A RACE, A TALK AND THE UNEXPECTED
It was nearing the end of another day in Ponyville. It was a full moon tonight and a pretty nice one too. The stars were out as well and they were sparkling like a bright diamond in the sky.
It was a perfect Friday night for friends to get together and have some fun after the day has ended.
Outside of Twilight's castle was Shadow Storm, Rainbow Dash, Discord and Zephyr Breeze preparing for their monthly race. Inside the castle was LoadStar, Star Light, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Spike playing a game of Scrabble.
“Alright are you guys ready for this?” Rainbow Dash asked while stretching. “Because I’m going to set a new personal best.”
“That’s what you said last time.” Storm committed. “Plus, didn’t I beat you?”
“I was sick that day and you only beat me once.”
“Twice. Remember when I first moved in here.” Storm reminded.
“Shut it.” Rainbow Dash growled.
This was one of the few thing Storm had looked forward to even if Rainbow Dash's trash talking was a bit annoying for his liking. He just wanted to put today behind him.
Six hours ago Storm had to stop a falling chariot that had gotten loose from the pegasus that was pulling it through the air. As it was falling Storm was quickly thinking about what to do. At the corner of his eye, he saw a white filly with a light pink mane was right in the middle of its path. So, instead of pushing the chariot out of the way or pulling it to a stop. He raced to the filly and grabbed her before the chariot slammed into the ground and started to roll. Storm jumped back on his hoofs and continued his chase after the chariot. Luckily there was no other damages or injuries.
“Now, Now let’s not get too hot-headed before we start our race,” Zephyr said.
“That reminds me.” Storm said looking at Zephyr. “What in the world are you wearing?”
To most this is known as a Race Suit. To Storm, it’s something ridiculous. In his personal opinion, Zephyr looked like a giant banana with a bad haircut.
“Oh, this is for when we fly through the river you two won’t get me wet.”
“Zephyr no offense, but this was always more of Storm vs Dash kind of thing you were lucky to see either of them by the first mile?” Discord said hovering in the air.
“Let’s just get this over with before it gets too dark to see.” Storm said getting in a ready position.
“Want to make this more interesting,” Rainbow Dash asked getting in position next to Storm.
“I’m listening.”
“Winner has to buy dinner for everyone on our next night out.”
“Wow, that’s cold Rainbow Dash. You would really let Zephyr take the fall?”
“Hey. I’m right here.” Zephyr sounded a bit instead.
“I wasn’t including him. I was talking about us.” Rainbow Dash said rolling her eyes. “You really think that I would include Zephyr? He couldn't keep up with a butterfly.”
“Still here.” Zephyr reminded sounded a bit hurt.
“Enough insults. Let’s get this thing started .” Storm turned to Discord. “Alright Discord countdown please.”
With a snap of his finger. He turned into a referee with the shirt and a hat along with it. Also, he was standing on a cloud holding a stick with a street light post.
“Alright let’s go over the rules. No cheating, No dirty flying, and no shortcuts. This will be a race to the saddle Lake, two laps around town hall and straight back here. Let’s begin.”
“Warrior.” The world was spelled out on the border where there over words were. “Diamond, Dangerous and Improvement.” To name few.
“Why do you always put words the involve war or pain?” Fluttershy asked looking at Star’s recent words.
“Why do your worlds involve animals or medicine.” Star shoot back. “That reminds me who’s winning and where is Pinkie Pie and Spike
“I’m winning.” Star Light said. “And I think Pinkie Pie and Spike are in the kitchen.”
“There’s a kitchen in here?” Load Star asked in disbelief.
“Yea. You haven’t been there?” Fluttershy said.
“Fluttershy, the last time I went somewhere by myself where I was walking in a circle for two hours. I could have sworn It was a dream.”
“I’ll go check up on them,” Fluttershy said getting up from her seat and walking out of the room.
“So.” Star Light said when Fluttershy disappeared into the corridor of the castle. “We really need to talk.”
LoadStar sighed. “I know. We can’t keep hiding it. Everyone is going to find out sooner or later.”
“So what are we going to do?” Star Light said looking at the roof. “It’s like you said sooner or later the truth will come out.”
“How long has it been since we found out. I feel like it was so long ago.”
“Two mounts.” Star Light answered. “The week after Nightmare Night.”
LoadStar got up from his seat and walked to Star Light and hugged her. “Listen, It’s not like we're kids or teenagers. We can handle this. Plus we have friends to help us out.
There were silences for a few moments between the two unicorns. Both unsure of what to say to one another. This had dragged on longer than either of them would have liked.
Before or even if either of the unicorns were going to say anything. Discord still with his referee uniform on along with the cloud and instead of the street light stick he had a checkered flag.
“Well this seemed to be a bit of a better race night then I thought it would be.” Discord said looking out the window. “I should start a betting service.”
“Discord?” Star Light said. “What are you doing?”
Discord turned to Star Light. “Oh well. I was just narrating the race tonight and it’s a pretty good one.” Discord suddenly turned back to the window. “Oh and here’s the climax.” Discord began to wave the checkered flag wildly. “This is it everyone and your winner is…”
A black blur was followed by a rainbow blur shoot into the room. Out of pure instance, LoadStar summered a forcefield to protect himself and Star Light. In front of the shield were Shadow Storm and Rainbow Dash on top of the table where the game board was now on the floor along with most of the pieces.”
“SHADOW STORM BY A NOSE!!! Amazing.” Discord said to practically no one. “That increases his winning streak to three.”
“Hey, buddy,” LoadStar said to his partner. “You alright?”
Strom grunted and begin to rub the side of his face on the sofa table. “I might have a concussion. I’m just gonna lay here for a minute.” Strom placed his head on the table and closed his eyes.
“Storm I’d moved your head if I were you,” LoadStar suggested.
“But, it’s so soft,” Strom replied while rubbing his head.
“I do make a pretty good pillow.” Rainbow Dash snickered. “But, could you get off me?”
Strom’s eyes shot open and looked straight ahead at Rainbow Dash. On her face was a look that worried him.
“Oh, sorry Dash.” Storm said getting up and jumping off the table.
“What the heck guys?” Zephyr said entering the room. He was gasping for air and then soon dropped to the ground. “You left me back there. Not cool.”
“That’s what a race is Zephyr,” Star said picking up the pieces from the ground. “Also, what in the world are you wearing?”
“That’s why we were going so fast.” Rainbow Dash pointed out. “The town wasn’t as deserted as we thought and we didn’t want to be seen with you. So we left you in the dust.”
“That’s just one opinion what do you think Storm. Be honest?” Zephyr asked.
“Tonight I’m gonna have a nightmare about being chased by a giant banana with a bad haircut.” Storm smiled.
“Ooh burn.” Discord laughed.
“Well, that was uncalled for.”
“I agree,” Fluttershy said returning from the kitchen. With her was Pinkie Pie and Spike covered in pudding.
“What happened to you guys?” Discord asked. He places a finger on Fluttershy's cheek and put it in his mouth. “Ohh pudding.”
“Yeah, when I and Pinkie were making snacks we kind of mix some flavor that shouldn't go together and then it exploded everywhere.”
“You mixed the Banana and the was Strawberry didn’t you?” LoadStar asked.
“Yeah, when they warning said ‘Don’t mix flavor.’ Don’t mix flavor.” Spike said wiping off some of the pudding from his head.”
“Normally I would like to keep this party going.” Discord started. “However, I’ve had a very long day and I think I’m going to call it a night.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m with Discord.” Rainbow Dash said.
“The only reason I’m still here was because I wanted to see Twilight I haven’t seen her around lately.”
“She said she was going to be late tonight.” Star Light answered. “There was some major meeting with Celestia and Luna about some ruler from some other part of Equestria.”
“Tell me about it.” Spike sighed. “I feel like a house husband working all day in the house and when she finally comes home all she wants to do is sleep or work. We don’t really talk anymore.”
“Ok.” Storm said when the room became silent. “That was pretty wired so I’m just going to go, see you guys later.”
Strom left the same window he came in and disappeared into the night.
“I’m with Storm,” LoadStar said. “I’m gonna go get some shut eye.” LoadStar gave Star Light a quick hug. “Discord, mind giving me a lift?”
“Hey, could I get in on that.” Rainbow Dash asked. “ I really don’t feel like flying all the way back home.”
“Oh sure. I’ve always wanted to try this new multiple teleport spell.” Discord said smiling.
“What?” Everyone said.
“Here we go.”
Discord snapped his fingers and just like that LoadStar, Star Light, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy Pinkie Pie and Zephyr Breeze. All disappeared at once.
Spike sighed once he was alone. “Alone again.”
“You're really gonna sit here and tell me with a straight face that the Warriors aren’t going to win?” Strom asked Star while they were waiting for roll call to begin.
“Of course.” Star begins. “Have you seen their defense? They can’t stop anybody. And don’t get me started on the offense.”
Like the many conversations, Storm had with Star this one started the same way the others do. Both of them don’t know how or why it started. What Storm does know is that it’s not going away anytime soon.
“What about the Cavaliers?” Comet asked. “It took them seven games to beat the Celtics. They're not even that good.”
“Every team who plays at home always has an advantage. It’s like having an extra player on the floor everyone knows that.” A unicorn cuts in.
“If it’s really an advantage then why did they lose their last game?” Comet raised her hoofs. “Besides the Warriors are up 3-0 that’s it. They're going to be champions today. Case closed.”
Before the someone else could get a word in Night entered the room and conversation died.
“Alright.” Night begins. “Roll call will not belong today. The one and the only thing that everyone should keep a look at are the Diamond Dog Field. They’ve been a bit more active since the cold weather thing is over and we are having a problem with clouds shooting thunder on the ground. That’s not really our problem I know. But, it’s happening more often so keep an eye out.”
With a wave of her hoof, she dismissed the meeting
“I’ll meet you up front.” Storm said to Star before he left with everyone else. He then approached the front of the room where Night was. “Something you need Chift?”
“Come with me to my office.” Night ordered.
On their way to the office, Storm could have sworn that he was being watched all the way there even though it was a short walk.
When they arrived at Night’s office inside was the mayor, Princesses Celestia, Luna, Twilight were all in the room.
“You must be Shadow Storm,” Celestia said with a smile.
Storm bowed in her presence. “Is there something wrong?”
“You could say that.” Mayor Sky said.
While the mayor said that in a calm tone, Storm knows that it was pretty fack and he was hiding his anger from the princesses.
“Why would you think something is wrong?” Luna asked.
“Oh, just a guess.” Storm took a quick look than the clock on the wall. “Um I don’t mean to be rude but I really need to get going.”
“Of course.” Celestia agreed. “Night you can explain what happened and I’ll fill in the details.”
“Yes, Princess.” Night quickly said. “Storm do you remember what happened yesterday?”
“Yeah, the runaway chariot.” Storm answered. “What about it?”
“And do you remember what you did?”
“I grabbed a filly who was in the way of the chariot then. I was coming in too hot and when I grabbed her I started to roll. After we stopped I made sure she was safe and I continued my pursuit.”
“Yes, well there was a bit of a problem,” Twilight answered. She waited a bit before continuing as if she was choosing her words carefully. “Storm that filly was from another far away land and she is a Princesse. Like me and Celestia.”
“OK.” Storm acknowledged. “I don’t see the problem.”
“Shadow Storm,” Celestia said in a calm voice. “During the rollout, she and her bodyguards were sure that you had.” Celestia stopped before continuing. “Touch your nose with hers.”
“OK.” Storm repeated. “I’ll say it again, what’s the problem? It was an accident.”
“Storm.” NIght sighed. “You probably don’t know this. In royal laws when a princess' nose is touched by a stallion or colt, he will be her husband.”
“W-W-What?” Storm stuttered.
“As of today, you are married.”
A PROBLEM ENDS AND ANOTHER STARTS
Dammit. Was the word all pegasus had said at least eight times today. Star doesn’t know anything about cloudbusting or whatever it’s called. Every time a cloud black cloud disappeared one of the three will be heard. Dammit, another curse or nothing at all.
What was even odder was that the strange clouds somehow blocked out the beautiful blue sky along with the sun that was supposed to be around all day today. Instead of a partly cloudy day, it was replaced with a dark and stormy day.
“Bad day to be a pegasus,” Clover said when another curse was heard from above.
“Yeah.” Star agreed.
Suddenly a bolt of lightning hit the ground a few yards from Clover and Star causing them both to jump.
“Shit that was close,” Star said looking at the damage.on the ground from the lightning impact.
Clover looked at the cloud that was really closed to the ground and moving oddly faster than the others.
“Don’t you think that clouds a little too close to the ground and us?” She asked pointing out to Star.
“I got it.” Star picked up a rock beside with his magic and threw it at the cloud then it disappeared. “I called that lightning rock.”
“Good thing we moved everyone out before fast.” Clover sighed.
Everyone was evacuated from the area from the district. While they were doing that there were a few close calls.
Even with the pegasus getting rid of the clouds and ground forces are moving innocent civilizations out the way there was still a small problem. Clouds are moving out of the shopping district and slowly making their way to other parts of town. Normally in this type of situation, the unicorns would have made a giant magic barrier. However, this wasn’t possible because they weren’t strong enough and they had to be spread out to keep all areas secure
Suddenly many clouds were popping left and right. Star looked around looking for the cause and soon he saw it was Storm.
“Wow,” Clover said staring at the sky. “Storm is really going at it.”
“Yeah, he always does that stuff like that when he is mad. Pain means nothing to him at this point.”
Storm than headed straight to the biggest cloud and seconds later he appeared out the other side.
The cloud didn’t pop like the others. Instead, the loudest thunderclap Star, Storm and pretty much anyone else heard in their life echoed through the town. It sound similar to a bomb times ten.
“Holy shit.”
Was all that Star, Clover and everyone else could say. Along with the huge cloud, the smaller ones went away as well. Just like the everything was back to normal. The sky appeared along with the bright sun.
“Are you ok?” Star asked when Storm and Comet land near him and Clover.
They both gave him a look of death.
“What...do...you think,” Comet said between gasps for air.
“Right, Stupid question.”
Ones the area was clear shoppers returned back at their carts and stands to see if anything was damaged or to keep selling.
First, I’m forced to marry a filly from another land and now I just flew straight inside of a giant cloud filled with thunder can’t this day get any worse?
“Storm,” Star called out.
“What?”
Star walked over and whispered in his ear. “There a unicorn here saying she’s your wife.”
Storm looked at Star with an ‘I’m going to kill you if you get serious.’ face.
“I am serious,” Star answered as if he already knows what the face meant. “Look, she over there.” Star pointed to the same white filly who he saved from yesterday.
“And it’s worst.”
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO MARRY HER?” Storm shouted. ‘THAT’S CRAZY!”
“Storm, please calm down,” Twilight said. “I know this is a pretty big deal.”
“IT’S A HUGE DEAL. SHE’S JUST A KID.”
“Shadow Storm.” Celestia's voice grows sharp. “I do agree with you that this is a problem for you and If I were in your position I would feel the same way. But, panicking will not help.”
She was right. This is something Strom often said to pony’s he’s brought in. “Your in a position nobody wants to be in. If you want to get out of it than you have to help us.” Was something he said on many occasion.
“Your right. I’m sorry.”
Celestia nodded. “Now.” Her voice was back to normal. “You must have many questions about how she is. Her name is Princess Bright. She rules a land like me, However, we are not on the best of terms.”
“Terms like how Princess?” Twilight asked sounding a bit worried.
Before she could answer knocks came from Night’s door.
“STORM.” It was LoadStar. “We have a problem at the Shopping district.”
“What’s wrong?” Storm replied.
“It’s these clouds. They covered the whole area and more of them are on the way.”
Storm looked a Night.
“Go.” She said waving her hoof like in roll call. “We will talk about it later.”
Storm nodded and left the room.
“I should go as well.” Night sighed. “These clouds have been a real problem.”
“Before you go,” Celestia said before everyone left. “I need to tell you all something.” Celestia waited before speaking like she did with Storm. “We could go to war if Shadow Storm denies to marry her.”
“WHAT?” They all shouted.
Celestia nodded her head. “It’s true. Like I said we aren’t on the best of terms and if Storm denies it that could be the breaking point.
“What about if he accepts?” Mayor Sky asked.
“I’m not sure,” Celestia answered. “If he does than peace might be in order.”
“That sounds really unfair Princess.” Night said looking out the window. “I apologize for undermining you Princesse. Storm is one of my best officers and forcing him to marry a filly who is only 13 or 14 to stop a war sounds really unfair.”
“I agree,” Twilight said getting up. “Maybe we should get Princess Bright and Storm into a meeting and rethink this.”
“PRINCESS” A royal guard shouted as he came into the room. He nearly broke down the door. “We have a problem.”
“If it’s that cloud thing my officers are handling it.” Night said.
“It’s not that. Princess Bright was going towards the shopping district looking for the stallion from yesterday.”
