front leg. Some gauze was wrapped around his eyes to prevent light from damaging them further, just in case the effects were not permanent. Fluttershy walked up to him and set down some flowers she had picked on the way, next to him on a nearby end table
.

“He looks pretty weak.” Apple Jack said as she came around the other side of the bed.

“Yes, maybe we should go soon and let him get his rest.” Twilight said. Just afterwards, Rainbow Dash came in. She had a new air about her; a new sense of determination that was not going to fail.

“Rainbow Dash, you’re back.” Pinkie Pie said happily.

“How is he?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“He’ll be okay, but they aren’t sure if the blindness is permanent or not.” Twilight replied.

“How about you Dash? You okay?” Apple Jack asked.

“I’m fine.” Rainbow Dash said sternly. She was obviously not happy they were acknowledging her departure earlier.
Rainbow Dash walked over to the bed side and put her front hooves on the edge of his bed, laying her head down on the bed, staring at him as he slept. Apple Jack began to nudge Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie out the door.

“Come on y’all. Let’s leave ‘em be.” Apple Jack said, closing the door behind them.

"But why?" Twilight asked

"Because she obviously feels guilty and wants to be alone with him right now." Apple Jack replied, pushing her down the hall way some more.

"Oh Twilight, you're so oblivious some times." Pinkie Pie said, giggling and bouncing off in her usual way.

Twilight blinked and then shook Pinkie Pie's comment from her mind. "Alright fine. Let's go back to my library and research then." She said, then headed towards the library.

“Should we even be looking into this still?" Apple Jack said looking through a shelf of books. "I mean, with him being blind ‘n all now.”

“He may not always be blind Apple Jack. Besides, maybe it’ll take our minds off it.” Twilight said while she pulled a book down from a shelf above her.

“Plus, books are fun!” Pinkie Pie said putting a book on top of a tower of books that formed a tower of a book fort she had made. She trotted into the fort under Fluttershy, who was reading a book on top of it. Twilight and Apple Jack looked at each other for a moment and then giggled at Pinkie Pie’s antics.

“Come on girls, keep looking. “ Twilight said and turned back to the shelves.

Another two hours passed, causing a mountain of books to form on the floor and absolutely none on the shelves. Pinkie Pie was buried somewhere under the books and Fluttershy and Apple Jack were trying to dig her out. Twilight sighed as she put down the last book she had in the entire library. She sighed and turned to her friends.

“Did you girls find anything?” Twilight asked. Apple Jack and Fluttershy yanked Pinkie Pie out of the book pile.

“Not a thing sugar cube.” Apple Jack said, climbing back down the mountain of books.

“Me either...” Fluttershy said sadly.

“We’ll have to go to the Canterlot Archives then.” Twilight said. “That will have to be tomorrow though. It’s too late to go anywhere now. You girls can stay here with me.” She added and began setting up beds and putting books away to make space for her friends.
End ch.3

Ch.4 Pegasus Past

The sun rose over the horizon and Twilight Sparkle stretched in the morning sun that came through her window.

“Alright everypony. Are we ready to go to Canterlot?” Twilight Sparkle asked.

“Uh, I was thinking. Shouldn’t we figure out someplace for Cloud Dream to stay once he’s out of the hospital?” Apple Jack asked.

“He can stay at my cottage, I have all sorts of medicine and things that he might need while he’s recovering.” Fluttershy suggested. Twilight smiled.

“Perfect! What do you two think?” She asked looked at Pinkie Pie and Apple Jack. They both nodded happily.

“Then it’s settled.” Twilight said and started packing her saddle bags for the trip.

“Apple Jack, can you help me pull Cloud Dream’s cart to the back of my cottage? It’ll be safer there and out of the way.” Fluttershy asked.

“Why of course Fluttershy. We’ll see y’all when you get back from Canterlot, okay Twilight?” Apple Jack said. Twilight nodded and turned to Pinkie Pie.

“Come on Pinkie Pie. If you can’t find the book we need, no pony can.” Twilight said and walked out of the door while Apple Jack and Fluttershy headed back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

Once there, Apple Jack slide into the harness and started pulling. She dragged the cart towards the back of the cottage and found the task becoming difficult as she hit the grass and soft dirt. The wheels dug into the ground making it hard for her to pull. Apple Jack took a deep breath and pushed harder against the harness pulling the cart alongside Fluttershy’s cottage. As she came up to the corner of the property she began turning. As she turned, one of the wooden wheels of the cart wobbled and finally snapped, breaking off the cart causing it t tip over taking Apple Jack with it. She whinnied in panic as Apple Jack and the cart fell on their side, scattering the cart’s contents all over the yard.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy said in her soft voice. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Apple Jack grunted as she wrangled herself out of the cart’s harness. “Come’on. Let’s get this stuff back in the cart.” Apple Jack said as she put the cart right side up.

Fluttershy started to pick up the cart’s contents when she sees something odd – something that wouldn’t belong in a cart carrying a dirty blanket, food, and dusty books.

“Oh my. Apple Jack, come look at this.” Fluttershy said softly, holding the pendant her hoof. The pendant was a golden sun with a diamond in the middle of it. Apple Jack walked over and studied the pendant closely.

“I swear I’ve seen that pendent before.” Apple Jack said as she studied the necklace.

“Maybe Twilight would know what it is.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah, let’s go get her. I hope the train hasn’t come yet.” Apple Jack said and they both ran off towards the train station.

Meanwhile, Rarity had put on her most lavish and newest hat and was making her way towards the hospital with a package on her back. It was a gift for Cloud Dream, a dark gray scarf with a lightning bolt etched perfectly on the ends. She stepped in to the hospital and asked for Cloud Dream’s room. She was taken to his room and then left to go inside on her own. She opened the door and saw that Cloud Dream was still asleep and Rainbow Dash was sleeping on the floor beside his bed.

Rarity sets her gift down and nudged Rainbow Dash awake. “Rainbow Dash? Have you been here all night?” Rarity asked in shock. Rainbow Dash groaned and woke up to see Rarity above her.

“Rarity? What are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash asked. She stood up and groaned from the aches of sleeping on the cold tile floor all night.

“I’ve come to see Cloud Dream.” She replied. Rarity sat her friend down in a chair and looked at Cloud Dream. “How is he?” She asked softly.

“He was pretty quiet all night. I think he had a bad dream at one point though.” Rainbow Dash said and stretched.

“I think you need to go home Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said sternly.

“No, I need to stay here and do what I can for Cloud Dream.” Rainbow Dash said, stomping a hoof onto the chair. The loud thump woke up Cloud Dream with a shock.

“Wha-? Who’s there?” He asked, sitting up quickly in bed and spreading his wings. The broken wing cracked a bit and he winced in pain, slowly folding it back in to his body.

“Sorry Cloud Dream. It’s just me, Rainbow Dash.” She said laying Cloud Dream back on the bed. “Rarity is here too.” She added pulling his blankets back over him.

Rarity walked back over to her package and set it on Cloud Dream’s bed, using her magic to unravel it and wrapping the scarf around his neck.

“I made you a scarf last night Cloud Dream. I was worried it wouldn’t be the right colors, but it matches your mane perfectly if I say so myself!” Rarity said proudly.

“Oh… Thank you Miss Rarity, It’s so soft.” Cloud Dream said with a gentle smile. Rarity beamed and then took a couple steps back.

“Oh Cloud Dream you’re so polite. Where on earth did you get your manners?” Rarity said, giggling softly.

“Well, I um-” Cloud Dream stuttered. “I guess I was just born with them..?” Cloud Dream lightly smiled.

Rarity smiled with Cloud Dream’s reply as Rainbow Dash sat next to Cloud Dream putting a hoof on the bed.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy and Apple Jack made it to the train station just as the train was pulling in.

“There they are!” Apple Jack said as she spotted Pinkie Pie and Twilight. The two ran up to Twilight and Pinkie Pie. “Twilight!” Apple Jack yelled.

“Oh, hi girls. What are you doing here?” Twilight says with surprise.

“Look what we found.” Fluttershy quietly said as she showed Twilight the pendant.

Pinkie Pie smashed her nose into the pendant looking closely at it. “NYEEEAH!” She said as she started making faces in the reflective golden surface of the pendant.

“It looks so familiar but I can’t think of what it is.” Apple Jack said. Twilight’s unicorn horn glowed as she levitated the pendant in the air so she could study it.

“It sort of looks like the Princess’s cutie mark.” Twilight said. “Where did you find this?”

“It was in Cloud Dream’s cart.” Apple Jack said.

“This was in Cloud Dream’s cart?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, the cart sort of broke and it fell out.” Apple Jack said. Twilight thought for a moment then started running back home. The three ponies looked at each other, and then followed her back to the library, wondering what on earth their friend was talking about.

Back at the library, Twilight skidded to a stop in the middle of the room and looked up. The same sun image was etched into the wall of her library and she remembered seeing it in Canterlot and the palace multiple times.

“Girls, do you know what this means? It’s a royal heirloom!” Twilight said her voice quivered with fear and shock as she spoke.

“But what would somepony like Cloud Dream be doing with a royal thing like this?” Apple Jack asked

“Maybe he stole it!” Pinkie Pie said looking around as if being watched.

“That may be, but we should still ask him about it. It’s only fair.” Twilight said.

The group made their way over to the hospital where Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Cloud Dream were all laughing and talking about the various adventures the six friends had since meeting each other.

“Hey Rarity, remember that time you thought a giant rock was a diamond?” Rainbow Dash asked, snickering.

“We agreed to never. EVER. mention that again!” Rarity said, growling slightly.

“A rock? Haha! how’d that happen?” Cloud Dream asked. Rainbow was about to answer when Twilight kicked the door open.

“Cloud Dream, we need to talk.” She said walking in and holding the necklace up with her magic.

“Yeah Mister! You’ve got a lot of explaining to do! Where’d you get this? Who’d you take it from? Where’s the buried treasure!?” Pinkie Pie demanded, shining a lamp on Cloud Dream’s face.

“Buried Treasure?” He asked trying to look around to pinpoint where the voices were coming from.

“Pinkie Pie, he’s not a pirate.” Twilight said.

“Oh… Never mind then” She said and trotted off humming.

“Cloud Dream, Apple Jack and Fluttershy found this necklace in your cart, the one with the sun pendent on it.” Twilight said, setting the necklace down on his lap. Cloud Dream felt it with his hoof and sighed.

“My... Father gave it to me.” Cloud Dream said with hesitation.

“Your father?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, my father. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are my older cousins.” Cloud Dream replied looking down. He couldn’t see them, but he knew all their wide eyes and gaping jaws were staring right back at him.

“You’re…the Princess’s cousin?” Twilight said, shaking a little. “Then that means you’re-”

“That means you’re royalty!” Rarity said loudly with a large smile. Then squealed, dancing in place.

“Please, Miss Rarity. Don’t let anypony know.” Cloud Dream begged, flinching from Rarity’s loud remark.

“But… If you’re royalty…then that means…” Rainbow Dash muttered then gasped and backed towards the door.
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! That means…you…I…you’re injures… I…” She couldn’t finish her sentence and was about to run out of the room before Twilight used her magic to slam the door shut.

“Rainbow Dash, It’s alright.” Twilight said walking over to the rainbow pony and putting a hoof on her back.

“Alright!? How can it be alright!? I nearly killed royalty!” Rainbow Dash yelled, stomping a hoof down.

“Rainbow Dash, please!” Cloud Dream said, sliding out of the bed and easing his way onto all four hooves. Apple Jack extended a hoof as Fluttershy rushed over and held him up until he managed to get steady.

“Can you have cake all day and night?” Pinkie Pie asked. “But if you had cake all day and night, would apples be a desert?” She asked herself and she looked up in thought.

“It’s alright,” Cloud Dream said. “I am responsible for my actions. I chose to jump off that cliff. I also chose not tell you ladies about my heritage because it would have disgraced my family name even further if ponies as far out as Ponyville knew about me and my secrets. Besides…I didn’t think you would be willing to help if I was royalty.” Cloud Dream staggered a bit and he opened his wings slightly to balance himself out.

“Why wouldn’t we help you? We help the Princess all the time.” Twilight said smiling gently.

“Yeah and besides, we wouldn’t want to be banished to the Everfree Forest for not helping you” Pinkie Pie said grinning brightly.

“We’re your friends, and no matter who you are or where you’re from, we will always be your friends.” Fluttershy said softly and stepped back to let him stand on his own.

“Really? I’m your friend?” Cloud Dream asked, one ear tipping slightly to the left.

“Of course, darling. Now then, about being royalty and all. You know, I design clothes for the most elite ponies all the time, perhaps you can-” Rarity said, getting close to Cloud Dream until she was cut off.

“Rarity!” Twilight snapped. She pouted and moved away from him.

“Thanks ladies, you’re all so wonderful.” Cloud Dream said.

“This place is too loud.” Fluttershy said. “Come on, Cloud Dream. Let’s get you to my cottage where it’s nice and quiet.” She puts her wing tips on his so he wouldn’t lose track of where she went. “I tend to injured animals all the time. I know you’ll get better at my place.”

The group then started leading Cloud Dream out of the hospital. Twilight took his necklace with her and stayed next to Rainbow Dash to talk her down from her panicked state. They headed for Fluttershy’s cottage to help get him settled in and decide on what their next move should be…

End Ch. 4

Ch. 5 Blind Determination

Cloud Dream spent move of his recover near a window in Fluttershy’s cottage. He liked feeling the wind of his face and smelling the grass outside. He’d often felt like he was daydreaming about being able to see again when a breeze hit his wings. Though his front leg healed quickly from the hairline fracture he sustained, his right wing and the broken ribs still caused him pain. It was time for him to either cope with being blind for the rest of his life or fall into depression. With the help of his new friends, he was doing his best to work through it. However, each day he heard birds singing or when he bumped into a table, his heart sank a little deeper and would cause him to want to spend more time in bed. Feeling a deep sense of guilt, Rainbow Dash came over every day around the same time and helped him walk around a little to get used to living without the use of his sight.

“Come on Cloud Dream, you have to keep trying.” Rainbow Dash said one day, after Cloud Dream crashed into the same table four times in a row.

“What’s the point?” Cloud Dream asked, lying down on the ground to let his legs rest.

“The point? The point is you have to get better so you don’t spend the rest of your life in bed!” Rainbow Dash yelled. Cloud Dream turned his head away from her.

“Rainbow Dash, maybe we shouldn’t yell at him.” Fluttershy whispered. She moved closer to her friend and leaned in so only Rainbow Dash could hear. “He is still injured” She added, then flinched when Rainbow dash stomped the ground.

“I’m not going to let him give up. I’m not giving up.” Rainbow Dash said then walked over to Cloud Dream, biting his mane and yanking, forcing him to stand up. “Try again.” She demanded.

On the verge of giving up, Cloud Dream stopped caring and just did what Rainbow Dash demanded. Just wanting to get this over with, Cloud Dream started walking around the room. He wobbled a little from his injured leg as he kept walking forward towards the table that he had constantly hit in the past. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy watch as he stopped inches from hitting the table. Then Cloud Dream turned and avoided the table, but stopped and looked towards Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy as they both gasped.

“What? What happened?” Cloud Dream asked.

“You just avoided the table. You always hit that one.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Did you finally remember where it was?” Fluttershy asked.

“No… I just… I don’t know.” Cloud Dream replied. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy just watched in awe as he started to carefully walk around the table just inches from hitting.

“That’s amazing.” Rainbow Dash said as he stops just in front of the two.

“What is?” Cloud Dream asked.

“It’s like you know where we’re at.” Fluttershy said.

“How are you doing that?” Rainbow Dash asked,

“I don’t know.” Cloud Dream replied in uncertainty. “The breeze… It just feels… Different.”

“Breeze?” Rainbow Dash asked as she looked around the room. “What breeze?”

“You don’t feel the breeze?” Cloud Dream asked.

“I don’t feel anything.” Fluttershy said.

Rainbow Dash trotted around the room and moved around some furnishings. “Okay, try this.” She said. “Walk over here.”

“Rainbow Dash! That’s cruel.” Fluttershy said and covered her mouth in fear as Cloud Dream started walking again.

Cloud Dream slowly started to navigate his way towards Rainbow Dash’s voice. Unexpectedly, he tried to swerve around some roadblocks, but still nudged them. Then, he stopped near Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looked in awe as Cloud Dream looked down with a sad face.

“It’s useless.” He said as he turned around.

“What?” Rainbow Dash said in amazement. “That was amazing!” She said as she jumped in the air and spun around in excitement.

“I can’t see anything!” Cloud Dream exclaimed.

“But it seemed like you knew where everything was at.” Rainbow Dash said.

“You even stepped over a step stool.” Fluttershy said smiling.

“How did you do that?” Rainbow Dash asked in excitement.

“Do what?” Cloud Dream asks. “I just walked blindly. When I felt the breeze shift, I moved around it.”

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked around confused as they still didn’t feel any breeze throughout the house. Then Rainbow Dash’s face lit up as she got an idea.

“Cloud Dream, walk around the room. Anywhere.” She said.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing?” Fluttershy asked.

“Trust me. I have an idea” She replied as the two watch Cloud Dream slowly walk throughout the room. He still nudged furniture, but still moved before he touched them as if he knew the furniture was there. Cloud Dream looked up at Rainbow Dash, who was still flying in the air, as if he knew where she was. “Keep walking.” She said. Eventually, he was able to walk around the room without touching a single piece of furniture.

“Amazing!” Rainbow Dash said.

“What?” Cloud Dream asked in confusion.

“Don’t you get it?” Rainbow Dash said. “You just walked around the entire room without touching anything.” Cloud Dream’s head propped up with astonishment. “Walk to the door.” She said. Cloud Dream turned and walked to the door and stopped in front of it.

“This is great, Cloud Dream! You’ll be able to do anything you want.” Rainbow dash said, soaring up to the ceiling in joy.

“Yeah I guess so.” Cloud Dream said. “Anything except fly.” He said. He was happy to finally be able to walk around with relative ease, but the thought of him still not being able to fly wasn’t helping at all.

Rainbow Dash frowned and landed back down onto the ground. “Listen, Cloud Dream, I know it sucks not to fly but you can’t just mope around for the rest of your life either.” She said and walked over to him.

“I know…” Cloud Dream mumbled.

“Alright Cloud Dream, I think you’ve exercised enough for today.” Fluttershy said gently and lead him back to a chair by the window. Cloud Dream sat down and suddenly realized how exhausted he actually was.

“I better get going myself. There is supposed to a small storm tomorrow and I need to help wrangle up some clouds.” Rainbow Dash said and flew out the door.

On her way back up to Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash looked down to see Twilight and Apple Jack, along with few other ponies standing around a tree. She flew down to see what was the issue. Twilight turned to Apple Jack with concern written all over her face.

“What do we do?” She asked.

“I don’t know sugar cube.” Apple Jack replied. She looked up just as Rainbow Dash was coming in for a landing.

“Hey guys. What’s everypony looking at?” Rainbow Dash asked and looked over at the tree. There was a formal looking letter on it along with a drawing of Cloud Dream.

“Subjects of Equestria, A royal prince has gone missing. He was last seen in Trottingham. He is a white Pegasus stallion with a gray mane and tail named Cloud Dream. The pony who finds him will receive a reward of their choice if he is safely returned to his family.” Rainbow Dash read aloud. She gasped and backed away from the poster, right into Apple Jack.

“He…He ran away?” I thought he said he was kicked out.” Rainbow Dash said turning to her friends.

“It wouldn’t be the first time he lied to us.” Apple Jack said, tilting her hat.

“Now Apple Jack, Cloud Dream never actually lied to us, he just chose not tell us.” Twilight said. “We’re just going to have to go talk to him”

“I just came from Fluttershy’s cottage. He looked pretty exhausted by the time I left.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well let’s go see what’s going on” Twilight said and made her way to Fluttershy’s cottage with Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash behind her.

As they passed Rarity’s boutique, Rarity came rushing out, carrying one of the flyers with Cloud Dream on it using her magic.

“Twilight! Have you seen this!?” She asked holding the paper up.

“Yes Rarity. We’re going to Fluttershy’s right now and confronting Cloud Dream.” Twilight replied.

“Confront him? Twilight we have turn him in. The Royal Guard could be looking for him and what if they find him here, injured?” Rarity said.

“I still think we should talk to him.” Twilight replied

“Fine but I still think we should turn him in.” Rarity said and followed her friends to Fluttershy’s cottage.

They got up to the door just as Fluttershy was leaving with her saddle bags. She was closing the door as quietly as she could and turned around. She squealed and jumped when she saw her friends right behind her.

“Oh, girls, you startled me.” She said softly. “I was just going to go to the store and pick up some medicine for Cloud Dream.”

“Fluttershy, we need to talk to Cloud Dream.” Twilight said. Rarity showed her the flyer. Fluttershy read it carefully then squeaked.

“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked.

“We’re going to ask him about it.” Twilight replied. Fluttershy opened her door again and the group walked in. Cloud Dream was flexing his injured wing a little to see how far he could open it. He heard the door opened and turned his head towards the sound.

“That was fast Fluttershy.” Cloud Dream said, folding his wing back in.

“Cloud Dream, What the hay is going on with you. We thought you were kicked out and now your family is searching for you.” Rainbow Dash said. Cloud Dream flinched a little.

“My family rejected me Rainbow. I had to leave.” Cloud Dream said. “I can’t believe they’re looking for me…” he mumbled and looked towards the floor.

“They’re offering a reward Cloud Dream. They obviously miss you.” Twilight said

“I’m not going back Twilight.” Cloud Dream said sternly. Twilight sighed and started walking out.

“Fine…” Twilight said “Come on girls, let’s leave him be for a while.” She said to her friends and the group reluctantly walked out.

“Twilight, why did we leave so suddenly?” Apple Jack asked walking next to the purple unicorn.

“There is something else going on here. I don’t think even Cloud Dream knows the whole story.” Twilight replied.

“I bet he does.” Rainbow Dash said, flying over the group.

Twilight shook her head and looked up to see a taller pony looking at one of the posters for Cloud Dream on a tree. The pony was wearing a black cape with a black broad brimmed hat as well as black shoes with golden stars etched into them. Twilight could just see her tail under the cape. It was a light blue that would have stood out against her white coat if Twilight could just see her entire body. Her mane was bunched up under her hat but her horn was fairly prominent.

“I wonder who that is.” Twilight said, stopping in her tracks.

“Who?” Apple Jack asked then looked over to see the mare in black.

“I’ve never seen her before, although she doesn’t appear to have great style.” Rarity said, eying the newcomers outfit. “Very bland.” She added

Twilight shook her head and then trotted over to the mare in front of the tree.as she approached, she spoke loudly to avoid startling the new unicorn.

“Uhm, excuse me. Hi, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I haven’t seen you around before, are you new to Ponyville?” Twilight asked politely. Her friends joined her soon after.

The new mare turned to the ponies behind her and looked down at them slightly. Her eyes were the same color as her mane and tail. She seemed confused at first, and then became angry.

“I’ve come from far away in search of someone.” She said, almost ignoring Twilight’s question and hospitality. “I must speak with whoever is charge of this town.”

“Oh? And just who do you think you are?” Rainbow Dash said, crossing her hooves as she floated in the air. The mare used her magic to levitate her hat off and let her long mane fall down. It was tied up with a black ribbon at the end to keep it from flowing wildly.

“My name is Water Lilly and I don’t need to explain myself to you.” The mare replied sternly.

“There’s no reason to be rude.” Twilight said. “Why are you here? Maybe we can help you.” She added. Water Lilly nodded to the poster on the tree.

“I’m looking for him.” She said then waited for a response. Twilight brought the group in for a huddle.

“She’s looking to collect the reward I know it.” Rainbow Dash said, snorting and scraping the ground.

“Now we don’t know that for sure.” Apple Jack responded.

“She’s right Rainbow. But I don’t trust her either. Do we tell her?” Twilight asked.

“Certainly not!” Rarity said. “We just tell her we don’t know a thing.”

“Won’t she suspect we know something from this huddle?” Twilight asked.

“Oh..Right.. Still I believe our lips should be shut.” Rarity said, tilting her head up.

“Right, for now we don’t know nothing okay?” Apple Jack said. The others nodded and they turned back towards their confused guest.

“Well, we don’t know much about the missing prince, but we can show you where the mayor lives.” Twilight said, smiling.

“That will be fine.” The mare replied and waited to be shown the right way. End CH.5

Ch.6 Royalty

“Soooo, why are you looking for this prince?” Twilight asked Water Lilly as the group escorted the white mare to the Mayor’s home.

“To bring him back to his home.” Water Lilly replied.

“But why?” Fluttershy asked softly

“Because that’s where he belongs.” Water Lilly replied, becoming annoyed.

“But what if he didn’t want to go back?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Too bad.” Water Lilly snapped as they approached the Mayor’s house. “Finally! You may leave now.” She said to the group and knocked on the door.

“Leave? What do you mean ‘leave?’” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“Just as it sounds.” Water Lilly remarked. “Leave. Go. Be gone.”

Twilight and the others were surprised at Water Lilly’s request. They hadn’t planned on her telling them to leave as soon as they got there. A tan mare with a gray mane and tail and a wrapped up document as a cutie mark opened the door. She put her glasses on to see the guests.

“Oh, hello! How may I help you today?” They Mayor asked with a bright smile on her face. Water Lilly looked behind her and glared at the six ponies that brought her there. Twilight and the others had no choice but to leave. While Water Lilly talked with The Mayor, Twilight and the others tried to think of something to do to protect Cloud Dream.

“What if we make her a cake?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“What will that solve?” Rainbow Dash asked while she hovered above the group.

“Nothing, she just looks like she’d like some cake.” Pinkie said, grinning happily.

“Focus Pinkie, we need to find a way to hide Cloud Dream from her until we know what she plans to do.” Twilight said. “Fluttershy, go home and keep an eye on Cloud Dream.” Fluttershy nodded and flew back home while the others continued their talk.

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Cloud Dream was outside with the numerous creatures that lived behind the cottage. He used his uninjured wing to offer shade to a family of mice while he let a kitten play with his tail. Bunnies used his back as an obstacle and jumped over him. A squirrel chattered to him and kept trying to burry an acorn between his hooves while other hungry squirrels watched and clambered over the Pegasus trying to get good looks on where the acorn was being hidden. Cloud Dream chuckled at the animals lifted his head up as a warm breeze filtered through his mane and wing. He heard a door open from the cottage and turned his head in its direction. Fluttershy stepped out into the yard and smiled at the scene before her. She floated over to Cloud Dream and the animals and landed beside him.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen the animals take so quickly to some pony else besides me.” She said gently and nuzzled a young bunny that came to greet her.

“Oh, Fluttershy it’s you. “ Cloud Dream said and smiled. “How are the others? They seemed pretty upset.”

“Oh no, they’re not upset.” Fluttershy said, lying down in front of him. “They’re all talking about what to do. There’s a bounty hunter looking for you.”

Cloud Dream slightly tilts his head. “A bounty hunter? Why would a bounty hunter be looking for me?” Cloud Dream asked.

“She said she was here to take you back.” Fluttershy replied.

Rainbow Dash flew over the cottage and saw Cloud Dream and Fluttershy lying in the grass together. She frowned then landed in the backyard. “If you two love birds are done, we have to let Cloud Dream know about the bounty hunter.” Rainbow Dash said loudly. Cloud Dream jumped a little, causing some of the animals to flee.

“Oh, I already told him Rainbow Dash. We were just discussing it.” Fluttershy explained. Rainbow Dash let the front locks of her mane cover her face a little.

“Oh...Good. I’ll go let the others know he’s alright. I was just here to check up on him anyway.” She said then shot off into the sky and back towards the others.

Fluttershy watched Rainbow Dash fly off. “She seemed a little upset.” Fluttershy said and turned back to Cloud Dream.

“I don’t know. I couldn’t tell.” Cloud Dream said.
Back in the middle of town Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rarity had all come to the same conclusion, just as Rainbow Dash was flying back. She landed with her mane still covering her eyes slightly.
“Is he safe?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah he’s fine.” Rainbow Dash said sharply. The group watched her for a moment until they all received a fairly harsh glare, then went along with their planning.

“Rainbow Dash, we decided we’re going to hide Cloud Dream at Zecora’s until this bounty hunter leaves.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash simply nodded.

“What’s wrong, sug’a cube?” Applejack asked.

“It’s nothing. Let’s just hurry up and get him there.” Rainbow Dash said and turned around to head back to Fluttershy’s.

“She’s acting a might strange.” Applejack said as she and the others followed.

“She’s probably just worried about Cloud Dream.” Rarity said confidently.

“Well, she sure has a funny way of showing it.” Pinkie Pie said.

Water Lilly had watched the whole conversation from the Mayor’s window. The Mayor had nothing to say about Cloud Dream, only that she had seen posters the royal guard had put up, and was of no use to her.

“They know something…” Water Lilly said to herself. She thanked the Mayor for her assistance (what little there was) and followed the ponies closely.

As Twilight and the others arrived, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had packed some saddle bags with food and a blanket along with some bandages for Cloud Dream’s injuries. Fluttershy was just placing the bags on Cloud Dream’s back when the others came in.

“Is he ready?” Twilight asked. Fluttershy nodded. “Cloud Dream, we’re just going to take you to a friend of ours. She lives in the Everfree Forest and doesn’t normally get visitors aside from us.” She explained.

Rarity used her magic to pick up a brush and began brushing Cloud Dream’s mane free of tangles and leaves from playing outside with the animals.

“Rarity what are you doin’?” Applejack asked

“Well I’m not going to have him meet Zecora like this.” She replied. Cloud Dream lifted an eyebrow up.

“Right then, let’s get going.” Twilight said and started walking to the door until it swung open and Water Lilly stepped in.

“You’re not taking him anywhere!” Water Lilly said and stomped her hoof down.

“What are you doing here?” Twilight asked in surprise.

“Where is he?” She demanded as her horn began to glow. Twilight just looked blankly at Water Lilly. “You’re not taking him anywhere, you pathetic bounty hunters!” She growled and aimed her horn at Twilight.

“We ain’t no bounty hunters! You are!” Applejack said, standing next to Twilight. Rainbow Dash ran up as well. She raked her hoof against the ground, ready to charge.

“How DARE you accuse me of being a bounty hunter?!” Water Lilly said angrily.

Cloud Dream walked into the room. “Lilly Pad? Is… is that you?” Cloud Dream asked, trying to look around for her.

“Cloud! Oh, I was so worried about you!” Water Lilly said and rushed past Twilight and Applejack. She rubbed her muzzle against Cloud Dream’s cheek then backed away to look at him.

“Everyone was so worried about you. We thought we lost you.” Water Lilly said then stopped to look at him closer. “What happened to your leg? And your wing? Why aren’t you looking at me?” She asked. Cloud Dream looked away in shame. “What’s wrong? Come on. I’m your big sister. You can tell me anything.” She said gently, lifting his chin up with a hoof.

“BIG SISTER!?” Twilight and the others yelled in shock.

Cloud Dream smiled shyly and kicked the ground a bit with his hoof.

“What happened to you Cloud? I won’t ask you again.” Water Lilly said sternly, ignoring the six ponies’ confusion.

“Well, see… I sort of fell off a cliff…” Cloud Dream mumbled.

“You tried to fly again didn’t you!?” Cloud Dream looked away in shame. “Mother and Father told you not to try flying anymore. You nearly died last time.” Water Lilly said. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes, making them sparkle like the clear water in the ocean. “I…Mother and Father couldn’t bear it if we lost you…” Water Lilly said and moved a stray lock of his mane back into place.

Twilight smiled softly, a tear in her eye as well. She walked over to Water Lilly and placed a hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “Sit down, We’ll tell you everything.” She said softly.

Twilight and the others proceeded to tell Water Lilly about Cloud Dream coming to Ponyville and how his accident came to pass.

End. Ch. 6

Ch.7 off the mend

Author's note: sorry for the delays everyone and sorry for the short chapter but I'm not getting any feedback so I don't know if i'm still doing good. if you want me to keep writing please say so.

With Twilight Sparkle’s explanation of Cloud Dream’s adventures in Ponyville, Water Lilly had decided to remain in Ponyville with her little brother, at least until he was healed. Cloud Dream’s recovery was painful but it progressed steadily. With constant practice and training, Rainbow Dash and Water Lilly, with Fluttershy’s help, trained cloud dream to maneuver by just feeling the wind currents around him. With his leg and wing healed, he felt more confidence in himself and felt the time was right

Rainbow Dash stood on a hill watching Ponyville below her. She was just on the outskirts of town, going towards Canterlot. Cloud Dream approached her, carefully, and made sure to be loud enough so she would know he was coming. Rainbow Dash turned and smiled slightly. She was glad Cloud Dream couldn’t see how worried she looked.

“Hey, Cloud Dream. What’s up?” She asked.

“Rainbow Dash, I wanted to talk to you about something important.” Cloud Dream side, he spread his wings, still being careful with the previously injured one, and made sure nothing was too close to him before he knelt down in the grass on the hill. Rainbow Dash knelt down beside him.

“Sure, what is it?” she asked.

“I want to fly still.” Cloud Dream said dryly. “I want you to teach me again.”

Rainbow Dash stood up quickly. “No, no I can’t. Last time I-“

“Last time I couldn’t feel the wind currents. Last time I was scared. This time will be different Rainbow, I know it.” Cloud Dream replied, staying where he lay. Rainbow Dash took a few steps away.

“What if you get hurt again? What if you don’t…what If you… what if you die Cloud Dream?” Rainbow finally managed to say.

“Rainbow, I’ll be fine. Please I really need your help.” Cloud Dream begged He stood up and caught her wind currents under his wing and walked up to her.

“I need you Rainbow Dash. I need to do this. I’m a Pegasus I was meant to fly. I know how much you like flying, how would you feel if you couldn’t do it anymore?” He asked. Rainbow Dash’s ears lowered and she looked away.

“Fine… I’ll help…” She said solemnly. Cloud Dream smiled and then nuzzled her cheek gently with his muzzle.

“Thank you Rainbow.” He said then made his way back towards Fluttershy’s Cottage, with both wings spread.

Rainbow Dash blushed lightly and watched him walk away.

“And what was that all about?” a soft southern voice said from behind. Rainbow Dash squealed and jumped about ten feet before steadying herself in the air above Applejack who was laughing uncontrollably.

“That was… he was… you… what are you doing!?” Rainbow Dash asked, crossing her front hooves.

“I was just visitin’ Fluttershy. She asked for a new supply of apples. What were you n’ Cloud Dream doin’?” Applejack asked, snickering a bit.

“Nothing! We were just talking okay?” Rainbow said sternly as she landed.

“Come on now Rainbow, ev’ry mare meets a colt eventually.” Applejack said, tilting her hat back.

“Nothing. Happened. Got it?” Rainbow Dash said.

“Alright, alright nothin’ happened. He sure is one handsome colt though” Applejack said and walked passed Rainbow Dash, back towards the cottage. Rainbow glared at her as she walked away then rubbed her cheek, trying to rub the feel away as if it were acid.

Ch. 8 The Brewing Storm

Authors Note: Sorry this took so long, I went on a trip. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. PLEASE COMMENT. Comments help me more than votes do, thank you.

Rainbow Dash and Cloud Dream stood at the top of a tall hill just on the outskirts of Ponyville. The wind rushed over the hills and through Cloud Dream’s and Rainbow Dash’s wings. Rainbow Dash walked up to Cloud Dream and looked at him with a concerned look.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” She asked. She clenched her eyes shut in preparation for his answer.

“Yes Rainbow, yes I do.” Cloud Dream said sternly. He could feel the wind gently moving his silvery mane and tail and rustling through the feathers of his wings. The wind made him feel he could do anything, and now he could feel it and understand it.

“Fine… Spread your wings” She said. Cloud Dream opened them as wide as he could, forcing Rainbow Dash to take a couple of steps back. Before him, lay a steep slope that led down into a field where the wind was running free. She was going to have him run right into the wind’s playground and let it take him.
“Now run! Run as fast as you can!” Rainbow said just as a large gust of wind came up behind them and raced down into the valley.

Cloud Dream chased the wind, feeling it swirl and climb over his body and wings as he ran nearly straight down. He felt the subtle changes of the wind’s movements and corrected himself to follow them. As he tore down the hill he felt the wind start to level out and spread across the field. Cloud Dream’s speed rose as gravity pulled him down. Finally, just as he hit the flat field, he hit top speed and could feel the ground slowly leaving him with each step of his hooves. He felt his body lift slowly; finally the ground completely left him. He flapped his wings hard and it propelled him upward and forward at the same time. Rainbow Dash watched in awe as the gray and white Pegasus soared through the air and up towards the clouds. She grinned and shot up towards him, leaving a trail of rainbow behind her.

Rainbow Dash flew up beside him and saw the look of pure joy on his face; the wind through his mane and tail made his heart race, his blind eyes sparkled and shimmered with tears of happiness and pure ecstasy poured out. Rainbow Dash nearly cried herself as she watched Cloud Dream fly alongside her.

“Hey Cloud Dream, wanna race?” Rainbow Dash called to him. She planned on going easy, staying just in front of him, but still win.

“You’re on!” Cloud Dream called. He had figured out how to glide but he felt a race would really teach him what he needed to know.
He could feel Rainbow’s wind currents beside him and followed her as she banked hard to the left. Rainbow Dash then shot up straight into the air, flying as fast as she could. His wing was still too weak to make the sudden turn, so he opted for a gradual climb upwards. He flapped his wings hard to catch up as Rainbow Dash looked back and smiled. She was impressed with his ability to keep up the way he was.
“You’re gonna have to better than that to beat me!” She yelled and shot up into the air again faster, going against the wind.
Cloud Dream’s lungs burned from the exercise and his muscled ached and tightened, making them hard to move. He panted and tried galloping in the air to give him more power but he was losing his battle quickly.
“R-Rainbow!” He called out as he started falling back towards the ground. Rainbow Dash didn’t hear him and kept climbing into the sky. She landed on a cloud and laughed happily.
“Too bad Cloud Dream, maybe next time you can-huh?” She looked around, noticing her opponent wasn’t anywhere to be found. She looked down into the sky and saw Cloud Dream losing altitude quickly. She jumped off the cloud and shot down towards the ground and Cloud Dream.

Cloud Dream’s wings gave in and he began free falling back towards the ground. Rainbow Dash raced downwards, gaining more and more speed as she flew down to catch Cloud Dream. Tears formed in Rainbow Dash’s eyes as she sped towards the ground, faster and faster. About 50 feet before Cloud Dream hit the ground; Rainbow Dash slams into Cloud Dream’s side, grabbing him around the waist. She tried to pull up towards the sky to give her as much room to land as possible. They crashed landed into the ground at an angle, creating a groove in the earth. They skid to a stop and panted from the fear and adrenaline pumping through their bodies.

“I think…we’re done….for today….” Cloud Dream said between breaths. Rainbow Dash got up and shook the dirt from her mane and coat and started laughing.

“What?” Cloud Dream asked, turning his head towards her voice.

“That was sooo awesome! I didn’t think I was going to get there in time!” She yelled and did a loop in the air in excitement. The adrenaline was still pumping through her and the daring rescue only made her more excited. Cloud Dream was stunned at first then laughed as well.

After they had calmed down, Rainbow Dash and Cloud Dream walked back to Ponyville where Fluttershy was running towards them in a panic. Her wings were flapping to give her some speed, forcing her mane back behind her face. She was panting and some tears were in her eyes.

“Oh my, oh my. Rainbow Dash, you have to hurry!” She said as she finally reached them.

“What is it?” She asked. A chill crept up Cloud Dream’s spine, and he turned his nose up to the air, trying to smell and listen.

“The… there’s a huge storm coming…” Fluttershy said panting. Rainbow Dash looked up to the sky, squinting as the sun hit her eyes.

“There isn’t a storm scheduled for another month!” Rainbow Dash said, sounding a little annoyed.

“That’s just it. It’s not coming from Cloudsdale, its coming from the Everfree Forest!” Fluttershy said. “What do we do?”

“We’ll just push it back. When will it get to Ponyville?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Thunderlane said it would be here tomorrow.” Fluttershy replied.

“Alright, Go back to Cloudsdale and get weather control ready. We’ll meet the storm on the edge of the forest. Tell them we’ll need everypony available.” Rainbow Dash said, pointing towards the sky. Fluttershy nodded and flew off

“I want to help.” Cloud Dream said.

“You just figured out how to fly” She said, looking at the still tired Cloud Dream. I can’t afford losing you to this storm.” She cleared her throat, a little embarrassed that she had so blatantly stated she didn’t want to lose him. “Go to Twilight’s, you can find your way back from here right?” She asked quickly. Cloud Dream nodded slightly and looked down as Rainbow Dash flew off towards the forest.

CH.9 The Dark Storm

The storm clouds over the Everfree Forest rumbled and crashed through the trees, blowing branches and leaves all around. Cloud Dream had made it to Twilight’s library where Twilight was watching the storm through her telescope. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Water Lilly had all gathered there as well, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had left to join the other Pegasai near the edge of the forest.

“Oh, I do hope Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy will be alright.” Rarity said, pacing a little.

“I’m sure those two will be just fine. Rainbow Dash will see ta that.” Applejack said, while Pinkie Pie did cartwheels all over the floor.

“Yeah! I mean, Rainbow Dash is like the best weather controller in Cloudsdale!” Pinkie Pie said confidently. She finalized her remark with another cartwheel.

“It isn’t Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy I’m worried about.” Twilight said. “I’m worried about Ponyville. If they can’t stop this storm, Ponyville will surely be destroyed!”

“Do you think you should send a letter to the princess?” a voice from upstairs asked. The little purple and green dragon walked down stairs with an armful of books, all about storms.

“I think you’re right, Spike.” Twilight said, moving away from her telescope and letting Pinkie Pie look through it.

Thunder roared in the distance and fierce winds shook Twilight’s tree for a moment. The crowd inside froze in their place until the wind died down. It was only a warning that impending doom was approaching. Spike grabbed a quill and paper along with some ink and set it on Twilight’s podium. A purple glow surrounded the quill and it lifted in the air as Twilight approached it. She dipped the quill in the ink and set pen to paper.

“Dear Princess Celestia,” She began. “A terrible storm, unlike any other, is coming to Ponyville from the Everfree Forest. Rainbow Dash has all of Cloudsdale out helping, but I fear she may not be powerful enough to stop it. If you can spare any reinforcements, I beg you, please send them.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight rolled the scroll up and passed it to Spike, who used his green fire breath to send it off to Princess Celestia through the opened window.

“Do you think the Princess will come through Twilight? Oh what if she doesn’t have anyone to spare?” Rarity asked, pacing again.

“If anything, I can try a protection spell.” Twilight replied.

“What if that fails Twilight?” Applejack asked. “What then?” Twilight sighed and sat down on a cushion alongside the others.

“I suppose…We’ll have to leave Ponyville.” She said somberly. The whole room was quiet.

“Where would we go?” Pinkie Pie asked. She feared the worse and no amount of party antics were going to help now.

“Well... I can always take the Apple Family to Appleloosa.” Applejack said.

“I’ll mostly likely go to Canterlot then.” Rarity said. Pinkie Pie looked at all of them, her lip trembled.

“I… I don’t want to go back home.” Pinkie said.

“You can come with us.” Applejack said, walking over to Pinkie Pie and giving her a gentle, comforting hug.

Water Lilly, who had been sitting and watching everyone the whole time, walked over to Cloud Dream who was sitting near a window. She lay down beside him and nuzzled him gently. Cloud Dream didn’t move.

“Cloud Dream, what’s wrong?” She asked gently.

“I’m worried about Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.” Cloud Dream explained. “And I feel so useless...”

“Cloudy, you’re not useless.” Water Lilly said and ruffled his mane with her hoof.

Before Cloud Dream could reply, thunder crashed outside. And wind forced its way through the window, blowing out all the candles that lit the room. There was a soft gasp from all the ponies inside. Cloud Dream stood and opened his wings a little to keep his balance.

“What happened?” He asked

“The lights went out.” Water Lilly explained, standing up as well. Twilight’s horn glowed to provide light for the others.

“Spike, get some more candles and light them please.” Twilight said, turning to spike. Spike nodded and rushed off to find more candles.

Spike had returned with the candles and had relit them all while they waited. What seemed like an eternity, but was really only an hour, passed and Twilight and the others remained in the library. Cloud dream stayed near the window while Water Lilly and the others talked.

“How long is this storm going to last? And how come the Pegasai haven’t broken it yet?” Twilight asked, looking out the window towards the forest.

She could see Pegasai darting about over the canopy of the forest where a huge, dark cloud was slowly rolling towards Ponyville. Lightning was sporadically shooting out from every possible angle out of the cloud. Twilight could just make out Rainbow Dash as she zipped in and out of the cloud trying to disperse it. Some distance away, another Pegasus was struck by a bolt of lightning and began crashing down to earth.

“They’re getting hit out there.” Twilight said anxiously.

A knock on the door made every pony jump. Twilight walked over and opened the door with her magic. A tall Unicorn clad in heavy armor stood at the front door. He was white, with a blue mane and tail and blue on his hooves. Twilight’s eyes lit up at his brother’s appearance.

“Shining Armor!” Twilight squealed and backed up to let her older brother inside.

“Twily, it’s so good to see you again kid.” Shining Armor said, hugging his little sister.

“What are you doing here?” Twilight asked. Water Lilly walked over to the pair.

“The Princess got your letter and sent me and every Pegasai in the royal guard.” Shining Armor explained. He looked up and finally saw Water Lilly.

“Princess Water Lilly! Your family has been sending my cadets all over Equestria looking for you and your brother!” Shining Armor said. He was annoyed and angry at the same time.

“Forgive me Captain, but is this truly the time to be discussing this?” Water Lilly asked. Shining Armor frowned and looked over to Cloud Dream, who was looking in his direction but not actually at him.

“Fine, we’ll talk about it later. Twilight, can you help me perform a protection spell around Ponyville?” Shining Armor asked, turning his angered look into a bright smile.

“You bet!” Twilight said. They both ran out into the winds as the storm had reached the edge of the Everfree Forest.

The siblings stood in the middle of Ponyville, facing the forest while Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Water Lilly and Cloud Dream stood by. Shining Armor and Twilight closed their eyes; their horns glowed as they both began making a protective dome across Ponyville. The veil of magic cloaked the small town, all the way up to the edge of the forest.

“Such power…” Water Lilly said, watching the glow all around them.

“Yes, Twilight Sparkle and her older brother are quite impressive.” Rarity said, standing next to Water Lilly. “Shining Armor’s special talent is protecting those in need while Twilight’s special talent is magic. Combining the two would make for an unbeatable barrier.”

“Are you sure it will hold up?” Water Lilly asked as the cloud began to crawl over top of the barrier. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew through the barrier and down towards the others. Fluttershy landed but Rainbow Dash continued flying.

“It’s no use, we can’t disperse it. These clouds aren’t under our control.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Twilight and her brother may be able to stop it from destroying the town.” Water Lilly said, nodding to Twilight and Shining Armor.

“Alright, I’m going to go back and try to fight it off” Rainbow Dash and flew off again at high speed. She broke through the barrier and tried to break through the cloud but it only let her pass through and closed up behind her.

The sporadic lightning suddenly began converging on the protective barrier in one spot. Shining Armor and Twilight buckled down to their knees and winced at the pain of trying to keep the barrier together but small holes had begun to form and smaller bolts of lightning were breaking through. Cloud Dream’s body began to shudder, his wings opened slowly while static electricity coming through the barrier made his fur and feathers stand on end. The more he spread his wings the more concentrated the lightning became.

“Oh no!” Fluttershy called out.

“What is it darling?” Rarity asked. Fluttershy pointed down the road where a small white rabbit was racing towards them.

A small lightning bolt was right behind the rabbit. It was trying desperately to escape the lightning’s path but it was too slow and the lightning was too unpredictable. Fluttershy flew off towards the little rabbit Applejack raced after her, calling out to her.

“Fluttershy! Come Back!” Applejack yelled.

A white blur flew past her. Applejack skidded to a stop with her mouth open as she watched Cloud Dream fly towards Fluttershy. The rabbit was tiring as the lightning grew closer and closer, leaving a deep scar in the ground as it followed the rabbit, making sharp and unpredictable turns as it went. Fluttershy flew as fast as she could and just as her hooves wrapped around the rabbit, she was pushed to the side right when the lightning bolt finally exploded from lack of momentum. Fluttershy and Cloud Dream, along with the bunny, rolled on the ground for a few feet before landing with Fluttershy on top of him. She was still holding the rabbit close to her with both hooves while she sat on Cloud Dream’s chest, nearly in tears.

“Oh Angel, I thought I was going to lose you.” She cried softly. The rabbit was obviously scared and clung to Fluttershy, panting.

“Fluttershy…could you…please... get off.” Cloud Dream said. Fluttershy jumped off, letting Angel climb up onto her back. Before she could say another word, Cloud Dream was up and walking to an open grassy area.

Cloud Dream felt every inch of fur on his body stand up. His muscles quivered with excitement as he felt the wind lift his wings slightly, pushing him towards the cloud. Through his blindness he could feel his entire surroundings. The cloud took on the feel of a giant void that had sudden spikes and drops of wind pressure around it as lightning bolts surged through its depths. The wind currents of the void were interrupted by Rainbow Dash. He could feel the wind being blocked in her shape and could feel the sudden drop in wind pressure and the surge of electricity, shooting towards her. He ran towards her, flapping his wings and flying through the air as fast as he could. Rainbow froze in mid-air, terrified for once in her life of what lay inside the cloud. An overwhelming sense of doom filled her body as she could barely summon the courage to simply move her wings. She barely heard Cloud Dream’s cries to her as she stared at the massive cloud in front of her. A soft glow in the cloud caught her eye and a sense of peace and acceptance washed over her. The glow grew brighter and brighter, sparking and slowly becoming what seemed like a raging monster before her eyes and doom swept over her again.

“Help..please..” she whispered to herself. As lightning exploded from the cloud and a bolt went straight for her chest.

Her trance was broken when she saw Cloud Dream move in front of her. His wings were spread wide as the lightning enveloped him. It darted in and around his body like a thousand daggers, stabbing and ripping into his flesh. Strands of electricity wrapped around his body and tightened against him. Cloud Dream’s cries of agony made all of Ponyville freeze beneath him. With the entire town looking on, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle’s protective barrier disintegrated as the two watched. Cloud Dream’s body began absorbing the lightning, sucking it in. The storm cloud was slowly shrinking with all of its energy being consumed by the tiny Pegasus before it. Thunder clashed wildly in a final cry for mercy but none came as every last bolt of lightning entered Cloud Dream’s body and the last bit of cloud vanished into the air, taking the storm with it. Cloud Dream’s eyes closed and his wings drooped down to his side, making him fall out of the air. His unconscious body fell to the earth before Rainbow Dash could recover herself. She flew down to his side while Twilight and the rest ran over to him. Electricity surged through his body and sparks flung themselves off his wings and hooves and into the ground beneath him. Rainbow Dash landed by his side, followed by the others as they all surrounded him.

“Oh my, is he..?” Fluttershy asked. Tears swelled up in her eyes.

They all stood quietly for a moment, not even risking a breath. After a full minute passed, Rainbow Dash bowed her head and started walking away. Twilight followed her.

“Rainbow Dash… It wasn’t your fault.” She said softly.

“He got hurt because of me. Again!” Rainbow said. A tear rolled down her cheek, she tried to hide it with her mane. “And this time, he isn’t okay.” She spread her wings and dashed off to a tall tree whose branches were broken and bare from the winds.

Twilight sighed and turned back towards the group still surrounding Cloud Dream. Water Lilly was being comforted by Rarity and Applejack while Pinkie Pie was crying next to Shining Armor. Fluttershy lay down beside Cloud Dream and whimpered softly. Twilight walked up to Water Lilly and bowed her head.

“I’m sorry Water Lilly…” She said softly. Water Lilly could only nod to her as tears burst out of her eyes.

Fluttershy’s tears rolled down her cheeks and on to the grass beneath her, while Angel tried to comfort her. She gasped when she heard a weak groan and looked up to see Cloud Dream’s ears flick a little and a hoof move.

“Cl..Cloud Dream?” She whispered, reaching a hoof out to him. Cloud Dream let out another painful groan and started to stand up, turning his head towards Fluttershy’s voice.

“What happened?” He muttered, trying to feel around and make sure he was in one peace.

“Cloud Dream!!” Fluttershy squealed. She jumped up and tackled Cloud Dream back to the ground in pure, ecstatic joy.

He grunted as he was knocked back down to the ground. In her excitement Fluttershy pinned him down and pressed her lips against his, her mane fell to cover their faces. Cloud Dream’s ears perked up and he widened his eyes, trying hard to see what was happening. Shining Armor, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Water Lilly all stood and watched with their mouths hanging open. Twilight walked up to the group and curled her brow a little in confusion.

“What are you all looking a-“ She looked over at Fluttershy and Cloud Dream, their lips locked tightly together.

Fluttershy suddenly realized what she was doing and tore herself away from Cloud Dream. She turned bright red and brought her mane down in front of her face in embarrassment. She then took her Angel Bunny and flew off towards her cottage before anyone could say a word.

“Can anyone tell me what just happened?” Cloud Dream asked, still lying in the grass. The group didn’t answer him and simply laughed while Water Lilly gave her little brother a hug and lifted him to his feet.