Thunder and Lightnings Adventures

Thunder and Lightning’s Adventures

Chapter 2 - The Start of Something New

Thunder woke up feeling like he had forgotten something. He glanced around to find his clock and to look at the time. 5:30 A.M it read. Thunder sighed in relief knowing he wasn’t late to work. Thunder got up and out of bed, so that he wouldn’t fall back to sleep and actually miss work. He was being really quiet since he didn’t wanna wake Spectrum up. He checked on her before heading to his dresser and getting out a shirt to wear. Thunder picked out his shirt and went towards the bathroom to take a shower to freshen up a bit. After he was done with his shower, Thunder went downstairs to go make breakfast for him, Lightning, and Spectrum. He got out some eggs, flour, and milk and started to make pancakes. Thunder hadn’t made pancakes in awhile so he felt a little worried making them. It was around 6 now and Thunder finished making the pancakes. He put an even amount on three plates so nopony can say somepony has more. Thunder got out the syrup and started heading back up the stairs towards Lightnings room. Thunder opened the door to see that Lightnings alarm was going off but it was too quiet for him to hear.

“Lightning!” Thunder started. “Your alarms been going off for quite some time now. You need to get up so you can get ready for work” Lightning woke up lazily and just turned his head to face Thunder.

“I don’t have to work until 7:30” Lightning said, yawning after his word. “Why wake me up now?”

“You need to get up so your not so tired when you get there. Besides, you don’t wanna lose your position after you just got it, right?” Thunder said, antagonizing him before leaving the room. After Thunder left, he heard many things being moved and the sound of drawers opened and closed. Thunder went back to his room to still see Spectrum fast asleep. He started towards the bed and stopped just short of it. “Spectrum” Thunder said soundly. “Spectrum it’s time to get up. We got to get ready to go to work in about an hour” Spectrum just stirred in her sleep. It took her awhile before she opened her eyes to see Thunder sitting on his bed playing on his phone.

“What time is it?” Spectrum said, rubbing her eyes from sleepiness.

“About quarter after six” Spectrum just yawned at his answer before removing the covers and getting out of bed.

“Where’s the bathroom?”

“Down the hall, on the right. You can’t miss it” Spectrum went to the bathroom while Lightning came out of his room looking like he was nervous. “Think your ready for your first day as a sales associate?” Thunder asked walking down the stairs behind Lightning.

“Kinda, sorta, maybe. I just think that it might be more pressure on me” Lightning said, heading towards the kitchen to see a few pancakes on a plate for him. “Why do you have to know me so well?” Lightning asked rhetorically before starting to eat.

“Well if it’s gonna be pressure on you then maybe you should ask them what’s different about the positions. That way there you won’t have to worry so much” As Thunder was talking, Lightning was eating but, he heard everything his friend said and knows that he should do something like that. “I’m just saying, that’s all.” Thunder looked at the clock and saw that it was close to 6:30.

“Hey,” Spectrum said from the top of the stairs. “Thunder, do you think that maybe we can get me a shirt to match yours? I’m only asking because I thought that it might be a good idea” Spectrum got down the stairs and saw her plate of pancakes waiting on the table. She looked at Thunder to confirm those were hers and he nodded to her. She ran over and started to eat her pancakes.

“And to answer your question” Thunder spoke up. “Yes, I will get you a shirt to match mine and maybe a few more because I wear a few colors other than green” Thunder walked over to Spectrum and ruffled her mane up a bit. “Maybe i’ll get you a few extra things since you will be staying here” Lightning started to choke on a bit of pancake when he heard Thunders’ words.

“What do you mean *cough cough* ‘staying here’?” Lightning said, recovering from his choke.

“Lightning we talked about this last night and there’s no need for me to repeat myself” Thunder looked seriously at Lightning. Lightning knows that when Thunder looks at somepony that way, you know not to question further.

“Fine” Lightning said, getting up from the chair. “I’m gonna get to work early today. I’ll see you after work” With that, Lightning left the house without another word. The other two were quiet eating the rest of breakfast until they had to leave for work. Thunder wanted to leave a little earlier so he could take Spectrum to the store for a shirt for today, just to show she sorta works at his shop.

“What color goes good with green?” Thunder said from the racks of shirts for fillies. “They don’t really have much to go with green. Maybe a blue? Red? AAGH! I can never find colors that match right!” Thunder was getting a little annoyed of his lack of fasion. Thunder really wanted to find something that could match but just couldn’t.

“Thunder!” Spectrum said from the opposite side of the filly section. Thunder went right over to where Spectrum was and saw that she had found a nice rose red shirt that matched the green a lot better than what he was looking at. “What about this one? I think it could work. Don’t you?”

“Well, at least one of us found something that could match this green. I thought we would have to open shop a little late” Spectrum took the shirt off and folded it neatly. “You sure you want this one? I know we’re coming back later to get a couple more but, this is when we go to the shop”

“Yes, this one is perfect” Spectrum got up and looked up at Thunder to confirm his question.

“Alright, let’s go get it and get to the shop” Thunder took the shirt with his magic and walked with Spectrum to the register. They bought the shirt for only a few bits and left to “Thunders Electronics.”

Thunder was trying to keep up with the number of customers in the building as they started to pile in now. “Wow, It’s a bit busier today” Thunder looked at the many ponies coming in. “Maybe after a week of being open, I should have a sale. That’ll help out the business a bit” Thunder was helping out a colt having some issues with cables.

“Are you sure that this is what I need for my cable?” Asked a customer holding an HDMI cable in hoof.

“Yes, this cable will enable you to route it to three different cable ports. What did you say you needed it for again?” Thunder asked to clarify.

“We need to have something for the router and cable. So, how does it work?”

“Well, you put the cable from your wall in the input port and then you plug in the two coax cables into the output ports and then plug the other ends into the router and the cable box. If you need more help, just ask” Thunder cand the colt had a conversation about how it works. Spectrum came out from the back to see how things were.

“Woah, was it this busy your first day?” Spectrum said, shying back a bit.

“Yes, we do accept old consoles. Oh, hey Spectrum. You finished with the supplies I gave you?” Thunder looked back at her. Thunder asked the colt if he could wait for just a moment. He nodded.

“Yeah, I just was coming to see if you needed anything else done. Maybe in the back?” Spectrum was still shying back from the crowd behind Thunder.

“Actually, I was thinking that maybe you could help with just restocking the shelfs and bins up in front. I’m starting to see some shelfs becoming very bare. Do that and we’ll close up tonight” Thunder smiled at Spectrum.

“Alright, I can do that” Spectrum grabbed a small box and started to drag it to the far end of the store. She kept stopping here and there looking at how many people were in the store at the time and she got a little nervous as she went towards the front. Thunder went back to tending the colt with his questions and before anypony knew what was happening, the store got increasingly dark and everypony went quiet. They didn’t know what was going on and they really wanted to know what would make the store so dark. A storm was approaching fast and it seemed like nopony was controlling the clouds. People in the shop were getting worried and started to pay for what they needed. Thunder answered questions as quick as he could to let the other customers get out with what they need. After the last customer, Thunder gathered up a few things to get ready for closing the store.

“Spectrum!” Thunder called. “You’re still here, right?”

“Yeah, just finishing up putting some items back where they belong but, I can’t seem to find where any of this goes” Spectrum was still in the same isle, putting away and rearranging supplies.

“Save that for tomorrow. We’re gonna start heading home soon. I think it’s gonna storm really bad” Thunder gathered up his and Spectrums stuff, and the bits he made from today and just put them in his saddle bag. He put everything away so nothing bad happens to his supplies. Him and Spectrum head back home so the storm doesn’t hit when they’re walking.

Lightning was having a confusing day at work. His managers kept having to remind him about a few jobs he missed. Lightning was doing a great job on his main tasks though, helping customers with finding appliances they need, selling appliances, and keeping customers in check. He got used to working at Quills and Sofas pretty quick and he finds it pretty satisfying to work with others. He was dealing with a troubled couple trying to find them the perfect sofa for their living room they described.

“We need something that isn’t too big but we do need something comfy enough for us. Maybe something with a nice tanish color?” The couple were looking at most of the sofas, trying to find one that would work for them.

“What about this one?” Lightning suggested from the right of them. “It may not be the color you want but it does match what you guys are describing. It’s not too big for your living room, its got very comfy cushions, plus it can turn into a nice bed as well” Lightning unfolded the couch to reveal that it could turn into a bed.

“Oh. That is something! If only it was the color we need though…” The lady sighed as she looked over the sofa Lightning showed them. Lightning knew he needed to get these people what they wanted so he had a great idea.

“I can see if we can order one with the right color you want. Just give me a few moments” Lightning left to see if one of the managers could get an order for the sofa they wanted.

“I don’t think we can do that” The manager said, going over the stock.

“What? How can we not do something like that, Wulfgar?” Lightning was getting irritated from his manager Wulfgar. Ever since he has become manager, ponies were quitting left and right. The manager always does things his way but, never listens to others ideas. “All we have to do is contact the company and see if they can send one in for us in a specific color. It may take awhile to come up with a compromise but, we can still get them what they need”

“By the time the sofa even gets here, they will have moved on to a different store and find a sofa that fits their description to a ‘T’” Wulfgar said, looking towards Lightning.

“Then we have them pay for the sofa and we deliver it to their house for them. Honestly, I feel like you don’t even know what your even doing half the time” Lightning was getting more and more frustrated from the way Wulfgar was acting ever since he became the manager. He has been making workers do ridiculous tasks and getting stocks mixed up and orders come in late because he became manager.

“You don’t talk to your manager like that!” Wulfgar came to a full turn and started glaring daggers at Lightning. Lightning didn’t back down though, he knew that he needed to remain strong in his argument. “I could have you fired instantly if i wanted to but, since you can sell more appliances than any other half-minded pony in this store, we need to have you here or else we will lose revenue”

“Well now, this isn’t the type of leadership I thought you would have Wulfgar” A voice came from the doorway of the store and back room. Both ponies turned their heads to see who it was. The store owner.

“Vern, I-I-I thought you had the day off today?” The manager said becoming nervous and smiling weakly.

“I did but, their is a mighty storm coming and I came to release you ponies early and what do I see when I walk through the doors? Poor management. I thought you had more skills with this kind of stuff, since you worked hard to get to this position. And you,” Vern pointed at Lightning with a firm hoof. “I haven’t heard that kind of argument from a sales associate ever in my life time”

“I’m sorry sir” Lightning said softly.

“Sorry? Sorry?!” Vern walked up towards Lightning. “That kind of argument gets ponies fired” Lightning hung his head low in shame. “But you should be proud of yourself instead” Lightning looked up with confusion on his face. “You came back here to have an order placed for a customer even if it meant waiting a couple weeks and when you confronted the manager about it and he denied your request, you stayed firm in your opinion and faced him with courage” Lightning’s face just became even more confused as Vern went on. “Lightning, I haven’t seen this kind of courage in a long time from a sales associate. So, how would you like to become the new manager of Quills and Sofas?” Lightnings faced turned from confusion to shocked. Lightning had no words for what he had just heard from Vern. He just argued with Wulfgar in order to become the new manager. He didn’t think that would happen but, apparently it works for some shops.

“It would be my honor sir” Lightning said, looking firmly into the owners eyes.

“Good, now as for you” Vern turned towards Wulfgar. “You will be stripped of your manager position and be put back in the worker position starting immediately” Vern ripped the manager badge off of him and put it on Lightnings shirt. Wulfgar just turned and stormed out of the back. “I jsut know you will make this store better. I see a spark in your eyes that shows your dedication. Now, as for my news from earlier, there is still that storm coming so I would suggest heading home before it hits”

“Alright sir, let me just tell the customers that i will be in contact with them about that sofa” Lightning started to leave the back before Vern called him again. “Yeah, boss?”

“Great alternative with the sofa. That was a great decision on your part”

“Thank you again sir” Lightning now left the back and went back to the couple standing near the sofa he left them at. “Sorry for taking so long, just had to deal with a few issues real quick”

“It’s no big deal. Anyways, about the sofa?” The colt said.

“Yes, we would be able to order this sofa in the color you want it. It may take a little while to get here but you will be able to get it. Only thing is, you will have to pay for it now so we can order it for you guys”

“Sounds fair enough. How much is it?” The mar said, taking out a bag of bits.

“It’ll be 150 bits. Actually, no, i’ll make you folks pay 120 since you guys had to wait for me to come back” Lightning started to walk towards the front with the couple.

“Then take the thirty bits as a tip” The mare said, giving Lightning the thirty bits personally.

“You don’t have to do that you know” Lightning never takes money from others that he didn’t earn legitimately.

“You’ve done us a great thing ordering the sofa so we think you deserve this” The mare put the bits in his hoof. “I won’t take them back no matter what you say”

“That’s very kind of you. Now, lets ring you up” Lightning went up to the cash register and put in the amount for the sofa. They paid and Lightning told them it would be a couple weeks before they get it. Lightning went into the back once more to lock up for the day, on the owners request. Lightning started for home and he couldn’t wait to tell Thunder some more news.

“I think we should stay home Thunder” Spectrum said from the window looking at the dark clouds. “You were right about it looking like it was gonna storm and if we go out there now, we could possibley be rained on” Spectrum didn’t wanna go anywheres right now since the clouds came in. Thunder didn’t either but the house needed more food.

“I know Spectrum but the house needs more food so when it does storm, we can have food while it does” Thunder knew the kinds of storms that could happen just from looking at the clouds. He was named a part of a storm after all. Lightning was the other part so he could also tell the types of storms coming. It was a natural born gift but not their talent. “Also, we could stop by the clothes section again so we can get some clothes for you. I haven’t forgot about our deal” Thunder ruffled her mane and she just giggled at that.

“Alright” Spectrum said, fixing her mane back to normal. “But what if we get stormed on while we’re getting there?” Spectrum said getting a giant coat on. It was Thunder’s old coat he didn’t need anymore and gave it to her to use for when they go out until they got to the store.

“Okay I know she doesn’t know about my ability but I think I should make the walk more interesting” Thunder thought about it for a few seconds and came up with an idea. “I’ll make a deal with you” Thunder got eye level with Spectrum. “If it rains on us before we get to the store, i’ll get you something you want. Anything you want and its yours” Thunder extended his hoof to shake on it and Spectrum shook it back.

“Deal” Spectrum said with confidence.

“Alright then, let’s get going to the-”

“Thunder! You won’t believe what happened today, again!” Lightning came bursting through the front door. Thunder and Spectrum were spooked by the door being bursted opened.

“Woah! Lightning, you need to be a bit more careful” Thunder said, getting up from the floor. “What’s so important that you just had to burst through the door for?”

“Remember the manager at the store I always told you about, Wulfgar?” Thunder nodded in response. “Well, it turns out that the owner, Vern, chooses ponies with lots of courage to be manager and I am that pony he saw that courage in”

“Wow, in two days you got two promotions. Who knew you were so good at being a sales associate. Let’s just hope you don’t screw it up” Lightning glared at Thunder as he just smirked at him. Thunder went back towards the door and turned back to Lightning. “I’m going to the store with Spectrum. Did you wanna go with us or no?”

“Yeah i’ll go with ya since it is gonna rain soon. I need to grab a few things anyway” Lightning put on his coat and grabbed an umbrella.

“Alright then, let’s get moving team. Alpha Squad moving out!” Thunder said, pretending to be part of the military. Spectrum just laughed at how Thunder looked when being a soldier.

“This is something you’ll have to get used to” Lightning said from behind Spectrum. “He isn’t right in the head” Spectrum laughed at Lightnings comment and heard Thunder yell a few feet away.

“Come on team! We need to move, now!”

“Better not leave him hanging” Lightning said, locking the door behind them. “Come on medic, we need to help out the infantry” Lightning trotted towards Thunder, who was pretending to be hurt from getting hit.

“Don’t worry Thunder! I’ll help you get better!” Spectrum said, rushing towards Thunder, going along with them.

The three of them were in the store getting food, drinks, and other necessities. Thunder lost his end of the deal with Spectrum since it started to rain just two minutes before they got their. Thunder was with Spectrum while she searched the store for something she really wanted, and Lightning was off in the electronics section getting an upgrade for his phone.

“I know that this phone has a better storage but that’s not what i’m looking for in the phone. I need a phone that will run clearer and I know you guys have those types of phones” Lightning was tryin to get the worker to give him the upgrade he waited for a whole year for but the worker wouldn’t give it to him.

“I know sir but, we can’t just give it to you” The worker said, putting the phone he showed to Lightning away.

“I waited a whole year for my upgrade and you can’t give it to me? This is downright outrageous” Lightning couldn’t argue this worker for something he had no experience in. The worker just apoligized to Lightning and turned towards another customer.

“Having trouble brother?” Lightning turned towards the sound of a pony talking to him. It was Arrow.

“Arrow! What’s up? I haven’t seen you since we tried going to the movies” Lightning said walking away from the counter.

“Well, I have been working for the most part and with that storm coming, I needed to get a few things before it came” Arrow walked up towards a shelf and starated looking at cases for phones. “I’ve also been in the process of making each of us a nice phone case. I only have mine and Silvers done. Your’s and Thunders are a little more difficult to do since, well I don’t wanna spoil anything” Arrow picked out a phone case and went up to check out. “I would love to stay and chat but, I have to get back home and work on my actual project for work. I’ll see you around though” Arrow paid for the case and walked away.

“Nice talking with you too” Lightning said plainly. Lightning sighed and waited for Thunder to come looking for him so he can deal with this worker. Thunder always knew what to say to workers if they didn’t cooperate. Lightning sat on a nearby bench, and just waited.

“What are you thinking about getting?” Thunder said, getting some milk and eggs.

“I don’t really know yet. I know you said anything but, I don’t wanna choose something and you say that it would be expensive” Spectrum said, looking towards the next section.

“I did say anything and when I said anything I meant it. Choose something, anything, and it’s yours” Thunder was walking towards the Electronics. Spectrum decided to wait and see if she can find something in the Electronics sections. Thunder went towards the console sections and searched for the new game that came out “The Pony Scrolls V: Skyrim” but the remastered version. “Come on, come on............ Yes!” Thunder saw that there was still a few left in stock. He asked a store associate to get it for him before somepony else came along. The worker unlocked the case and grabbed one for Thunder before locking up the display door.

“Thunder, I’m gonna save my decision for another time. Is that alright?” Spectrum couldn’t really decide on anything. She didn’t really find much of the stuff here interesting.

“Yeah that’s fine, I’ll write it down so I won’t forget” Thunder went up to pay for it before he felt a hoof tap his shoulder. He turned to see who it was. It was Silver. “Oh hey Silver, what are you doing here? Getting the new Skyrim game?”

“No but I am here for a new game. It’s callled ‘Forever Distant’ and I heard it’s one of the best horror games out there” Silver loved his horror games. He always wanted to play any horror game that came out. “I did just want to just drop by and say hi. I would love to stay and chat though but, I have a huge project at home i’m working on so i’ll talk with you later” Sliver bought his game in the lane next to Thunders and left without saying another word. Thunder was a bit confused at what just happened. Silver usually stays around to chat for a little while before leaving but, this time he just said one thing and left.

“Well that’s.... Odd? Oh well. He has to go, he has to go” Thunder shrugged it off like it was nothing and continues to purchase his game. He purchased his game and felt another hoof tap him. “Silver, I thought you went to... Oh, hey Lightning” Thunder was surprised to see that it was Lightning who tapped on him.

“Thunder I need to talk to you privately for a sec” Lightning looked at the store worker and back towards Thunder.

“What’s wrong Lightning?” Thunder said, following Lightning away from the counter.

“You know that I had a free upgrade after a year right? Well this worker won’t let me have it because it has to be one of the same model, even though it clearly says ‘upgrade’ on the phamplet I got” Lightning knew that if it was anyone to help him get this upgrade was Thunder. He has a nack for these types of things. Surprising that it’s not his talent. Thunder looked over the phamplet for anything he could use for his case. Thunder walked back towards the counter with Lightnings phone in his magic and the phamplet in hoof.

“Excuse me, sir?” Thunder said getting the workers attention.

“Is there something you need help with?” The worker replied giving Thunder his undivided attention.

“Yes, I have this phone here that is supposed to get a free ‘upgrade’ after a year I had the service. I’m hearing this from my friend that just recently tried and he told me that you can only give him a phone of the same model. Is this correct?” Thunder’s eyes and face expression were completely serious when he dealt with these kinds of things.

“Yes, and like I told him, you can only get a phone of the same model. Nothing else” The worker, now realizing what’s going on, got rid of his smile appearance.

“I understand that but, in the phamplet, it states that, ‘all ponis who have this service plan for one full year will recieve a free upgrade of their phone.’ All we want is something that we paid for. And then we can leave” Thunder gave a slight smile to show he wouldn’t back down.

“Ha. You think you can just use a pamphlet against me? Does it say what kind of upgrade you get from me? No, it doesn’t. So either take what you can get or leave with what you got?” The worker lost all kindness in his voice and now sounded more confident and cocky. Thunder looked down at the pamphlet and back up at the worker... He smiled.

“I know that a pamphlet isn’t the only thing I need. I have the power of the ponies. If I go around asking random ponies what they think this interperts to, they would say that we would get a free upgrade a model newer. And if i have enough data, we could bring an official to come down and tell you to be more specific with your wording and give us the free upgrade we want or to get rid of your kiosk. You don’t want that, do ya?” Thunder gave a smirk to show how right he was in his argument. The worker just tried to say something to counter him, but soon lost all thoughts and sighed.

“Fine. I’ll give you your upgrade” The worker opened up the display case to show which phones to choose from.

“Go ahead Lightning, this is all you man” Lightning walked up and started to look at all the choices. Thunder walked back towards the other side of electronics to take a look around.

“How did you do that?” Spectrum said, coming up from behind Thunder. Thunder almost forgot about Spectrum during that argument.

“I just have to think for a bit before talking about what we want. After that, I bring up any possible ways, in my mind, to bring their kiosk down in reputation because of all the scammers out their. I don’t do it to get what I want, but to reveal how people are scamming others into ridiculous plans or contracts” Thunder stopped as he heard something coming from above them.

“That’s pretty cool. Can you teach me how you do that?” Spectrum was interested in what Thunder did. Thunder looked at Spectrum and saw that she really looked up to him, like a father.

“Sure but, stay quiet for a bit. I hear something... Odd” Thunder just looked around wondering where the object was gonna land. He went eye wide when he heard the noise getting closer. “We need to go, now” Thunder wanted to take Spectrum as far away from that noise as possible. Not even moments after, a loud crash was heard from above them and they looked to see that it was a big chunk of crystal heading straight for them. Spectrum screamed and held tightly onto Thunders leg. Thunder’s world around him turned slow motion. The crystal was heading towards him and Spectrum, with very sharp edges and spikes. Thunder was thinking at very increased speeds, almost as if he won’t think of something to do. “What is this crystal doing here? Are we gonna die soon? Is this a revenge prank taken too far? Maybe it’s not real? What if it is? I need to think of a plan quick!” Thunder heard Spectrum say something but couldn’t quite make out what she said. Thunder started to wrap his hooves around Spectrum and lower his head to her. The crystal was closing in on them. To Thunder’s right, Lightning could be seen flying towards them, but is too far away to actually help. Thunder, now realizing what’s gonna happen, tightens his face up for what is about to come. The world speeds back up to normal as the crystal comes into a full crash on top of Thunder and Spectrum.