Wings for a Pony: Dinky's Skyby Brawney HoovesChaptersPrologue: First meetingsChapter 1: Alone AgainChapter 2: A Little KindnessChapter 3: Living AdjustmentsPrologue: First meetingsIt was a warm spring day in Ponyville. The air was filled with the laughter of fillies and Colts as they played at the local playground. Above all the noise was a dark blue pegasus colt with a white mane and tail with a single blue stripe, and striking yellow eyes. His name was Sky Tearer, and today he was trying to master flight. He had only just learned how to leave his cloud home a week ago and now he was trying to travel and see the world that was around him with his mother. His tiny wings beat pitifully as he struggled to stay in the sky, but suddenly there a large gust of wind went by, and Sky was suddenly caught by the blast and hurled down to the ground below. Before he made impact he managed to get his wings beating just enough to hover above the ground, sparing him pain. However when he landed he found that no matter how hard he tried he could not rise again as he was too exhausted from the flight. Sky began to grow scared as his home was in Cloudsdale and he had lost track of his father and mother. As the little colt tried to fly again only to land once more Sky realized that he was stuck in unfamiliar territory and alone. He had never been on the ground before and everything was strange and terrifying in his eyes. The soft white clouds that comforted him were far from his reach and instead he was surrounded by tall objects with green tops. And out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a monster scurrying behind him. Sky feeling alone and frightened he huddled into a small ball and covered his eyes as he started to cry. “I want to go home.” He sobbed still covering his face. “Hey are you alright?” Sky looked up and opened his eyes. Before him was something he had never seen before. It looked like a filly Pegasus, but instead of wings it had a horn on its head. The strange pony moved closer looking concerned for the colt. “Huh?” Sky asked not taking his eyes off the filly. “I said are you alright?” Sky looked at the horned pony and in the angle he was looking at her she shined like the sun. Sky had never seen something so… beautiful. Finally he found his voice. “I’m…I’m scared and lost. I can’t fly and I can’t find my mommy.” Sky sobbed. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll help you.” The filly said smiling. “Are…are you an angel?” Sky asked. “What?” Asked the pony. “An angel. My mommy says that angels are pretty ponies that look out for lost fillies and colts.” The filly giggled making Sky’s heart flutter. “I’m not an angel. I’m a unicorn.” Sky wiped his eyes. “What’s a unicorn?” “A pony that can use magic.” “You can use magic?” The filly nodded and her horn gave a purple glow which caused a nearby twig to levitate off the ground. Sky’s eyes widened in amazement. “Wow! That’s amazing!” The filly stopped using her magic and walked over to Sky helping him up. “My names Dinky. What’s yours?” The filly asked. “S-sky Tearer. But you can call me Sky.” He replied nervously. “Well let me show you around Ponyville Sky.” Sky walked up next to Dinky feeling safer and eventually they made their way to a town filled with ponies. Some with horns like Dinky, some with wings like Sky, and others didn’t have wings or horns. “What are the ponies without wings or horns called?” Sky asked Dinky. “They are earth ponies. They can’t fly or use magic, but they are really strong.” Sky watched a large red earth ponywith a green apple cutie mark walk by pulling a cart. “Are they…friendly?” Sky asked nervously. “Yeah everypony here is nice and friends with each other.” Dinky replied leading Sky through Ponyville. “Why are you so nervous?” Dinky asked noticing Sky looking around nervously. “I…I’ve never been on the ground before.” Dinky nodded understanding his fears. “My mommy’s a Pegasus maybe she can get you home if you can’t fly.” Sky looked at her confused. “How can your mommy be a pegasus if you’re a unicorn?” Sky questioned. “My daddy was a unicorn. Or so my mommy says.” Sky continued looking around at the strange place he was now in. He had never seen so many different ponies at once. He began to wonder why his parents never told him about the ponies living on the ground before when Dinky waved to a small yellow earth pony colt around the age of four. “Hi Clay good to see you.” Dinky said smiling. “Hey Dinky good to see you too.” He looked at Sky. “Who’s that?” Clay asked pointing. “He’s Sky Tearer. He’s new here.” Clay walked up to Sky with intense interest. “Wow another pegasus just like my mommy!” Clay said with excitement. “Your mommy’s a Pegasus too?” Sky asked. “Yeah she’s the fastest flyer ever!” Dinky looked to the two colts. “Hey why don’t we go play until one of our mommies comes back and then we’ll try to get you home Sky?” the two colts nodded in agreement as they ran off to a nearby sand box and began to build sand castles. It was a little different than building a cloud castle, but Sky soon got the hang of it. “So where are you from Sky?” Clay asked as he patted a red bucket. “I’m from Cloudsdale that big city in the sky.” Dinky and Clay looked at him amazed. “Our mommies are from Cloudsdale too.” Dinky replied. “Then why do you both live there?” Sky asked raising an eyebrow. “Because we can’t walk on clouds or fly.” Clay said sounding slightly sad. “I wish I had wings so I can fly like my mommy.” “What about your daddy? Is he a Pegasus too?” Sky said to Clay. “I don’t have a daddy. My mommy says that someday I’ll have one, but…that might be a long time.” Clay lowered his head slightly. “I’m sorry.” Sky replied. “Thanks.” Clay said pulling the bucket to reveal a sand structure. The three ponies finished and then began to play with a ball laughing as they bounced it off their heads. Thirty minutes had passed and it was getting late. Dinky’s mother had appeared to take her home, but Dinky refused until Sky was home too while Sky was trying not to laugh at her mother’s eyes. Dinky approached the young colt having the strangest feeling that she had seen him before. “Who are your parent’s sweetie?” Dinky asked. “My daddy’s name is Sky Blazer, and my mommies name is Winter breeze.” Ditzy’s eyes widened at the mention of Sky’s father. “You’re the son of…Dinky and Clay I’m sorry I don’t think that you should play with Sky anymore.” All three ponies looked confused. “But…but why?” Dinky asked looking sad. “Sky’s father…doesn’t like ponies that don’t fly.” “But he can’t fly and he needs to get home.” Clay said stepping forward. “I know. And I promise me and your mother will get him home, but from now on… just don’t play with him… I’m sorry Sky.” Sky was completely confused and hurt that he couldn’t play with his new friends, but he decided not to argue. Ditzy hoisted Sky onto her back and spread her wings as Sky looked back at Clay and Dinky. “Clay, go find your mother so she can take you home, Dinky I’ll see you at home soon.” She said to the foals. “Okay mommy.” Dinky replied glancing at Sky. “Goodbye.” Sky said sadly looking back at Clay and Dinky. “Goodbye.” They replied. Ditzy flew into the sky heading back to Cloudsdale, while Sky held onto her mane tightly. Within minutes Ditzy had flown Sky to his home, where they found a Pegasus mare crying outside her doorstep. “Mommy!” Sky shouted as he jumped from Ditzy’s back and ran up to his mother as she looked up with tear filled eyes. “Sky!” His mother shouted sounding relieved as she ran up to him and scooped him in her forelegs flapping her wings, causing her to hover off the cloud. “Oh, Sky I was so worried when I couldn’t find you. Are you okay sweetie?” His mother asked. “I’m fine mommy.” Sky giggled as he felt his mother’s kisses. “Where did you find him?” Winter Breeze asked. “He was with my daughter in Ponyville perfectly safe.” Ditzy reassured her. “Oh, thank you Ditzy, I thought I had lost my little angel forever.” She kissed him again. “I’m so sorry Sky; I promise I’ll keep a closer eye on you next time when we’re flying.” Sky gave his mother a small hug. “I’m sorry I got lost mommy.” Sky whispered. “It’s alright Sky, I’m just glad you’re safe.” His mother ruffled his mane, and then released him. “Thank you so much Ditzy, I can’t thank you enough for finding my son.” “Actually you should thank my daughter; she was the one who found him.” Winter Breeze smiled at the mailmare. “Well be sure to tell her that she has my thanks.” Ditzy nodded and waved goodbye before heading for home. Sky followed his mother back to their home, her coat was a spotless white, and her mane was long reaching her chest and was a light winter blue. Her eyes were also blue, and on her flank were three snowflakes, a large one with two smaller ones on each side. Sky thought his mother was the most beautiful mare in the world, and he always tried to show how much she meant to him when he could. He nuzzled her leg as they walked through the house, and his mother looked down at him smiling warmly. Night had descended and Sky was being tucked into his cloud bed by his mother as she tickled him making Sky giggle. “Is daddy coming home soon?” Sky asked. “No sweetheart, he’s still performing tonight.” His mother said sadly. “But he’s been gone all day!” Sky whined. “I know. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see him today.” She ran her hoof through his mane and he gave a dreamy smile. “Do you want to try flying again tomorrow?” His mother asked. “Uh huh.” Sky excitedly, soon though his expression turned to uncertainty. “You’ll… stay with me, right mommy?” “Of course I will Sky. What happened today was an accident; I’ll be with you the whole time okay?” “Okay.” Sky whispered as his mother kissed his forehead and turned on his night light. “Goodnight mommy.” Sky said to his mother as she left the room. “Goodnight sweetie.” She whispered as she shut the door behind her. Sky turned over in his bed as he thought back to the ponies in the town he had entered. He couldn’t believe that ponies actually lived below the clouds, and he certainly didn’t expect some of them to be able to use magic. His mind flashed back to Dinky and his heart began to flutter slightly.” “I hope I get to see more of Ponyville tomorrow. Maybe it won’t be so scary with mommy.” Sky thought to himself as he started to drift off to sleep. Chapter 1: Alone Again*Years Later* Dinky trotted home as the sun began to descend behind the trees. She was tired from the scare she had half an hour ago; she had gone to the edge of the forest to find a special flower that could make any food it was made with taste ten times better. Hearts and hooves day was a few weeks away and she wanted to make her mother some special muffins since she knew like every year; both her and her mother would be alone on that holiday. She never found the plant however as she was attacked by a large timber wolf. She would have died today if her friend Clay and his fillyfriend Firefly hadn’t flown to her rescue. She thought how lucky she was to have a friend that was willing to risk his life to protect her, and she even was beginning to like Firefly despite her being worried that she might break Clay’s heart. Dinky finally reached her home and opened the door to see her mother setting her mailbag down. Her mother turned her head to the door and saw the state her daughter was in. “Dinky!” She ran to her and looked at her disheveled mane and the dirt she had on her coat. “What in Celestia’s name happened to you?!” Dinky tried to think of an excuse not wanting her mother to know that she almost died. Then she remembered what Firefly had told her about Clay arguing with his mother. “I… I was looking for Clay.” She lied. “Why? What happened?” Ditzy asked concerned. “He had a fight with Rainbow Dash and he flew away, so I went looking for him.” “Oh dear.” Her mother said worriedly. “But it’s okay, me and Firefly found him and he’s going home right now.” “Thank goodness. I hope they work out whatever is bothering them.” Ditzy sighed as Dinky tried to change the subject. “How was work today mom?” “Well it wasn’t too bad. But I delivered the wrong packages again. Somehow I delivered quills and fans to the Cakes, and a new set of kitchen ware to the quill and fan store.” Dinky looked at her mother slightly worried. “Mom, you need to be more careful. Your boss is already threatening to fire you if make too many wrong deliveries.” Ditzy gave a frustrated sigh. “I know, but it’s not easy reading with… with these.” She pointed to her crossed eyes. “I know the excuse gets old but I really do try my best.” Ditzy hung her head. Dinky looked sadly at her mother and then gave her a comforting hug, which she returned with her own hug. After a few seconds they released their embrace on each other. “So are you hungry sweetie? I was just about to make some muffins.” “I’m starving!” Dinky replied as she followed her mother into the kitchen. Dinky helped her mother with the batter and placed then into the oven with her magic. After enough time had passed they pulled the muffins from the oven and waited for them to cool. When they were done they both took a muffin and ate them with great pleasure. “How do you always make great muffins mom?” Dinky asked as she swallowed the bite she had in her mouth. “My muffins are the best because I always use the special ingredient.” “What’s that mom?” Dinky asked biting into her muffin again. “Love,” Ditzy replied. “No really mom what’s the ingredient?” “That is the ingredient. As long as I make muffins for somepony I love very much they always taste delicious.” Ditzy looked to her daughter smiling. “And when I make them for you that’s always true.” Dinky gave her mother a slightly embarrassed smile. “I love you too mom.” She said softly. “Thank you muffin.” She said happily. “Mom you haven’t called me muffin since I was a filly!” Dinky began to blush. “Sorry… but you’ll always be my little muffin.” Ditzy giggled. Luna’s moon hung in the night sky while Dinky sat on her bed writing in her journal about another story she had running through her head. Dinky had always loved listening to stories, and had recently started writing her own stories in her journal so she wouldn’t forget them. However none of the stories spoke to her, none of them seemed to be terribly entertaining. Dinky sighed and lowered her quill; she looked out her bedroom window and found herself wandering back to Hearts and Hooves day. Every year she would try to find some stallion that would treat her romantically and say that he loved her. But every year either every stallion either already had their own special somepony or they didn’t want to be associated with her mother. They never said that to her face, but she knew that was the reason. She had even once considered asking Clay her childhood friend, but she laughed at the thought as she really saw Clay as more of a younger brother than lover. Besides he had his own special somepony now. Dinky shut her journal and placed it under her pillow and then she turned off her desk lamp so she could get some rest. As she got under her covers she gave a sad sigh thinking about what the holiday would bring her when it finally arrived. She started considering going back to the forest to find the enhancement flower again, but then she remembered the hungry glowing yellow eyes of the timber wolf and she shuddered. Still the wolf had fallen into the ocean, so there was very little chance that she would see that wolf again, but the thought of running into another one, or something worse filled her with dread. Still (In spite of that) she wanted to make those muffins for her mother; she decided that there was still some time left before Hearts and Hooves day, so she could try again some other time. Dinky rested her head on her pillow and slowly closed her eyes ready to drift off to sleep when she heard her bedroom door open followed by the sound of hoofsteps. “Dinky… are you still awake?” She heard her mother say as she pretended to be asleep. She heard her mother approached her and then after a slight pause she felt her mother’s soft lips on her cheek as she kissed her. “Goodnight sweetie.” Ditzy whispered as she turned and walked out of the bedroom. A small smile grew on Dinky’s face as she heard the door close, even if Hearts and Hooves day doesn’t work out like she hopes; at least she would always have her mother to be there for her. Dinky shifted under her bed sheets. “Besides, there has to be somepony out there for me.” She said aloud as she once again tried to go to sleep. Meanwhile miles away at Canterlot general hospital, Sky Tearer was sitting in his hospital bed. Sky had been in a fight with Clay and in the process had broken his wing and leg, though considering that he could have lost his life in the fight, he considered himself lucky. Clay’s mother Rainbow Dash had flown him to Canterlot after the fight making sure that he was cared for, but she also threatened to break his other wing if she saw him anywhere near Clay again. Sky sighed and looked out the window to stare at the moon as it hung in the night sky. Right now he would give anything to feel the wind against his face and soar in the air; but the fact was he wasn’t going anywhere until his wing and leg were healed. Sky turned over in his bed and gave a frustrated sigh; and as he lay there in the darkness he heard his father’s voice in his head. “You are no longer my son Sky!” Sky Blazer said with distain. The memory caused Sky to scowl as rage filled his heart. Sky needed to release his pent up anger and anxiety somehow, his eyes fell on a nearby glass on his night stand. He picked it up with his hoof and with all his strength he threw it against the wall and was rewarded with a loud crash and the sound of broken glass. He knew he would be in trouble for that, but he didn’t care; it had felt good and actually calmed him slightly. Seconds after he had destroyed the glass, his bedroom door opened to reveal a startled looking white earth pony with pink hair. “Is everything alright?! I heard something break!” Nurse Redheart asked alarmed. “Everything’s fine I… just broke my water glass.” Nurse Redheart turned on the light and looked to the broken glass scattered on the floor. “Sorry.” Sky said meekly. “That’s okay, I’ll clean it up.” Redheart picked up a small dustbin and began to sweep up the broken glass, as she dumped it carefully in a nearby trash bin she looked up and noticed Sky’s saddened expression. “Is something troubling you?” She asked kindly. “I’m fine, thank you.” He wanted her to leave, but Redheart persisted. “I’ve been around ponies long enough to know when something is bothering them. And I’m sure that glass didn’t end across the room by itself.” Sky sighed and gave Nurse Redheart a glare, but it quickly vanished as he hung his head. “I just realized that I’m all alone now.” He muttered depressed. “Don’t you have any relatives or friends that could take care of you when you are released?” “No. My… my father disowned me… and I don’t have any friends around here.” “What about siblings or your mother?” “Only child… and… my mother and I haven’t talked in years.” Nurse Redheart gave Sky a sympathetic look as she moved closer to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “It will be alright.” Sky scoffed at the pony’s comment. “I promise you… everything will work out.” “Sure it will.” Sky muttered as Redheart left the room slowly shutting the door. Sky propped his head on the pillow and exhaled as he stared at the sterile white ceiling. He started to calm down slightly as the anger in his chest was replaced by sadness; he turned over on his side and looked at the stars that shined in the night sky. He allowed a sad sigh to escape as he began to realize the truth, he was alone now. Chapter 2: A Little KindnessIt had been a full week since Sky had been admitted to the hospital. He was feeling better as he slowly roused from his sleep both physically and mentally; yesterday Sky had sent a letter to Clay seeing if he could visit him in the hospital so they could talk. Sky was expecting Clay to crumble up the letter and forget that he even existed, yet to his surprise Clay actually came over to talk with him. Sky had confessed that he had been feeling guilty about harassing him and the other flightless ponies, and explained to Clay that he wanted to start over and actually try to be friends with him. To Sky’s surprise again Clay accepted the offer, on the condition he left his mother and Dinky out of his insults. Clay accepting his friendship had actually made Sky feel better than he had in days, and he was actually looking forward to heading back to Ponyville once he could fly again. But what he wasn’t looking forward to was his father. After the fight with Clay, Sky had been rescued by the very pony he had mocked for so long. When they were safe Sky’s father had arrived saying that he had witnessed the whole fight and was disgusted with what he saw, not because he was fighting, but because he had lost to a false pegasus. Sky’s father had struck him when he was hurt and unable to defend himself with his broken leg and wing; Sky had never been so terrified of his father before that moment. Clay had gotten between them standing up for Sky knowing full well that he was also hurt from the fight, and was facing a grown stallion. Sky’s father was one of the most intimidating ponies in the Wonderbolts, but Clay didn’t flinch even when he was threatened. Before any damage could be done Rainbow Dash had blind-sided Sky Blazer and saved the two colts, however before Sky Blazer left he disowned his son and disappeared soon after. Sky had come to realize that his father was a grade - A bastard and concluded that he was better off without him… yet the fact that his own father never wanted to see him again wounded Sky deeply, deeper than he thought possible. He realized the irony that after all the taunts about Clay’s mother abandoning him because he couldn’t fly, it was he who had his father abandon him. Still the fact that Clay accepted his apology did cheer him up, and the fact that his leg was fully healed was even better. His wing was still broken and would still take some time to heal, but at least he could leave the hospital now. Rainbow Dash had been the one paying for the hospital bill so he could leave anytime he wanted. “I’ll have to thank her for that when I get to town… if she’ll let me.” Sky muttered as he slowly got out of his bed to test his leg for the first time. Sky slowly lowered his front right hoof on the floor, and was relieved to feel no pain from doing so. He began stretching his legs when suddenly the door opened; nurse Redheart entered with a cheerful smile on her face as she spotted Sky finally out of his bed. “You’re looking much better.” Redheart said cheerfully as Sky began stretching his neck. “I feel better too.” Sky replied as he flexed his good wing. “Now remember your wing is still broken, so stay off it for at least another week so it can heal properly.” “I will, thank you for… you know… checking up on me.” “It’s my job sweetheart.” She replied kindly. Sky followed nurse Redheart out of his room and signed the release form allowing him to finally leave the hospital. Sky was eager to get some fresh air into his lungs as he trotted out the font hospital entrance, though he was saddened by the fact that he still couldn’t fly just yet. It was a shame, as the sky was clear of clouds and Celestia’s sun shined brighter than normal. Sky began making his way to the train station that would take him to Ponyville since it was the closest to his home, when a thought struck him. He had no money with him at the moment, and he was in Canterlot the most expensive city in all of Equestria. “How am I going to get home? How am I going find a place to stay? How am I going to get some food?” No sooner had Sky finished speaking that his stomach gave a loud groan. “Damn it.” Sky cursed as he began to smell various foods from the many café’s around Canterlot. He shook his head and began making his way through Canterlot and figure out what his next move would be. “I can’t fly home, or anywhere for that matter. And even if I could my father would never allow me in.” Sky tapped his chin in thought. “I can’t pay for the train or to stay at an inn… I could walk to the closest town, but that would still take hours.” Sky decided that maybe if he explained his situation to an inn keeper he could work out a deal and made his way to the closest one he could find. Sky looked around and spotted a posh looking unicorn behind a counter; he walked up to the unicorn and began to explain his current situation hoping that he could be swayed. However the unicorn simply scoffed at him. “We do not allow free stays at the gilded crescent sir, whether you offer to work or not.” “But I have nowhere else to go, please just let me clean the kitchen or something and let me stay and then I’ll leave the next day!” “I’m sorry sir, but it cannot be done. Now remove yourself from the premise!” “But…” Before Sky could finish he became engulfed by a yellow aura and was then flung out the door landing hard on the cobblestone road. “Yeah… well I didn’t really want to work there anyway!” Sky shouted as he got on all fours “Now what?” Sky continued walking when he saw Ponyville far away in the distance. “I could make it to Ponyville if I leave right now.” Sky looked at Ponyville and then at a large clock tower checking the time. “It’ll be late by the time I get there though.” Sky shook his head “I have no choice; I’ve been in Ponyville enough times to know that they are generous over there. Maybe I can get a hot meal and a bed once I get there. Besides it is the closest town from here.” His mind made up, Sky began to gallop towards Ponyville. Sky had been walking for hours, his hooves were getting sore and the sun would set in three hours; and he was still only halfway to Ponyville. Sky let out an annoyed huff as he sat down under a tree to rest, as he rested his back against the stem of the tree he looked up at the sky watching several birds fly by, chirping a happy melody. Sky sighed and slowly began to shut his eyes trying to take his mind off his current situation. As he kept his eyes shut his mind began to drift back to his days living in Cloudsdale with his mother, when she first taught him to fly. “Come on Sky you can do it.” “I’m… I’m scared mommy!” A young colt cried out. “I’m right here. Just fly over to mommy.” “But… but what if I fall?” “If you fall, mommy will catch you I promise.” Sky began to beat his wings as hard as he could. Eventually he began to lift of the cloud he was standing on. “That’s it, you can do it sweetie.” Sky mustered up his courage and willed himself to move forward away from the safety of the cloud. He could feel his heart racing in his chest as he slowly drew closer and closer to his mother; he kept his eyes shut tight afraid to look down. “Am I off the cloud yet mommy?” He whimpered. “Why don’t you see for yourself?” Winter Breeze said calmly. Sky slowly opened one eye and saw that the cloud was no longer beneath his hooves; he also saw that he was halfway to his mother high in the sky as his tiny wings fluttered. “I did it! I finally flew on my own!” Sky cheered as his mother floated closer to him and then pulled him into a loving hug. “I knew you could Sky.” Winter smiled as Sky buried his face into her chest. “Thanks for catching me mommy.” “Of course sweetheart. I’ll always be there for you.” His mother whispered as she nuzzled his face. *BANG* Sky bolted upright as a loud crack of thunder was heard over head. As Sky cleared his vision he saw the sun had been blocked by a large storm cloud and was accompanied by rolling thunder. “Ohhh… perfect!” Sky grumbled as he stood up and began making his way to Ponyville hoping to get there before the rain hit. Unfortunately before he could even get past the stone bridge leading into town, the storm clouds released a heavy downpour. Sky shivered from the cold, but continued into town hoping to find some kindness in the small town. He trotted through Ponyville, looking for an inn that he could spend the night in. Unfortunately as he trotted through the streets his mane and fur becoming matted from the continuous downpour, Sky began to notice that every shop, and in was closed leaving him stranded in the rain. “No… no, no, no! This can’t be happening!” Becoming enraged from his bad luck Sky marched to the door of the horseshoe inn and began pounding at the door. “Let me in! I demand you let me in!” The door didn’t open and he continued pounding on the door, still no one came, in fact it looked as though the small building was empty for the night. “Please… let me in.” Sky was tired and was beginning to feel hot as his strength began to leave him. He slumped to the ground sitting out in the cold rain that refused to let up even the slightest. Sky buried his face in his hooves in defeat, when he suddenly heard a voice over the rain. “Sky? Is that you?” He looked up to see Ditzy Doo with an umbrella saddled to her back. “Der… I mean Miss Doo… what uh… what are you doing here?” “I was going home now that I’ve finished my mail route… what are you doing here?” “I was trying to get a room at the inn, but everything is closed.” “Yes, I’m afraid that all buildings are closed due to the storm. Even Twilight has closed her library.” Ditzy looked to Sky’s bandaged wing. “Are you alright? What happened?” “I broke my wing, and I couldn’t afford to stay at an inn at Canterlot so I thought I’d come here.” Ditzy looked very startled. “You walked all the way over here from Canterlot?!” Sky simply nodded. “What about your father? Couldn’t you ask him to get you back to Cloudsdale?” “My father doesn’t want anything to do with me.” Sky looked away from Ditzy trying to hide the pain in his eyes as she looked at him sadly. “Sky… would it be alright if I offered to let you stay with me and Dinky for a while?” Sky looked up at Ditzy confused and startled by the offer. “You… would let me stay in your home even… even after all the things I’ve done?” “Well I can’t say I approve of how you have treated other ponies or my daughter and Clay… but I can’t leave you out in the rain either, especially when you need help.” “What makes you think I need help?” Ditzy raised an eyebrow. “Fine, I do need help, but I don’t want a hoofout.” “It’s not a hoofout, its helping a fellow pony in need.” “Same thing.” Sky muttered. Ditzy approached Sky and offered him a helping hoof, he looked at her foreleg and then at her as she smiled. Finally Sky sighed and took her outstretched hoof as she lifted him up and then led her to her home. After several minutes of walking through the rain they finally saw Ditzy’s home come into view. As Ditzy removed her umbrella Sky shook himself dry, only to remember that Ditzy was standing right next to him. “Sorry.” Sky apologized. “That’s okay, just be careful next time.” She handed him a nearby towel and Sky began dry himself off. “Where is Dinky?” Sky asked as he dried his mane. “She’s at a friend’s house for a slumber party. So it will just be you and me tonight.” Ditzy removed her mailbag and placed it on a nearby hanger, as she did Sky let out a loud sneeze startling Ditzy. “Sorry.” Sky sniffed. Ditzy walked up to him and placed a hoof on his forehead. “Oh dear… I think you have a cold.” Sky coughed slightly as his eyes began to droop. “Why don’t you get settled in the guest room and I’ll make you some soup?” “That would… *cough* be nice.” Sky trotted to the first floor guestroom, while Ditzy made her way to the kitchen. The guest room was larger than he had expected, and as far as rooms went it was actually pleasant for housing a guest. Sky didn’t have anything with him, so he decided to get some rest; he pulled back the sheets and then slowly got into the soft, warm, inviting bed. A few minutes later Ditzy came floating in carrying a bowl of hot vegetable soup on a small tray; Sky took the tray, setting it down over him and began to eat. The warm liquids and hearty vegetable chunks began to quickly fill his empty stomach, when he was finished he licked his lips feeling satisfied. “My, you were hungry.” Ditzy exclaimed as she took the tray from him. “Thanks, it was delicious.” Sky replied happily. “I’m glad you liked it. Now you should get some rest so you can get better.” Sky looked uncertainly at Ditzy. “Um… what about Dinky? She doesn’t know that I’m staying here.” “I’ll talk to her when she gets back, don’t you worry.” Sky nodded his worried fading as he pulled the covers over his body, as Ditzy left the room. “Um… Miss Doo.” “Call me Ditzy.” “Right… Ditzy… thank you.” Ditzy smiled as she left the room shutting the door behind her. Sky rested his head on the pillow and turned off the bedside lamp. All he could see and hear outside was the sound of the rain hitting the roof and window; and as he listened to the patter of the raindrops, Sky slowly began to close his eyes as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Chapter 3: Living Adjustments“Are you sure that you can’t stay a little longer Dinky?” “Sorry Lilly Blossom, but I promised my mom that I would come home after the slumber party. And it’s starting to get late?” Dinky explained to the slightly disappointed earth pony. “Oh… well promise you’ll come over to my next sleep over. You always make them fun.” “I will Lilly, I promise.” Dinky said smiling. “And… be careful going home.” “Why?” Lilly leaned in closer to Dinky. “Sky Terror hasn’t been around for a while; he’s bound to show up soon.” “I’m not scared of him, besides I’ve got my magic if he messes with me.” Lilly looked at her timidly. “I wish I was as brave as you Dinky, Sky Terror scares me.” “Sky’s just a bully, and bullies always get what they deserve in the end.” Dinky said bitterly. “If you say so, but I still think you should be careful Dinky.” “I will Lilly.” Dinky waved goodbye and began making her way back home. She felt a sense of peace as she trotted through the streets, which were still littered with puddles from last night’s storm. As the sun began to rise she felt its warmth as she started to see her home come into view; she entered expecting to see her mother getting ready for work. Mom! I’m home!” There was no answer. “She must be working; she said that she had an early shift today.” Dinky concluded as she walked to her mother’s bedroom only to find her mother sound asleep with an empty mail bag beside her. “Oh, mom.” Dinky whispered realizing that her mother had only just gotten home from delivering the mail as she slowly closed the door. Dinky gave a slight yawn still feeling sleepy, and began to head for her room. Before she got to the door however, she heard a loud cough… a male cough. Confused and slightly startled Dinky listened again to make sure she wasn’t just hearing things, but soon she heard another cough coming from the guest room. Dinky slowly trotted to the guestroom not really sure who, or what she would find; as she opened the door slightly her eyes widened when she saw an all too familiar blue pegasus with white and blue hair sleeping soundly in the bed. “What the hell are you doing here!?” Dinky shouted startling Sky awake. Before Sky could say anything, he became engulfed in a purple aura and was then thrown against a wall with a loud bang. “Did you come here to make fun of my mom? And… how did you get in here?!” Dinky was shaking with anger as Sky struggled against the magic that was keeping him pinned. “What’s going on here?” Ditzy asked as she flew into the room. “Sky broke into our house! I found him sleeping in the guestroom!” Dinky shouted not taking her eyes off Sky. “Muffin it’s okay, I brought Sky here last night because he was stuck in the storm.” Ditzy explained trying to calm her daughter down. “You… You let him in?” Ditzy nodded. “Mom are you crazy!? Do you know who he is?! What he’s said about you!?” “I am perfectly aware of his past actions Dinky. But he needed a place to stay from the storm last night.” Dinky looked at her mother as if she was absolutely crazy. “Mom he… he… how can you just let him live in our house, our home!? You get enough trouble from those other ponies that throw rocks at our windows! If he lives with us then he can learn everything about you and turn it against us!” Dinky shouted with a mixture of fear and anger. “And besides why can’t he live with his dad?” “Because my dad wants nothing to do with me.” Sky said quietly with a hint of pain in his voice. “Well… why can’t you stay in Cloudsdale? You’re obviously better if you came over here from Canterlot.” Dinky questioned still holding Sky in her magic. “Because my wing is still broken, that’s why!” He said angrily. “Dinky please, he has nowhere else to go. It’s just until his wing is healed and then he’ll leave.” Dinky gave Sky a hard stare as if she was contemplating about what to do with him. Finally after a small but tense pause she spoke to him again. “If we let you stay until your wing is better; do you promise to leave and never come back to Ponyville?” Sky stayed quiet as he thought about the situation he was in. Finally he gave his answer. “I promise to never come back to Ponyville once my wing is healed.” “Do you pinkie promise?” Dinky asked. “What…? Yes, yes whatever I pinkie promise to never come back! Now can you let me go?” Satisfied Dinky released her hold on Sky causing him to drop to the ground, while Ditzy tried to think of a way to ease some of the tension. “Well… now that, that little dispute has been settled would you two like some breakfast?” “I do I’m starving mom!” Dinky said happily. “Sky what about you?” Ditzy asked. “Uh… sure I could eat.” He followed Dinky and her mother into the kitchen and then took his spot at the table across from Dinky. As he sat down he saw the glare that she was giving him, and tried his best to ignore her. After several minutes Ditzy returned with two plates and set one down in front of Dinky. “Thanks mom.” “You’re welcome muffin.” Ditzy replied smiling as she set Sky’s plate down. “Thank you.” Sky muttered as he looked down to his plate. Staring back at him was a smiley face made out of two eggs and a hay bacon stripe; the sight caused him to chuckle. “What’s so funny?” Dinky said angrily. “Nothing it’s just… that’s how my mom used to make my breakfast too.” Dinky looked at him for a few seconds before returning to her food. “So Sky, where is your mother? I’m sure she’ll want to know where you are.” Ditzy asked as she sat down with her own plate. “I don’t know where she is.” Sky muttered. “What do you mean?” Ditzy asked looking to him in confusion. “She… she left me and my dad years ago with…” He stopped suddenly. “With who?” Dinky asked. “Nopony, forget I said anything.” Sky grumbled as he poked at his eggs. “Just tell us!” Dinky shouted. “Sweetie, he doesn’t have to tell us anything he doesn’t want to.” Dinky huffed slightly as she returned to her hay bacon stripe. The three ponies finished their breakfast and then headed outside. Dinky and Ditzy played at the park while Sky simply sat under a tree and watched the other ponies enjoy themselves. Sky looked back at his bandaged wing and tried to move it slightly, only to be rewarded with a shot of pain. Sky winced and then realizing that he was still far from a recovery decided to continue watching Dinky and Ditzy. As Sky sat there he began to feel more and more melancholy until he could no longer stand the sight and walked away to a more secluded spot. He didn’t want to be around the other ponies, he didn’t want to be around the fillies and colts that had moms and dads that loved them and enjoyed being around them. As he sat there brooding, he was suddenly snapped back to reality when a red ball landed by his hooves. Sky looked up to see a small brown earth pony filly no more than five run up to him. “Excuse me mister.” The filly squeaked. “What?” Sky asked slightly confused. “Can I have my ball back?” The filly asked timidly. Sky looked to the ball and gave a small nod to the colt as he kicked it to him. “Why are you here all alone mister?” The filly asked him. “Because I love being alone.” Sky grumbled. “Do you want to play ball with me?” The filly asked. Before Sky could answer another pony, this time a colt around his age came running up to him and the filly. “Sis get away from him!” The colt shouted as he put himself between Sky and his sister. “I was just asking him if he wanted to play ball with me.” The filly said looking confused while her brother gave Sky a menacing glare. “Stay away from my sister, do you hear me!” The colt threatened staring Sky down. “I was just giving her ball back.” Sky replied. “I don’t care… I know who you are. You and your dad make me sick! In fact why don’t you do everypony a favor and go swan dive off of ghastly gorge and kill yourself!” Sky simply glared back at the other pony silently, but inside he felt as if he was going to explode. “Come on Sunflower let’s get away from this… monster.” The colt trotted away with his sister by his side. Sunflower looked back at Sky sadly and then continued to follow her brother. Sky still boiling with anger kicked the ground with his back legs and snorted angrily. “Who does that filthy earth pony think he is?! How dare he tell me to kill myself!? How dare he call me a monster!?” Sky shouted to no one in particular trembling with rage, when suddenly all his anger vanished to be replaced with sadness. “Because I am a monster.” Sky whispered hanging his head in shame. He looked up at a nearby cloud, and wished with all his heart that he could fly up to it and forget about the world below him. He wanted nothing more than to just lie on that cloud and forget about earth ponies and unicorns, and Ponyville. As he stood there wishing Ditzy hovered over to him looking concerned. “Sky… are you alright?” She whispered. Sky simply huffed and galloped past her and back to her home. He flung open the door and stormed to the guest room where he flung himself on the bed and pulled the covers over his body. He had never felt so angry, he had never felt so disgusted, he had never felt… as sad as he started to realize that the hate and disgust wasn’t at the earth pony colt, or even Dinky and her mother… but at himself. Right then and there all he wanted to do was stay in that bed and forget, forget everything had happen that day; and soon before Sky realized it he had fallen into an uneasy sleep. Ditzy had returned home to see if Sky was there. She was worried for his well-being after hearing what the earth pony colt had said to him and saw his visible anger when he ran off. She trotted to the guest room when she didn’t see him anywhere else and soon saw him buried under the covers of his temporary bed. She decided it was best to leave him alone for the time being, and quietly shut the door. As she did she heard a small sound that she was all too familiar with; a small sniffle was heard from Sky as the door finally closed. Ditzy slowly trotted away from the door wishing to give Sky some peace; maybe Dinky and the others saw Sky as a racist bully that Equestria would be better off without. But Ditzy could tell even in short time she had known him that there was a deep pain inside Sky that needed to be removed. She only hoped that she could help ease his pain, and perhaps show to her daughter that the world wasn't as black and white as it seemed.
Prologue: First meetingsIt was a warm spring day in Ponyville. The air was filled with the laughter of fillies and Colts as they played at the local playground. Above all the noise was a dark blue pegasus colt with a white mane and tail with a single blue stripe, and striking yellow eyes. His name was Sky Tearer, and today he was trying to master flight. He had only just learned how to leave his cloud home a week ago and now he was trying to travel and see the world that was around him with his mother. His tiny wings beat pitifully as he struggled to stay in the sky, but suddenly there a large gust of wind went by, and Sky was suddenly caught by the blast and hurled down to the ground below. Before he made impact he managed to get his wings beating just enough to hover above the ground, sparing him pain. However when he landed he found that no matter how hard he tried he could not rise again as he was too exhausted from the flight. Sky began to grow scared as his home was in Cloudsdale and he had lost track of his father and mother. As the little colt tried to fly again only to land once more Sky realized that he was stuck in unfamiliar territory and alone. He had never been on the ground before and everything was strange and terrifying in his eyes. The soft white clouds that comforted him were far from his reach and instead he was surrounded by tall objects with green tops. And out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a monster scurrying behind him. Sky feeling alone and frightened he huddled into a small ball and covered his eyes as he started to cry. “I want to go home.” He sobbed still covering his face. “Hey are you alright?” Sky looked up and opened his eyes. Before him was something he had never seen before. It looked like a filly Pegasus, but instead of wings it had a horn on its head. The strange pony moved closer looking concerned for the colt. “Huh?” Sky asked not taking his eyes off the filly. “I said are you alright?” Sky looked at the horned pony and in the angle he was looking at her she shined like the sun. Sky had never seen something so… beautiful. Finally he found his voice. “I’m…I’m scared and lost. I can’t fly and I can’t find my mommy.” Sky sobbed. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll help you.” The filly said smiling. “Are…are you an angel?” Sky asked. “What?” Asked the pony. “An angel. My mommy says that angels are pretty ponies that look out for lost fillies and colts.” The filly giggled making Sky’s heart flutter. “I’m not an angel. I’m a unicorn.” Sky wiped his eyes. “What’s a unicorn?” “A pony that can use magic.” “You can use magic?” The filly nodded and her horn gave a purple glow which caused a nearby twig to levitate off the ground. Sky’s eyes widened in amazement. “Wow! That’s amazing!” The filly stopped using her magic and walked over to Sky helping him up. “My names Dinky. What’s yours?” The filly asked. “S-sky Tearer. But you can call me Sky.” He replied nervously. “Well let me show you around Ponyville Sky.” Sky walked up next to Dinky feeling safer and eventually they made their way to a town filled with ponies. Some with horns like Dinky, some with wings like Sky, and others didn’t have wings or horns. “What are the ponies without wings or horns called?” Sky asked Dinky. “They are earth ponies. They can’t fly or use magic, but they are really strong.” Sky watched a large red earth ponywith a green apple cutie mark walk by pulling a cart. “Are they…friendly?” Sky asked nervously. “Yeah everypony here is nice and friends with each other.” Dinky replied leading Sky through Ponyville. “Why are you so nervous?” Dinky asked noticing Sky looking around nervously. “I…I’ve never been on the ground before.” Dinky nodded understanding his fears. “My mommy’s a Pegasus maybe she can get you home if you can’t fly.” Sky looked at her confused. “How can your mommy be a pegasus if you’re a unicorn?” Sky questioned. “My daddy was a unicorn. Or so my mommy says.” Sky continued looking around at the strange place he was now in. He had never seen so many different ponies at once. He began to wonder why his parents never told him about the ponies living on the ground before when Dinky waved to a small yellow earth pony colt around the age of four. “Hi Clay good to see you.” Dinky said smiling. “Hey Dinky good to see you too.” He looked at Sky. “Who’s that?” Clay asked pointing. “He’s Sky Tearer. He’s new here.” Clay walked up to Sky with intense interest. “Wow another pegasus just like my mommy!” Clay said with excitement. “Your mommy’s a Pegasus too?” Sky asked. “Yeah she’s the fastest flyer ever!” Dinky looked to the two colts. “Hey why don’t we go play until one of our mommies comes back and then we’ll try to get you home Sky?” the two colts nodded in agreement as they ran off to a nearby sand box and began to build sand castles. It was a little different than building a cloud castle, but Sky soon got the hang of it. “So where are you from Sky?” Clay asked as he patted a red bucket. “I’m from Cloudsdale that big city in the sky.” Dinky and Clay looked at him amazed. “Our mommies are from Cloudsdale too.” Dinky replied. “Then why do you both live there?” Sky asked raising an eyebrow. “Because we can’t walk on clouds or fly.” Clay said sounding slightly sad. “I wish I had wings so I can fly like my mommy.” “What about your daddy? Is he a Pegasus too?” Sky said to Clay. “I don’t have a daddy. My mommy says that someday I’ll have one, but…that might be a long time.” Clay lowered his head slightly. “I’m sorry.” Sky replied. “Thanks.” Clay said pulling the bucket to reveal a sand structure. The three ponies finished and then began to play with a ball laughing as they bounced it off their heads. Thirty minutes had passed and it was getting late. Dinky’s mother had appeared to take her home, but Dinky refused until Sky was home too while Sky was trying not to laugh at her mother’s eyes. Dinky approached the young colt having the strangest feeling that she had seen him before. “Who are your parent’s sweetie?” Dinky asked. “My daddy’s name is Sky Blazer, and my mommies name is Winter breeze.” Ditzy’s eyes widened at the mention of Sky’s father. “You’re the son of…Dinky and Clay I’m sorry I don’t think that you should play with Sky anymore.” All three ponies looked confused. “But…but why?” Dinky asked looking sad. “Sky’s father…doesn’t like ponies that don’t fly.” “But he can’t fly and he needs to get home.” Clay said stepping forward. “I know. And I promise me and your mother will get him home, but from now on… just don’t play with him… I’m sorry Sky.” Sky was completely confused and hurt that he couldn’t play with his new friends, but he decided not to argue. Ditzy hoisted Sky onto her back and spread her wings as Sky looked back at Clay and Dinky. “Clay, go find your mother so she can take you home, Dinky I’ll see you at home soon.” She said to the foals. “Okay mommy.” Dinky replied glancing at Sky. “Goodbye.” Sky said sadly looking back at Clay and Dinky. “Goodbye.” They replied. Ditzy flew into the sky heading back to Cloudsdale, while Sky held onto her mane tightly. Within minutes Ditzy had flown Sky to his home, where they found a Pegasus mare crying outside her doorstep. “Mommy!” Sky shouted as he jumped from Ditzy’s back and ran up to his mother as she looked up with tear filled eyes. “Sky!” His mother shouted sounding relieved as she ran up to him and scooped him in her forelegs flapping her wings, causing her to hover off the cloud. “Oh, Sky I was so worried when I couldn’t find you. Are you okay sweetie?” His mother asked. “I’m fine mommy.” Sky giggled as he felt his mother’s kisses. “Where did you find him?” Winter Breeze asked. “He was with my daughter in Ponyville perfectly safe.” Ditzy reassured her. “Oh, thank you Ditzy, I thought I had lost my little angel forever.” She kissed him again. “I’m so sorry Sky; I promise I’ll keep a closer eye on you next time when we’re flying.” Sky gave his mother a small hug. “I’m sorry I got lost mommy.” Sky whispered. “It’s alright Sky, I’m just glad you’re safe.” His mother ruffled his mane, and then released him. “Thank you so much Ditzy, I can’t thank you enough for finding my son.” “Actually you should thank my daughter; she was the one who found him.” Winter Breeze smiled at the mailmare. “Well be sure to tell her that she has my thanks.” Ditzy nodded and waved goodbye before heading for home. Sky followed his mother back to their home, her coat was a spotless white, and her mane was long reaching her chest and was a light winter blue. Her eyes were also blue, and on her flank were three snowflakes, a large one with two smaller ones on each side. Sky thought his mother was the most beautiful mare in the world, and he always tried to show how much she meant to him when he could. He nuzzled her leg as they walked through the house, and his mother looked down at him smiling warmly. Night had descended and Sky was being tucked into his cloud bed by his mother as she tickled him making Sky giggle. “Is daddy coming home soon?” Sky asked. “No sweetheart, he’s still performing tonight.” His mother said sadly. “But he’s been gone all day!” Sky whined. “I know. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see him today.” She ran her hoof through his mane and he gave a dreamy smile. “Do you want to try flying again tomorrow?” His mother asked. “Uh huh.” Sky excitedly, soon though his expression turned to uncertainty. “You’ll… stay with me, right mommy?” “Of course I will Sky. What happened today was an accident; I’ll be with you the whole time okay?” “Okay.” Sky whispered as his mother kissed his forehead and turned on his night light. “Goodnight mommy.” Sky said to his mother as she left the room. “Goodnight sweetie.” She whispered as she shut the door behind her. Sky turned over in his bed as he thought back to the ponies in the town he had entered. He couldn’t believe that ponies actually lived below the clouds, and he certainly didn’t expect some of them to be able to use magic. His mind flashed back to Dinky and his heart began to flutter slightly.” “I hope I get to see more of Ponyville tomorrow. Maybe it won’t be so scary with mommy.” Sky thought to himself as he started to drift off to sleep.
Chapter 1: Alone Again*Years Later* Dinky trotted home as the sun began to descend behind the trees. She was tired from the scare she had half an hour ago; she had gone to the edge of the forest to find a special flower that could make any food it was made with taste ten times better. Hearts and hooves day was a few weeks away and she wanted to make her mother some special muffins since she knew like every year; both her and her mother would be alone on that holiday. She never found the plant however as she was attacked by a large timber wolf. She would have died today if her friend Clay and his fillyfriend Firefly hadn’t flown to her rescue. She thought how lucky she was to have a friend that was willing to risk his life to protect her, and she even was beginning to like Firefly despite her being worried that she might break Clay’s heart. Dinky finally reached her home and opened the door to see her mother setting her mailbag down. Her mother turned her head to the door and saw the state her daughter was in. “Dinky!” She ran to her and looked at her disheveled mane and the dirt she had on her coat. “What in Celestia’s name happened to you?!” Dinky tried to think of an excuse not wanting her mother to know that she almost died. Then she remembered what Firefly had told her about Clay arguing with his mother. “I… I was looking for Clay.” She lied. “Why? What happened?” Ditzy asked concerned. “He had a fight with Rainbow Dash and he flew away, so I went looking for him.” “Oh dear.” Her mother said worriedly. “But it’s okay, me and Firefly found him and he’s going home right now.” “Thank goodness. I hope they work out whatever is bothering them.” Ditzy sighed as Dinky tried to change the subject. “How was work today mom?” “Well it wasn’t too bad. But I delivered the wrong packages again. Somehow I delivered quills and fans to the Cakes, and a new set of kitchen ware to the quill and fan store.” Dinky looked at her mother slightly worried. “Mom, you need to be more careful. Your boss is already threatening to fire you if make too many wrong deliveries.” Ditzy gave a frustrated sigh. “I know, but it’s not easy reading with… with these.” She pointed to her crossed eyes. “I know the excuse gets old but I really do try my best.” Ditzy hung her head. Dinky looked sadly at her mother and then gave her a comforting hug, which she returned with her own hug. After a few seconds they released their embrace on each other. “So are you hungry sweetie? I was just about to make some muffins.” “I’m starving!” Dinky replied as she followed her mother into the kitchen. Dinky helped her mother with the batter and placed then into the oven with her magic. After enough time had passed they pulled the muffins from the oven and waited for them to cool. When they were done they both took a muffin and ate them with great pleasure. “How do you always make great muffins mom?” Dinky asked as she swallowed the bite she had in her mouth. “My muffins are the best because I always use the special ingredient.” “What’s that mom?” Dinky asked biting into her muffin again. “Love,” Ditzy replied. “No really mom what’s the ingredient?” “That is the ingredient. As long as I make muffins for somepony I love very much they always taste delicious.” Ditzy looked to her daughter smiling. “And when I make them for you that’s always true.” Dinky gave her mother a slightly embarrassed smile. “I love you too mom.” She said softly. “Thank you muffin.” She said happily. “Mom you haven’t called me muffin since I was a filly!” Dinky began to blush. “Sorry… but you’ll always be my little muffin.” Ditzy giggled. Luna’s moon hung in the night sky while Dinky sat on her bed writing in her journal about another story she had running through her head. Dinky had always loved listening to stories, and had recently started writing her own stories in her journal so she wouldn’t forget them. However none of the stories spoke to her, none of them seemed to be terribly entertaining. Dinky sighed and lowered her quill; she looked out her bedroom window and found herself wandering back to Hearts and Hooves day. Every year she would try to find some stallion that would treat her romantically and say that he loved her. But every year either every stallion either already had their own special somepony or they didn’t want to be associated with her mother. They never said that to her face, but she knew that was the reason. She had even once considered asking Clay her childhood friend, but she laughed at the thought as she really saw Clay as more of a younger brother than lover. Besides he had his own special somepony now. Dinky shut her journal and placed it under her pillow and then she turned off her desk lamp so she could get some rest. As she got under her covers she gave a sad sigh thinking about what the holiday would bring her when it finally arrived. She started considering going back to the forest to find the enhancement flower again, but then she remembered the hungry glowing yellow eyes of the timber wolf and she shuddered. Still the wolf had fallen into the ocean, so there was very little chance that she would see that wolf again, but the thought of running into another one, or something worse filled her with dread. Still (In spite of that) she wanted to make those muffins for her mother; she decided that there was still some time left before Hearts and Hooves day, so she could try again some other time. Dinky rested her head on her pillow and slowly closed her eyes ready to drift off to sleep when she heard her bedroom door open followed by the sound of hoofsteps. “Dinky… are you still awake?” She heard her mother say as she pretended to be asleep. She heard her mother approached her and then after a slight pause she felt her mother’s soft lips on her cheek as she kissed her. “Goodnight sweetie.” Ditzy whispered as she turned and walked out of the bedroom. A small smile grew on Dinky’s face as she heard the door close, even if Hearts and Hooves day doesn’t work out like she hopes; at least she would always have her mother to be there for her. Dinky shifted under her bed sheets. “Besides, there has to be somepony out there for me.” She said aloud as she once again tried to go to sleep. Meanwhile miles away at Canterlot general hospital, Sky Tearer was sitting in his hospital bed. Sky had been in a fight with Clay and in the process had broken his wing and leg, though considering that he could have lost his life in the fight, he considered himself lucky. Clay’s mother Rainbow Dash had flown him to Canterlot after the fight making sure that he was cared for, but she also threatened to break his other wing if she saw him anywhere near Clay again. Sky sighed and looked out the window to stare at the moon as it hung in the night sky. Right now he would give anything to feel the wind against his face and soar in the air; but the fact was he wasn’t going anywhere until his wing and leg were healed. Sky turned over in his bed and gave a frustrated sigh; and as he lay there in the darkness he heard his father’s voice in his head. “You are no longer my son Sky!” Sky Blazer said with distain. The memory caused Sky to scowl as rage filled his heart. Sky needed to release his pent up anger and anxiety somehow, his eyes fell on a nearby glass on his night stand. He picked it up with his hoof and with all his strength he threw it against the wall and was rewarded with a loud crash and the sound of broken glass. He knew he would be in trouble for that, but he didn’t care; it had felt good and actually calmed him slightly. Seconds after he had destroyed the glass, his bedroom door opened to reveal a startled looking white earth pony with pink hair. “Is everything alright?! I heard something break!” Nurse Redheart asked alarmed. “Everything’s fine I… just broke my water glass.” Nurse Redheart turned on the light and looked to the broken glass scattered on the floor. “Sorry.” Sky said meekly. “That’s okay, I’ll clean it up.” Redheart picked up a small dustbin and began to sweep up the broken glass, as she dumped it carefully in a nearby trash bin she looked up and noticed Sky’s saddened expression. “Is something troubling you?” She asked kindly. “I’m fine, thank you.” He wanted her to leave, but Redheart persisted. “I’ve been around ponies long enough to know when something is bothering them. And I’m sure that glass didn’t end across the room by itself.” Sky sighed and gave Nurse Redheart a glare, but it quickly vanished as he hung his head. “I just realized that I’m all alone now.” He muttered depressed. “Don’t you have any relatives or friends that could take care of you when you are released?” “No. My… my father disowned me… and I don’t have any friends around here.” “What about siblings or your mother?” “Only child… and… my mother and I haven’t talked in years.” Nurse Redheart gave Sky a sympathetic look as she moved closer to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “It will be alright.” Sky scoffed at the pony’s comment. “I promise you… everything will work out.” “Sure it will.” Sky muttered as Redheart left the room slowly shutting the door. Sky propped his head on the pillow and exhaled as he stared at the sterile white ceiling. He started to calm down slightly as the anger in his chest was replaced by sadness; he turned over on his side and looked at the stars that shined in the night sky. He allowed a sad sigh to escape as he began to realize the truth, he was alone now.
Chapter 2: A Little KindnessIt had been a full week since Sky had been admitted to the hospital. He was feeling better as he slowly roused from his sleep both physically and mentally; yesterday Sky had sent a letter to Clay seeing if he could visit him in the hospital so they could talk. Sky was expecting Clay to crumble up the letter and forget that he even existed, yet to his surprise Clay actually came over to talk with him. Sky had confessed that he had been feeling guilty about harassing him and the other flightless ponies, and explained to Clay that he wanted to start over and actually try to be friends with him. To Sky’s surprise again Clay accepted the offer, on the condition he left his mother and Dinky out of his insults. Clay accepting his friendship had actually made Sky feel better than he had in days, and he was actually looking forward to heading back to Ponyville once he could fly again. But what he wasn’t looking forward to was his father. After the fight with Clay, Sky had been rescued by the very pony he had mocked for so long. When they were safe Sky’s father had arrived saying that he had witnessed the whole fight and was disgusted with what he saw, not because he was fighting, but because he had lost to a false pegasus. Sky’s father had struck him when he was hurt and unable to defend himself with his broken leg and wing; Sky had never been so terrified of his father before that moment. Clay had gotten between them standing up for Sky knowing full well that he was also hurt from the fight, and was facing a grown stallion. Sky’s father was one of the most intimidating ponies in the Wonderbolts, but Clay didn’t flinch even when he was threatened. Before any damage could be done Rainbow Dash had blind-sided Sky Blazer and saved the two colts, however before Sky Blazer left he disowned his son and disappeared soon after. Sky had come to realize that his father was a grade - A bastard and concluded that he was better off without him… yet the fact that his own father never wanted to see him again wounded Sky deeply, deeper than he thought possible. He realized the irony that after all the taunts about Clay’s mother abandoning him because he couldn’t fly, it was he who had his father abandon him. Still the fact that Clay accepted his apology did cheer him up, and the fact that his leg was fully healed was even better. His wing was still broken and would still take some time to heal, but at least he could leave the hospital now. Rainbow Dash had been the one paying for the hospital bill so he could leave anytime he wanted. “I’ll have to thank her for that when I get to town… if she’ll let me.” Sky muttered as he slowly got out of his bed to test his leg for the first time. Sky slowly lowered his front right hoof on the floor, and was relieved to feel no pain from doing so. He began stretching his legs when suddenly the door opened; nurse Redheart entered with a cheerful smile on her face as she spotted Sky finally out of his bed. “You’re looking much better.” Redheart said cheerfully as Sky began stretching his neck. “I feel better too.” Sky replied as he flexed his good wing. “Now remember your wing is still broken, so stay off it for at least another week so it can heal properly.” “I will, thank you for… you know… checking up on me.” “It’s my job sweetheart.” She replied kindly. Sky followed nurse Redheart out of his room and signed the release form allowing him to finally leave the hospital. Sky was eager to get some fresh air into his lungs as he trotted out the font hospital entrance, though he was saddened by the fact that he still couldn’t fly just yet. It was a shame, as the sky was clear of clouds and Celestia’s sun shined brighter than normal. Sky began making his way to the train station that would take him to Ponyville since it was the closest to his home, when a thought struck him. He had no money with him at the moment, and he was in Canterlot the most expensive city in all of Equestria. “How am I going to get home? How am I going find a place to stay? How am I going to get some food?” No sooner had Sky finished speaking that his stomach gave a loud groan. “Damn it.” Sky cursed as he began to smell various foods from the many café’s around Canterlot. He shook his head and began making his way through Canterlot and figure out what his next move would be. “I can’t fly home, or anywhere for that matter. And even if I could my father would never allow me in.” Sky tapped his chin in thought. “I can’t pay for the train or to stay at an inn… I could walk to the closest town, but that would still take hours.” Sky decided that maybe if he explained his situation to an inn keeper he could work out a deal and made his way to the closest one he could find. Sky looked around and spotted a posh looking unicorn behind a counter; he walked up to the unicorn and began to explain his current situation hoping that he could be swayed. However the unicorn simply scoffed at him. “We do not allow free stays at the gilded crescent sir, whether you offer to work or not.” “But I have nowhere else to go, please just let me clean the kitchen or something and let me stay and then I’ll leave the next day!” “I’m sorry sir, but it cannot be done. Now remove yourself from the premise!” “But…” Before Sky could finish he became engulfed by a yellow aura and was then flung out the door landing hard on the cobblestone road. “Yeah… well I didn’t really want to work there anyway!” Sky shouted as he got on all fours “Now what?” Sky continued walking when he saw Ponyville far away in the distance. “I could make it to Ponyville if I leave right now.” Sky looked at Ponyville and then at a large clock tower checking the time. “It’ll be late by the time I get there though.” Sky shook his head “I have no choice; I’ve been in Ponyville enough times to know that they are generous over there. Maybe I can get a hot meal and a bed once I get there. Besides it is the closest town from here.” His mind made up, Sky began to gallop towards Ponyville. Sky had been walking for hours, his hooves were getting sore and the sun would set in three hours; and he was still only halfway to Ponyville. Sky let out an annoyed huff as he sat down under a tree to rest, as he rested his back against the stem of the tree he looked up at the sky watching several birds fly by, chirping a happy melody. Sky sighed and slowly began to shut his eyes trying to take his mind off his current situation. As he kept his eyes shut his mind began to drift back to his days living in Cloudsdale with his mother, when she first taught him to fly. “Come on Sky you can do it.” “I’m… I’m scared mommy!” A young colt cried out. “I’m right here. Just fly over to mommy.” “But… but what if I fall?” “If you fall, mommy will catch you I promise.” Sky began to beat his wings as hard as he could. Eventually he began to lift of the cloud he was standing on. “That’s it, you can do it sweetie.” Sky mustered up his courage and willed himself to move forward away from the safety of the cloud. He could feel his heart racing in his chest as he slowly drew closer and closer to his mother; he kept his eyes shut tight afraid to look down. “Am I off the cloud yet mommy?” He whimpered. “Why don’t you see for yourself?” Winter Breeze said calmly. Sky slowly opened one eye and saw that the cloud was no longer beneath his hooves; he also saw that he was halfway to his mother high in the sky as his tiny wings fluttered. “I did it! I finally flew on my own!” Sky cheered as his mother floated closer to him and then pulled him into a loving hug. “I knew you could Sky.” Winter smiled as Sky buried his face into her chest. “Thanks for catching me mommy.” “Of course sweetheart. I’ll always be there for you.” His mother whispered as she nuzzled his face. *BANG* Sky bolted upright as a loud crack of thunder was heard over head. As Sky cleared his vision he saw the sun had been blocked by a large storm cloud and was accompanied by rolling thunder. “Ohhh… perfect!” Sky grumbled as he stood up and began making his way to Ponyville hoping to get there before the rain hit. Unfortunately before he could even get past the stone bridge leading into town, the storm clouds released a heavy downpour. Sky shivered from the cold, but continued into town hoping to find some kindness in the small town. He trotted through Ponyville, looking for an inn that he could spend the night in. Unfortunately as he trotted through the streets his mane and fur becoming matted from the continuous downpour, Sky began to notice that every shop, and in was closed leaving him stranded in the rain. “No… no, no, no! This can’t be happening!” Becoming enraged from his bad luck Sky marched to the door of the horseshoe inn and began pounding at the door. “Let me in! I demand you let me in!” The door didn’t open and he continued pounding on the door, still no one came, in fact it looked as though the small building was empty for the night. “Please… let me in.” Sky was tired and was beginning to feel hot as his strength began to leave him. He slumped to the ground sitting out in the cold rain that refused to let up even the slightest. Sky buried his face in his hooves in defeat, when he suddenly heard a voice over the rain. “Sky? Is that you?” He looked up to see Ditzy Doo with an umbrella saddled to her back. “Der… I mean Miss Doo… what uh… what are you doing here?” “I was going home now that I’ve finished my mail route… what are you doing here?” “I was trying to get a room at the inn, but everything is closed.” “Yes, I’m afraid that all buildings are closed due to the storm. Even Twilight has closed her library.” Ditzy looked to Sky’s bandaged wing. “Are you alright? What happened?” “I broke my wing, and I couldn’t afford to stay at an inn at Canterlot so I thought I’d come here.” Ditzy looked very startled. “You walked all the way over here from Canterlot?!” Sky simply nodded. “What about your father? Couldn’t you ask him to get you back to Cloudsdale?” “My father doesn’t want anything to do with me.” Sky looked away from Ditzy trying to hide the pain in his eyes as she looked at him sadly. “Sky… would it be alright if I offered to let you stay with me and Dinky for a while?” Sky looked up at Ditzy confused and startled by the offer. “You… would let me stay in your home even… even after all the things I’ve done?” “Well I can’t say I approve of how you have treated other ponies or my daughter and Clay… but I can’t leave you out in the rain either, especially when you need help.” “What makes you think I need help?” Ditzy raised an eyebrow. “Fine, I do need help, but I don’t want a hoofout.” “It’s not a hoofout, its helping a fellow pony in need.” “Same thing.” Sky muttered. Ditzy approached Sky and offered him a helping hoof, he looked at her foreleg and then at her as she smiled. Finally Sky sighed and took her outstretched hoof as she lifted him up and then led her to her home. After several minutes of walking through the rain they finally saw Ditzy’s home come into view. As Ditzy removed her umbrella Sky shook himself dry, only to remember that Ditzy was standing right next to him. “Sorry.” Sky apologized. “That’s okay, just be careful next time.” She handed him a nearby towel and Sky began dry himself off. “Where is Dinky?” Sky asked as he dried his mane. “She’s at a friend’s house for a slumber party. So it will just be you and me tonight.” Ditzy removed her mailbag and placed it on a nearby hanger, as she did Sky let out a loud sneeze startling Ditzy. “Sorry.” Sky sniffed. Ditzy walked up to him and placed a hoof on his forehead. “Oh dear… I think you have a cold.” Sky coughed slightly as his eyes began to droop. “Why don’t you get settled in the guest room and I’ll make you some soup?” “That would… *cough* be nice.” Sky trotted to the first floor guestroom, while Ditzy made her way to the kitchen. The guest room was larger than he had expected, and as far as rooms went it was actually pleasant for housing a guest. Sky didn’t have anything with him, so he decided to get some rest; he pulled back the sheets and then slowly got into the soft, warm, inviting bed. A few minutes later Ditzy came floating in carrying a bowl of hot vegetable soup on a small tray; Sky took the tray, setting it down over him and began to eat. The warm liquids and hearty vegetable chunks began to quickly fill his empty stomach, when he was finished he licked his lips feeling satisfied. “My, you were hungry.” Ditzy exclaimed as she took the tray from him. “Thanks, it was delicious.” Sky replied happily. “I’m glad you liked it. Now you should get some rest so you can get better.” Sky looked uncertainly at Ditzy. “Um… what about Dinky? She doesn’t know that I’m staying here.” “I’ll talk to her when she gets back, don’t you worry.” Sky nodded his worried fading as he pulled the covers over his body, as Ditzy left the room. “Um… Miss Doo.” “Call me Ditzy.” “Right… Ditzy… thank you.” Ditzy smiled as she left the room shutting the door behind her. Sky rested his head on the pillow and turned off the bedside lamp. All he could see and hear outside was the sound of the rain hitting the roof and window; and as he listened to the patter of the raindrops, Sky slowly began to close his eyes as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Chapter 3: Living Adjustments“Are you sure that you can’t stay a little longer Dinky?” “Sorry Lilly Blossom, but I promised my mom that I would come home after the slumber party. And it’s starting to get late?” Dinky explained to the slightly disappointed earth pony. “Oh… well promise you’ll come over to my next sleep over. You always make them fun.” “I will Lilly, I promise.” Dinky said smiling. “And… be careful going home.” “Why?” Lilly leaned in closer to Dinky. “Sky Terror hasn’t been around for a while; he’s bound to show up soon.” “I’m not scared of him, besides I’ve got my magic if he messes with me.” Lilly looked at her timidly. “I wish I was as brave as you Dinky, Sky Terror scares me.” “Sky’s just a bully, and bullies always get what they deserve in the end.” Dinky said bitterly. “If you say so, but I still think you should be careful Dinky.” “I will Lilly.” Dinky waved goodbye and began making her way back home. She felt a sense of peace as she trotted through the streets, which were still littered with puddles from last night’s storm. As the sun began to rise she felt its warmth as she started to see her home come into view; she entered expecting to see her mother getting ready for work. Mom! I’m home!” There was no answer. “She must be working; she said that she had an early shift today.” Dinky concluded as she walked to her mother’s bedroom only to find her mother sound asleep with an empty mail bag beside her. “Oh, mom.” Dinky whispered realizing that her mother had only just gotten home from delivering the mail as she slowly closed the door. Dinky gave a slight yawn still feeling sleepy, and began to head for her room. Before she got to the door however, she heard a loud cough… a male cough. Confused and slightly startled Dinky listened again to make sure she wasn’t just hearing things, but soon she heard another cough coming from the guest room. Dinky slowly trotted to the guestroom not really sure who, or what she would find; as she opened the door slightly her eyes widened when she saw an all too familiar blue pegasus with white and blue hair sleeping soundly in the bed. “What the hell are you doing here!?” Dinky shouted startling Sky awake. Before Sky could say anything, he became engulfed in a purple aura and was then thrown against a wall with a loud bang. “Did you come here to make fun of my mom? And… how did you get in here?!” Dinky was shaking with anger as Sky struggled against the magic that was keeping him pinned. “What’s going on here?” Ditzy asked as she flew into the room. “Sky broke into our house! I found him sleeping in the guestroom!” Dinky shouted not taking her eyes off Sky. “Muffin it’s okay, I brought Sky here last night because he was stuck in the storm.” Ditzy explained trying to calm her daughter down. “You… You let him in?” Ditzy nodded. “Mom are you crazy!? Do you know who he is?! What he’s said about you!?” “I am perfectly aware of his past actions Dinky. But he needed a place to stay from the storm last night.” Dinky looked at her mother as if she was absolutely crazy. “Mom he… he… how can you just let him live in our house, our home!? You get enough trouble from those other ponies that throw rocks at our windows! If he lives with us then he can learn everything about you and turn it against us!” Dinky shouted with a mixture of fear and anger. “And besides why can’t he live with his dad?” “Because my dad wants nothing to do with me.” Sky said quietly with a hint of pain in his voice. “Well… why can’t you stay in Cloudsdale? You’re obviously better if you came over here from Canterlot.” Dinky questioned still holding Sky in her magic. “Because my wing is still broken, that’s why!” He said angrily. “Dinky please, he has nowhere else to go. It’s just until his wing is healed and then he’ll leave.” Dinky gave Sky a hard stare as if she was contemplating about what to do with him. Finally after a small but tense pause she spoke to him again. “If we let you stay until your wing is better; do you promise to leave and never come back to Ponyville?” Sky stayed quiet as he thought about the situation he was in. Finally he gave his answer. “I promise to never come back to Ponyville once my wing is healed.” “Do you pinkie promise?” Dinky asked. “What…? Yes, yes whatever I pinkie promise to never come back! Now can you let me go?” Satisfied Dinky released her hold on Sky causing him to drop to the ground, while Ditzy tried to think of a way to ease some of the tension. “Well… now that, that little dispute has been settled would you two like some breakfast?” “I do I’m starving mom!” Dinky said happily. “Sky what about you?” Ditzy asked. “Uh… sure I could eat.” He followed Dinky and her mother into the kitchen and then took his spot at the table across from Dinky. As he sat down he saw the glare that she was giving him, and tried his best to ignore her. After several minutes Ditzy returned with two plates and set one down in front of Dinky. “Thanks mom.” “You’re welcome muffin.” Ditzy replied smiling as she set Sky’s plate down. “Thank you.” Sky muttered as he looked down to his plate. Staring back at him was a smiley face made out of two eggs and a hay bacon stripe; the sight caused him to chuckle. “What’s so funny?” Dinky said angrily. “Nothing it’s just… that’s how my mom used to make my breakfast too.” Dinky looked at him for a few seconds before returning to her food. “So Sky, where is your mother? I’m sure she’ll want to know where you are.” Ditzy asked as she sat down with her own plate. “I don’t know where she is.” Sky muttered. “What do you mean?” Ditzy asked looking to him in confusion. “She… she left me and my dad years ago with…” He stopped suddenly. “With who?” Dinky asked. “Nopony, forget I said anything.” Sky grumbled as he poked at his eggs. “Just tell us!” Dinky shouted. “Sweetie, he doesn’t have to tell us anything he doesn’t want to.” Dinky huffed slightly as she returned to her hay bacon stripe. The three ponies finished their breakfast and then headed outside. Dinky and Ditzy played at the park while Sky simply sat under a tree and watched the other ponies enjoy themselves. Sky looked back at his bandaged wing and tried to move it slightly, only to be rewarded with a shot of pain. Sky winced and then realizing that he was still far from a recovery decided to continue watching Dinky and Ditzy. As Sky sat there he began to feel more and more melancholy until he could no longer stand the sight and walked away to a more secluded spot. He didn’t want to be around the other ponies, he didn’t want to be around the fillies and colts that had moms and dads that loved them and enjoyed being around them. As he sat there brooding, he was suddenly snapped back to reality when a red ball landed by his hooves. Sky looked up to see a small brown earth pony filly no more than five run up to him. “Excuse me mister.” The filly squeaked. “What?” Sky asked slightly confused. “Can I have my ball back?” The filly asked timidly. Sky looked to the ball and gave a small nod to the colt as he kicked it to him. “Why are you here all alone mister?” The filly asked him. “Because I love being alone.” Sky grumbled. “Do you want to play ball with me?” The filly asked. Before Sky could answer another pony, this time a colt around his age came running up to him and the filly. “Sis get away from him!” The colt shouted as he put himself between Sky and his sister. “I was just asking him if he wanted to play ball with me.” The filly said looking confused while her brother gave Sky a menacing glare. “Stay away from my sister, do you hear me!” The colt threatened staring Sky down. “I was just giving her ball back.” Sky replied. “I don’t care… I know who you are. You and your dad make me sick! In fact why don’t you do everypony a favor and go swan dive off of ghastly gorge and kill yourself!” Sky simply glared back at the other pony silently, but inside he felt as if he was going to explode. “Come on Sunflower let’s get away from this… monster.” The colt trotted away with his sister by his side. Sunflower looked back at Sky sadly and then continued to follow her brother. Sky still boiling with anger kicked the ground with his back legs and snorted angrily. “Who does that filthy earth pony think he is?! How dare he tell me to kill myself!? How dare he call me a monster!?” Sky shouted to no one in particular trembling with rage, when suddenly all his anger vanished to be replaced with sadness. “Because I am a monster.” Sky whispered hanging his head in shame. He looked up at a nearby cloud, and wished with all his heart that he could fly up to it and forget about the world below him. He wanted nothing more than to just lie on that cloud and forget about earth ponies and unicorns, and Ponyville. As he stood there wishing Ditzy hovered over to him looking concerned. “Sky… are you alright?” She whispered. Sky simply huffed and galloped past her and back to her home. He flung open the door and stormed to the guest room where he flung himself on the bed and pulled the covers over his body. He had never felt so angry, he had never felt so disgusted, he had never felt… as sad as he started to realize that the hate and disgust wasn’t at the earth pony colt, or even Dinky and her mother… but at himself. Right then and there all he wanted to do was stay in that bed and forget, forget everything had happen that day; and soon before Sky realized it he had fallen into an uneasy sleep. Ditzy had returned home to see if Sky was there. She was worried for his well-being after hearing what the earth pony colt had said to him and saw his visible anger when he ran off. She trotted to the guest room when she didn’t see him anywhere else and soon saw him buried under the covers of his temporary bed. She decided it was best to leave him alone for the time being, and quietly shut the door. As she did she heard a small sound that she was all too familiar with; a small sniffle was heard from Sky as the door finally closed. Ditzy slowly trotted away from the door wishing to give Sky some peace; maybe Dinky and the others saw Sky as a racist bully that Equestria would be better off without. But Ditzy could tell even in short time she had known him that there was a deep pain inside Sky that needed to be removed. She only hoped that she could help ease his pain, and perhaps show to her daughter that the world wasn't as black and white as it seemed.
