Parenthood

Chapters

Becoming a family
The party
A day out
Foal sitting
First day of school
The dream
Happy Birthday
Detention
Flight camp

Becoming a family

Lyra and Bon Bon had just gotten married. They had just returned home from their honeymoon and were putting their bags away when they heard a knock at the front door.

“Lyra, can you get that?” Bon Bon asked.

Lyra walked to the front door and opened it. At first she didn’t see anything. Then she looked down and was amazed at what she saw. Sleeping in a basket on the doorstep was a bat pony foal. Judging by the look of him, Lyra figured that the foal couldn’t be more than a month old. Attached to the basket was a note. Lyra picked it up and read it.

“The foal’s name is Nightwing. Please give him a good, loving home.”

“Oh, you poor thing!” Lyra picked up the basket and brought the foal inside. “Bon Bon! Come over here quick! You have to see this!”

Bon Bon came walking into the living room. “So who was at the door?”

Lyra set down the basket. “This little guy. There is also this note.”

Bon Bon’s eyes went wide when she saw the foal. She read the note and turned to Lyra. “Was there any sign of who dropped him off?”

Lyra shook her head. “No, just this basket and the note.” Lyra then rubbed the back of her head. “So, can we keep him?”

Bon Bon was stunned. “What?! Lyra, we just got married! Our house isn’t set up to raise a foal!”

“Please? The poor thing is all alone. Besides, you read the note. We were chosen to raise this foal.” Lyra pleaded.

Bon Bon knew that she couldn’t say no to Lyra, especially when she gave her the pleading puppy dog eyes “Alright, we can keep the foal. However, I want you to understand something very clearly Lyra. This is not a pet. This is a baby. It will require attention 24/7. That includes feedings, diaper changes, baths, playtimes, etc. Do you understand?”

Lyra raised her hoof and saluted Bon Bon. “I promise. This foal will be raised right, and I will be there for him day and night.”

At that moment, little Nightwing let out a big yawn and opened his eyes. Both Lyra and Bon Bon looked down at the bat pony foal and smiled. Nightwing then began to cry and let out an ear piercing scream.

“Lyra, check his diaper! He might need a changing!” Bon Bon said as she plugged up her ears with her hooves.

Lyra reached down and picked up Nightwing. She felt his diaper to see if it was wet and pulled it open to check if there was a mess. “His diaper is clean Bon Bon. Maybe he needs to be fed?”

Bon Bon ran to the kitchen. She searched the refrigerator and the pantry, but couldn’t find anything suitable for a foal. “I think we’d better do some shopping at the foal store.”

Lyra and Bon Bon both hurried to the foal supply store with Nightwing in tow. They placed the bat pony foal into the shopping cart, where he continued to wail and throw around his legs. Bon Bon and Lyra both knew that they needed something to calm Nightwing down. Just then they noticed some Wonderbolt plushies. Lyra quickly grabbed a Soarin plushie and showed it off to Nightwing.

“Here Nightwing! Look at the Wonderbolt!” Lyra then flew the plushie around Nightwing while making zooming sounds. Nightwing stopped crying and observed the Soarin plushie. He laughed and clapped his hooves. Lyra gave him the plushie and Nightwing held it tightly.

Lyra and Bon Bon continued shopping for supplies. They bought Nightwing a stroller, a high chair, foal food, formula, bottles, a rubber feeding spoon, a crib, blankets and pillows, a nightlight, a pacifier, and lots of diapers among other things.

When they returned home, both Lyra and Bon Bon were exhausted. Just as Bon Bon was about to set Nightwing down on the floor he started crying again. Bon Bon listened closely and heard his tummy growling. “Lyra, can you heat up some formula while I try and calm Nightwing down.”

While Lyra prepared the formula in the kitchen, Bon Bon sat on the couch with Nightwing. She bounced him up and down on her knee to try and stop his crying. Lyra eventually returned with a heated up bottle of formula. Bon Bon stuck the tip of the rubber nipple into Nightwing’s mouth. Nightwing stopped crying and began sucking down the formula.

After Nightwing had consumed the entire bottle, Bon Bon placed him over her shoulder and gently patted his back to burp him. After a few seconds however, Nightwing refused to burp.

“Here, let me try.” Lyra said. As soon as Lyra took Nightwing from Bon Bon he let out a huge burp and spit up all over Lyra’s face. Nightwing then covered his face and giggled. Bon Bon could not help but burst out laughing.

Later that night Bon Bon and Lyra set up Nightwing’s crib in their guest room. They plugged in the night light and tucked Nightwing under a blue blanket and rested his head on a white pillow. Lyra gave Nightwing his Soarin Plushie, which he held onto tightly. They both kissed him goodnight and turned on the night light before leaving the room.

A few hours later Lyra and Bon Bon were awoken by Nightwing’s crying. Bon Bon rolled over to Lyra. “Honey, go see what’s wrong.”

Lyra pulled the covers over her head. “Oh No. I’ve already been spat up on once tonight. It’s your turn to tend to him.”

Bon Bon sighed and groggily rolled out of bed. She walked over to Nightwing’s room and as soon as she opened the door she was struck by a horrible stench. Bon Bon’s eyes went wide and she instantly covered her nose. “Sweet Celestia! How could you turn formula into that?”

Bon Bon layed out a changing mat and set Nightwing down on it. After throwing away the dirty diaper, Bon Bon wiped Nightwing’s bottom clean and covered it with foal powder. Just as She was about to strap Nightwing into a fresh diaper, he let loose a stream of pee that hit Bon Bon right in the face.

Lyra was awoken by Bon Bon’s screaming. She got up and raced over to Nightwing’s room. “Bon Bon, what happened?”

Bon Bon gagged as she turned towards Lyra. “He peed in my mouth!” This time, Lyra was the one who fell over laughing. Nightwing simply sucked on his hoof, unaware of what was going on.

The party

The following day, after a long night of changing diapers and late night feedings, Lyra and Bon Bon took Nightwing with them to Ponyville town hall to officially have him adopted. Nightwing sucked on his pacifier and held his Soarin plushie as he kicked his hind legs playfully while riding in the stroller.

Lyra and Bon Bon however, looked much worse for wear. They both had huge bags under their red eyes. Both ponies were suffering from a lack of sleep, and it was obvious to every pony around them. Bon Bon and Lyra both felt ready to collapse, but still they marched on.

Upon arriving at town hall Lyra and Bon Bon rang the bell at the front desk. The clerk arrived and immediately took notice of Nightwing. “Aww, what an adorable foal you two have!” She said. The clerk then looked at Lyra and Bon Bon. “Yesh, what happened to you two?”

“This adorable little foal happened.” Said Bon Bon with a stressed out voice. “He had us up all night changing his diapers and feeding him.”

“Still, we wouldn’t trade him in for anything in the world!” Lyra said gleefully. “Which is why we’re here. We’d like to file for adoption.”

“Well good for you!” The clerk replied. She then gave Lyra and Bon Bon a stack of papers. “Just fill out these forms and everything will be all set.”

Bon Bon and Lyra took the papers and sat down to fill them out. Bon Bon let out a sigh. “I don’t know Lyra. I mean, is this foal really worth it?”

“Of course he is worth it.” Lyra said. “With Nightwing in our lives we’ll be a complete family. And besides, how can you say no to that face?” Lyra gestured down to Nightwing, who was holding up his hooves and bouncing up and down.

Bon Bon reached down and picked up Nightwing. When she had him held up to her face, Nightwing booped her on the nose. Bon Bon could not help but smile.

After finishing the paperwork Lyra and Bon Bon gave them back to the clerk. The clerk then stamped them a few times and made the adoption official. “Congratulations! You two are now the parents of this cute little foal.”

Lyra and Bon Bon thanked the clerk and left the town hall. They were on their way home when Pinkie Pie popped out of nowhere and stood in their way.

“Hiya Lyra! Hiya Bon Bon! Oh, this must be your new foal Nightwing! He is just so adorable!” Pinkie Pie knelt down and tickled Nightwing on the chin. Nightwing giggled and clapped his hooves.

“Thanks Pinkie, but how did you know what his name was?” Bon Bon asked with a very confused looked on her face.

“Luck guess.” Pinkie Pie replied. “So, are you two ready for the big party this afternoon?”

“Party? What party?” Lyra asked.

“Why the WELCOME TO PONYVILLE/CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ADOPTION party!” Said Pinkie Pie.

“But we’ve only just finished filling out the adoption papers. And we haven’t told any pony yet about Nightwing. In fact, we only found him at our doorstep just yesterday.” Bon Bon said.

“My Pinkie sense told me! Besides, I always have a party ready no matter what the occasion.” Pinkie Pie explained.

Bon Bon and Lyra knew better than to question Pinkie Pie when it came to her Pinkie sense. “The party sounds wonderful. What time will it be?” Lyra asked.

“Three o’clock at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie Pie said.

“Great. That will give us time to put Nightwing down for his nap.” Bon Bon said.

“Okie dokie lokie! See you then!” Pinkie Pie then hopped away.

After their weird encounter with Pinkie Pie, Lyra and Bon Bon continued on their way home. Once there they put Nightwing down for his nap and got in a quick nap for themselves as well.

That afternoon Bon Bon and Lyra packed together Nightwing’s things and placed him in his stroller. They then headed off to Sugarcube Corner for Nightwing’s party. When they arrived they were surprised at how large the party was. It was just as large as Diamond Tiara’s cutecinera.

Pinkie Pie came hopping over to them. “Welcome to the party! I’m so glad that you could make it!”

“Wow Pinkie, we don’t know what to say.” Lyra said. “We didn’t know that the party would be this big.”

“Well it’s not everyday that a new pony arrives in Ponyville, especially a bat pony! In fact, I believe that Nightwing is the first bat pony that Ponyville has ever had.” Said Pinkie Pie.

Bon Bon and Lyra both thought about what Pinkie Pie had said. As far as they knew, there had never been a bat pony in Ponyville before. The only time that they had ever seen one before was when they served as princess Luna’s royal guard.

Nightwing looked over at the playpen in the corner and saw Pumpkin and Pound Cake playing. He reached out towards them. “Bwa bee!”

“Oh how cute! Nightwing wants to play with the Cake twins.” Bon Bon said. She lifted Nightwing out of his stroller and set him down in the playpen. “You three play nice now.”

Once in the playpen, Nightwing crawled over to Pumpkin and Pound Cake. He sat down next to them and showed them his Soarin plushie. Pound and Pumpkin both smiled and picked up plushies of their own. Nightwing even shared his Soarin plushie with Pumpkin.

“That is just so sweet!” Lyra said. She then had Photo Finish set up her camera in front of the playpen. Photo Finish took a picture of the three foals and then she dashed off.

“Alright every pony, it’s time for cake and presents!” Pinkie Pie announced. Bon Bon picked up Nightwing and brought him over to the cake which towered from the floor to the ceiling. The cake was decorated with pictures of foal bottles, pacifiers, cradles, and teddy bears. Nightwing looked on in amazement of it.

There was only one candle on the cake, but Nightwing still had trouble blowing it out. Lyra and Bon Bon both helped him out and every pony applauded. After eating a few slices it was time for the presents.

Rarity gave Nightwing a onesie that looked like a tuxedo. Fluttershy gave him a rabbit plushie. Applejack gave him a quilt with apples sewn all over it. Pinkie Pie gave Nightwing a ball. Rainbow Dash gave him a Wonderbolt’s hat.

“For the future Wonderbolt!” Rainbow Dash said proudly.

“Twilight is sorry that she couldn’t be here, what with being the new princess of Equestria and all.” Said Pinkie Pie. “However, she did send over a gift for Nightwing.”

“Let me guess, it’s a book.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Wow, how did you know?” Pinkie Pie said with a surprised tone. “Are you psychic?”

Lyra and Bon Bon looked at every pony with big smiles on their faces. “Thank you all very much for the party and the gifts.” Bon Bon said. “We really appreciate this.”

“Yes, you’ve all made Nightwing feel so welcome here in Ponyville.” Said Lyra. “Especially the Cake family. Nightwing and the twins really seem to be getting along.”

“They most certainly do. We should set up a playdate sometime.” Mrs. Cake said.

“I’m sure that Nightwing will love that.” Said Bon Bon. She then looked down to see that Nightwing had fallen asleep. Bon Bon gently picked Nightwing up and placed him in his stroller. Lyra gathered up all of his gifts and thanked every pony for coming to the party.

As they headed out the door Lyra turned to Bon Bon. “I think that we are ready for this parenting thing.”

Bon Bon smiled as she looked over at Lyra. “You know what, I think you’re right.”

A day out

A few weeks had passed since Lyra and Bon Bon adopted Nightwing, and the three of them had settled into a routine. Lyra and Bon Bon shared responsibilities such as playing with Nightwing, feeding him, changing him, and giving him baths.

One night during dinner, as Lyra was feeding Nightwing some foal food, Nightwing looked right at her and said his first word. “Mama!”

Lyra was so excited that she nearly dropped the jar of foal food. “ Bon Bon, did you hear that? Nightwing said his first word! He called me mama!”

Bon Bon walked over and hugged Lyra. “That’s great Lyra!” Although Bon Bon was happy for Lyra, she did feel kind of down that Nightwing had not called her mama.

At that moment, Nightwing looked over at Bon Bon and reached out to her. “Mama mama!”

Bon Bon’s heart swelled with joy. She picked up Nightwing and gave him a hug. “That’s right, I’m also your mama!”

Lyra walked over and joined in on the family hug. They both wished that the moment could last forever.

The next day Bon Bon and Lyra took Nightwing with them as they went shopping at the market. As they shopped, they bumped into Mr. and Mrs. Cake who had Pumpkin and Pound with them in a stroller.

“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake!” Lyra said. “It is so nice to see you today. Out shopping with the twins I see?”

Mr. Cake nodded his head. “Yep! We’re just out getting some ingredients for a big order that we just got.”

“So, how is everything going with Nightwing?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“Everything has been going great!” Bon Bon replied. “In fact, just last night he said his first word and called us both mama.”

Mrs. Cake smiled. “Oh, that is just so precious! I remember when Pound and Pumpkin first called me mama. You two must be very proud.”

“Indeed we are.” Said Lyra as she patted Nightwing on the head.

As the adults talked, Nightwing reached over to Bon Bon’s bag and picked out a daisy from a bunch that had been bought earlier. Nightwing then gave the daisy to Pumpkin Cake, who smiled and giggled when she received it.

Mrs. Cake noticed what Nightwing had done and couldn’t help but D’aww at the sight. “Isn’t that sweet! It looks like some pony has a little crush on you Pumpkin.”

Both Nightwing and Pumpkin blushed. They waved goodbye to each other as Lyra and Bon Bon continued on shopping. “So I guess our little Nightwing knows how to woo the ladies. He gets that from me.” Lyra said with a smug expression on her face.

Bon Bon simply rolled her eyes. “If there is anything that he has learned from you, it’s your table matters. I’ve seen how you eat pasta miss messy.”

“It’s not my fault that the sauce gets everywhere when I try to slurp.” Lyra said defensively.

When Lyra and Bon Bon were done shopping they decided to have a picnic in the park. Bon Bon and Lyra both had haybacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches while Nightwing enjoyed a bottle of formula. After having lunch, Lyra and Bon Bon both heard a hissing sound. They both looked over at Nightwing to see a yellow spot growing on his diaper.

“I’ll change him this time.” Bon Bon said. Bon Bon took Nightwing and some changing supplies to a public restroom which had a changing station. After Bon Bon removed Nightwing’s dirty diaper and wiped him clean, another mare emerged from one of the stalls. It was Spoiled Rich.

Spoiled gave Nightwing a look of disgust. “A bat pony? Keep that nasty thing away from me!”

Bon Bon was incredibly insulted. “Excuse me, but that is my son you’re talking about.”

Spoiled simply waved her off. “Then I feel sorry for you. Bat ponies are nothing but pests that devour fruit crops.”

Bon Bon stomped her hoof in anger. “They are NOT pests! Bat ponies are the royal guards of princess Luna.”

Spoiled merely laughed. “You mean the lesser of the two princesses? She hires bat ponies purely out of pity, and occasionally she will show them off during that dreadful holiday Nightmare Night.”

Nightwing sat up and gave Spoiled a mean look. He then grabbed his dirty diaper and hurled it at Spoiled. It hit her right in the face with a loud, wet smack. Spoiled instantly ran out of the restroom screaming. Bon Bon smiled and patted Nightwing on the head. “That’s my boy.”

Nightwing smiled in return. “Bwaa!”

After changing Nightwing Bon Bon went back outside to the park. She sat next to Lyra who said “I just saw Spoiled Rich come running out of the restroom with a diaper on her face. What happened in there?”

Bon Bon simply smiled and replied. “Let’s just say our son knows how to deal with trash.”

“Bon Bon, what happened?” Lyra asked.

“It wasn’t our fault. Spoiled Rich came out of nowhere and just started insulting Nightwing, all because he is a bat pony. So Nightwing threw his soiled diaper at her.” Bon Bon explained.

Lyra let out a sigh. “Bon Bon, you know that wasn’t right. We can’t have Nightwing thinking it’s okay to get physical with some pony whom you don’t get along with.”

Bon Bon lowered her head. “You’re right. It isn’t okay for Nightwing to do things like that. And I know that we need to set a better example, but you should have heard some of the things Spoiled said about Nightwing. She called him a pest that devours fruit crops.”

Lyra grew angry at what she was hearing. How dare Spoiled Rich say that about her son! Then the image of Spoiled running out of the restroom with a diaper on her face made Lyra smile. “Okay, so Spoiled Rich is clearly the exception. However, from now on we must teach Nightwing not to do things like that to other ponies. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Bon Bon said as she nodded her head in agreement. “For now though let’s take Nightwing home. He’s had a big day today and I’m sure he needs a nap.”

As soon as Lyra and Bon Bon put Nightwing in his stroller he let out a big yawn and drifted off to sleep. Lyra and Bon Bon both D’awwed at the sight of Nightwing sleeping.

“Our little stallion has had a big day today, hasn’t he?” Bon Bon asked.

“He most certainly has.” Lyra replied with a smile.

Foal sitting

Lyra rolled sat on the floor and rolled a ball between herself and Nightwing as Bon Bon read a book from a nearby chair. Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the front door. “I’ll get it.” Lyra said. She got up and went to the door. When she opened it, she found two ponies wearing black suits along with sunglasses and ear pieces.

“Ma’am, is agent Sweetie Drops home?” One of the ponies asked.

Lyra turned and called out for Bon Bon. “Bon Bon, it’s for you!”

Bon Bon walked to the front door. She wasn’t surprised when she saw the pony agents. “What’s the mission?”

One of the agents handed Bon Bon a folder. It had the word “Classified” stamped on it and was sealed with wax that bore the royal seal of Canterlot.

“Be ready by 1800 hours.” One of the agents said. They both then took their leave.

Bon Bon opened up the folder and read the mission details. “So, what type of secret agent stuff are you up to this time?” Lyra asked.

“If I told you it wouldn’t be top secret, now would it?” Bon Bon replied with a smile. “Needless to say I’ll have to leave by tonight.”

“Tonight!? Bon Bon, tonight is my book club. You said you’d look after Nightwing while I was gone for the evening remember?”

Bon Bon sighed. “I’m sorry Lyra but duty calls. We’ll just have to get a foal sitter.”

“Where are we supposed to find a foal sitter so soon?” Lyra asked. “The Cakes are off on a family vacation and Pinkie Pie is busy with a party.”

Bon Bon tapped her chin as she thought. “Well, there is one option we could try.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders foal sitters!” The three fillies shouted in unison as they each raised a hoof in the air.

Lyra held Nightwing as she leaned over to Bon Bon. “Are you sure these three are up to the task?” Lyra muttered.

“Don’t worry about it.” Bon Bon Muttered back. “They’ve managed to host a day camp for foals looking to get their cutie marks, and they are tutors at the school of friendship. Surely they can handle a newborn foal.”

Lyra gave Bon Bon a look of uncertainty. She then turned to the cutie mark crusaders. “Do you three have everything you need to look after Nightwing?”

“Don’t you worry Miss Lyra.” Applebloom said. “We have every bit of foal supplies you can think of. From foal food to diapers.”

Bon Bon then gave them a sheet of paper. “Here is Nightwing’s schedule for the night. Lyra and I should both be home by midnight.”

Lyra then set Nightwing down on the floor. She and Bon Bon both kissed him goodbye. “Goodnight Nightwing. Behave yourself for the foal sitters, okay?” Lyra and Bon Bon waved goodbye as they left.

Nightwing looked up at his three foal sitters. “Mamas?”

“Your mamas aren’t here Nightwing.” Said Sweetie Belle. “We’ll be looking after you tonight.”

Nightwing began to tear up. He then began screaming and crying. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo instantly covered their ears.

“Well, this is off to a good start.” Scootaloo said sarcastically.

Applebloom looked at the paper that Bon Bon had given her. “It says here that if Nightwing starts crying, we should give him his pacifier and Wonderbolt plushie.

Scootaloo reached over and grabbed the plushie. “Soarin? I would have gone with Rainbow Dash.”

Sweetie Belle grabbed the pacifier off of the coffee table. She and Scootaloo gave Nightwing his plushie and put the pacifier in his mouth. Nightwing hugged his plushie as he sucked on the pacifier. The three foal sitters all let out a sigh of relief.

“So what does the list say?” Sweetie Belle asked Applebloom.

“It says that first we should give Nightwing his dinner.” Applebloom said. Sweetie Belle picked up Nightwing and placed him on her back. The three fillies then walked into the kitchen where Sweetie Belle placed Nightwing in his high chair while Scootaloo and Applebloom brought out jars of foal food.

Applebloom opened a jar of mashed bananas and scooped some out with Nightwing’s rubber spoon. “Alright Nightwing, open wide for the Wonderbolt!” Applebloom made a whooshing sound and guided the spoon to Nightwing’s mouth. Nightwing chomped down on the spoon and gobbled up the food.

“At least he isn’t a fussy eater.” Sweetie Belle said.

Once Nightwing had finished the jar Applebloom looked at the list to see what was next. “The next thing on the list is Nightwing’s bath.”

“Good, because he really needs it.” Said Scootaloo as she pointed at Nightwing. His face was covered in mashed bananas. Nightwing giggled and clapped his hooves.

The CMC moved Nightwing to the bathroom. After filling the bathtub with warm water they removed Nightwing’s diaper and placed him in the tub. Nightwing played with a rubber ducky while Sweetie Belle lathered him up with foal shampoo.

As Sweetie Belle washed Nightwing’s wings, she turned to Applebloom and Scootaloo and asked “Do you think Nightwing knows how to fly yet?”

“I don’t know.” Said Applebloom. “It usually takes foals until at least their first birthday before they can fly. Then again, Pound Cake was flying after only a month and Flurry Heart was flying after only two weeks.”

At that moment Nightwing began flapping his wings. Soon he had lifted himself out of the tub and into the air. Nightwing then flew out of the bathroom and down the hall, laughing as he did.

Scootaloo faced hoofed herself. “You just had to ask if he could fly, didn’t you?”

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all chased after Nightwing as he flew through the house. They chased him into the kitchen, the living room, and even the bedroom. After a while they stopped to catch their breath.

“Any pony got any ideas?” Applebloom asked.

“I’ve got an idea.” Scootaloo said. “We’re going to need a blanket and Nightwing’s Soarin plushie.”

Sweetie Belle held the blanket with her magic above a door frame. Scootaloo held up Nightwing’s Soarin plushie. “Oh Nightwing! I have your favorite plushie!” Scootaloo called out.

Applebloom looked around the corner and down the hallway. “Here he comes! Get ready Sweetie Belle!”

Nightwing came flying down the hallway. As soon as he flew through the door frame, Sweetie Belle dropped the blanket on him. She then used her magic to swaddle Nightwing in the blanket to make sure that he couldn’t fly out. Nightwing struggled a bit, but then Scootaloo gave him his plushie and he calmed down.

Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo put Nightwing in a new diaper. They then placed him in his crib and covered it with a blanket to make sure that he didn’t take off flying again. For the rest of the night they played with Nightwing while he was inside of his crib. Eventually Nightwing grew tired. He let out a big yawn and then layed down and fell asleep.

The CMC cleaned up the house and got everything ready for Lyra and Bon Bon’s return. At the stroke of midnight Bon Bon and Lyra returned home.

“We’re home!” Lyra called out. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom greeted them by the door.

“How was your night?” Applebloom asked.

“Well, things got very big pony with this month’s book Fifty grains of hay.” Lyra said.

“And how was your night Miss Bon Bon?” Asked Sweetie Belle.

“I am not at liberty to say.” Bon Bon replied. “Oh, I forgot to put on the list that Nightwing is starting to fly. That didn’t give you any trouble did it?”

“There was a small incident, but it wasn’t anything that we couldn’t handle.” Applebloom said.

“Yeah aside from that there were no real problems.” Said Scootaloo.

“Well I’m just glad everything went alright.” Lyra said. “Would you three be interested in looking after Nightwing the next time we need a foal sitter?”

The three fillies looked at each other, then at Lyra and Bon Bon with smiles on their faces. “We would be delighted to.” Sweetie Belle said.

Bon Bon and Lyra paid the CMC some bits for their work and wished them good night. They then went to check on Nightwing who was sound asleep.

“Only a couple of months old and already he is flying.” Lyra said. “Our little colt is growing up so fast.”

Bon Bon turned to face Lyra. “Don’t worry, we still have plenty of time to enjoy him as a foal. And besides we still have all the major milestones in his life to look forward to, like his first day of school and the day he gets his cutie mark.”

Lyra leaned against Bon Bon. “I know. I just wish that this moment would last forever.”

First day of school

Lyra and Bon Bon were both fast asleep when suddenly Nightwing came bursting in through their bedroom door. He hopped up on the bed and started bouncing up and down. “Mama Lyra! Mama Bon Bon! Wake up! Today is the first day of school!”

Lyra hid her head under a pillow while Bon Bon rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Okay sweetie. You go and get breakfast and we’ll be downstairs in a minute.” Bon Bon said. Nightwing got off of the bed and flew down to the kitchen.

Lyra got up and sighed. “I miss the days when he was a baby.”

Bon Bon looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “You mean when he would cry non stop until he was fed and we changed him out of a poop filled diaper?”

“Touch’e.” Lyra replied.

At the kitchen table Nightwing had a bowl of fruit while Lyra and Bon Bon both had oatmeal. “So Nightwing, you sure seem excited about your first day of school.” Bon Bon said.

“You bet!” Nightwing said while he scarfed down his breakfast. “I can’t wait to go and make a bunch of new friends. Plus, Pound and Pumpkin will be there!”

Lyra took a sip of her coffee. “The three of you have been inseparable ever since you were babies. Especially you and Pumpkin. If I didn’t know any better I’d say that you have the sweets for her.”

Nightwing nearly spit out his breakfast. “What?! No, she’s just my friend.”

“Now Lyra don’t be a tease.” Bon Bon said. “A filly and a colt can just be friends.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry sweetheart.” Lyra got up and kissed Nightwing on the cheek. “Now hurry up and finish your breakfast or you’ll be late for school.”

After breakfast Nightwing put on his Wonderbolts cap and Lyra and Bon Bon both walked him to school. They arrived just as the school bell rang. “Now Nightwing, we expect you to be on your best behavior.” Lyra said. “Respect the teacher and follow the rules. Mama Bon Bon and I will be here to pick you up this afternoon.”

“Bye Mama Lyra! Bye Mama Bon Bon!” Nightwing hugged them both and then headed inside. Lyra began to tear up so Bon Bon placed her hoof around her to let her know everything was going to be alright.

Once inside Nightwing ran into Pound and Pumpkin. “Hey guys! How are you doing?”

“We’re doing great.” Pound replied. “Mom and dad were glad to see us off, but aunt Pinkie Pie wasn’t so happy.”

“Yeah, she cried and begged us not to go. It took both mom and dad to remind her that we would be back by this afternoon.” Pumpkin said.

Nightwing, Pound, and Pumpkin all took their seats in the classroom. Miss Cheerilee entered the room. “Good morning class! And welcome to your first day of school! I am your teacher Miss Cheerilee, and for your first assignment you are going to practice the alphabet. Let’s start with A…”

The whole class worked on writing down their letters for the rest of the morning. Noon soon came around, and all the fillies and colts ran out to the playground to eat their lunches and play for recess. Nightwing was talking with Pound and Pumpkin while walking out to the playground when suddenly he bumped into another colt. The colt had a brown mane and tail and a reddish brown coat.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” The colt said to Nightwing.

Nightwing backed away from the colt. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

The colt pointed at Nightwing. “Hey, I know you. You’re that bat pony I’ve seen around town. I’m surprised that you’re not sucking sweet apple acres dry right now.”

Nightwing was taken aback by the colt's words. “Hey, that’s mean.”

“Oh, did I hurt your feelings?” The colt said sarcastically. “And what’s up with that Wonderbolts hat? Like the Wonderbolts would ever let a creepy little thing like you join their ranks.” The colt then snatched the hat off of Nightwing’s head.

“Hey! Give that back!” Nightwing shouted.

The colt twirled the hat around his hoof. “You want it? Come and get it!” The colt then took off running. Nightwing went flying after him. The two chased each other around the playground until Nightwing tackled the colt. They tugged at the hat until Miss Cheerilee broke them up.

“Nightwing! Rusty Nail! You both stop that right this instant!” Nightwing and Rusty Nail both let go of the hat. “Now, which one of you will tell me what is going on here?”

“We were just playing Miss Cheerilee.” Rusty Nail said with an innocent face.

“That’s not true!” Nightwing shouted. “He made fun of me, and then he stole my hat!”

“It’s true. Pound and I witnessed the whole thing.” Pumpkin said.

“Rusty Nail I’m ashamed of you! Picking on other ponies, stealing, and lying to a teacher. You are going to have detention after school and I’m going to tell your parents.”

Rusty Nail lowered his head and went back into the school. Nightwing picked up his hat and put it back on his head. He then went back to playing with Pound and Pumpkin.

After school Lyra and Bon Bon went to pick up Nightwing. “So Nightwing, how was your first day of school?” Bon Bon asked.

“It was good.” Nightwing replied. “But this one colt picked on me. He made fun of me and stole my hat.”

Lyra leaned down and hugged Nightwing. “Oh honey. Are you alright?” She asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Nightwing replied. “But why was he so mean?”

Bon Bon put her hoof on Nightwing’s shoulder. “Well sometimes in life you’re going to come across ponies who are not that nice. Sometimes it’s because they have had a hard life and decide to take out their anger on other ponies. Other times the reason is simply because the pony is just plain mean.”

“Have you ever been bullied?” Nightwing asked Lyra and Bon Bon.

“Well, yes.” Lyra replied. “But we can discuss that later. Now it’s time to head home.”

The dream

Nightwing got out of school and found Lyra and Bon Bon waiting for him. They both had big smiles on their faces. “Hello Nightwing. How was school today?” Bon Bon asked.

“School was great.” Nightwing replied. “Why are you smiling so much?”

“Well, you’ve been doing very well in school so Mama Bon Bon and I have both decided to reward you with a visit to the next Wonderbolts show!” Lyra then used her magic to hold up three tickets that she had been hiding behind her back.

Nightwing could not believe his eyes. He instantly jumped into the air and flew right at Lyra and Bon Bon, giving them both a big hug. “Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!”

Lyra and Bon Bon both returned the hug. “I think he likes it.” Bon Bon said to Lyra with a smirk.

That weekend the three of them all took a train to Rainbow Falls for the show. Nightwing was literally jumping with joy as they entered the stadium. Not long after taking their seats the show began. “Mares and Stallions, fillies and colts. Please welcome the Wonderbolts!” The announcer said. The Wonderbolts then raced across the sky, leaving behind streaks of smoke that formed a rainbow.

During the show the Wonderbolts performed all sorts of feats, including making formations, flying through obstacles, and more. Rainbow Dash even performed a sonic rainboom.

After the show Bon Bon turned to Nightwing and asked “How would you like to go backstage?”

Nightwing’s eyes went wide with excitement. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” He replied.

“Bon Bon, how are we going to get backstage?” Lyra asked. “We don’t have backstage passes.”

“Just watch.” Bon Bon said with a wink and a smile. The three of them then left their seats and headed for the backstage area. A guard pony stood in front of the doors to the back. Bon Bon walked up to him and whispered into his ear. The guard nodded and stepped aside, opening the doors to the back.

“How did you do that?” Lyra asked Bon Bon.

“Working for the Canterlot government has its advantages.” Bon Bon replied.

Bon Bon, Lyra, and Nightwing all walked into the backstage area. Nightwing could not believe it. All around him were his heroes, the Wonderbolts. And standing right in the middle of the backstage area was his favourite Wonderbolt of them all, Soarin.

Rainbow Dash noticed Lyra and Bon Bon and approached them. “Lyra! Bon Bon! It’s great to see you again. Did you enjoy the show?”

“We had a wonderful time!” Lyra replied. “This whole trip has been a reward for Nightwing. He is just crazy for the Wonderbolts.”

“Hey, I know the feeling.” Said Rainbow Dash. She knelt down to Nightwing’s eye level. “I see that you’re still wearing that Wonderbolts hat I got you.”

“I never take it off. It’s my lucky hat.” Nightwing said. “Can...can you introduce me to Soarin? He’s my favorite.”

“Sure I can.” Rainbow Dash put her hoof around Nightwing and walked him over to Soarin. “Hey Soarin, I have a special fan that wants to meet you.”

Soarin looked down at Nightwing and smiled. “Hello there. What’s your name?”

Nightwing was so nervous that he stuttered as he talked. “My...my...name...name is...Nightwing.”

Soarin shook Nightwing’s hoof. “Nice to meet you Nightwing. Rainbow Dash tells me that you’re a big fan of mine.”

“I sure am!” Nightwing said with glee. “I have a plushie of you at home, plus posters, bedsheets, and pajamas! Will you sign my hat please?”

“Sure thing little buddy.” Soarin took Nightwing’s hat and wrote his name on it. “So, I assume that you want to be a Wonderbolt yourself when you grow up?”

Nightwing flapped his wings rapidly. “You bet I do!”

Soarin placed Nightwing’s hat back atop his head once he had signed it. “Well if you stay in school and work hard at it, then one day you will join our ranks.”

Nightwing lifted the hat so that he could have a better look at Soarin. “I promise that one day I will join you as a Wonderbolt.”

It was dark when Lyra, Bon Bon, and Nightwing returned to Ponyville. As Lyra and Bon Bon tucked Nightwing into bed, Lyra asked him a question. “So honey, did you have fun today?”

Nightwing smiled and nodded his head. “You bet! Today was the best day ever!”

“And you really want to be a Wonderbolt when you grow up?” Bon Bon asked.

“Yep! It’s my dream.” Nightwing replied.

“In that case you better get some sleep.” Lyra said. “Growing Wonderbolts need their rest.”

Nightwing let out a big yawn. “Okay. Goodnight mama Lyra, goodnight mama Bon Bon.”

Bon Bon and Lyra both kissed Nightwing goodnight. They then left his room and turned out the lights.

As Nightwing slept, he dreamed that he was a Wonderbolt. In his dream Nightwing soared above a massive crowd, pulling off fantastic stunts and amazing feats. Nightwing then flew higher and higher until he was well above the clouds. He then dove downwards, intending to pull off a sonic rainboom. As he gained speed, Nightwing could hear the fans chanting his name. “Nightwing! Nightwing! Nightwing!”

Nightwing was then awoken by Bon Bon gently tapping on his shoulder. “Nightwing, it’s time to wake up. Hurry or you’ll be late for school.”

Nightwing got out of bed and rubbed his eyes. He let out a sigh. “Someday my dream will be real.” Nightwing thought to himself.

Happy Birthday

Nightwing awoke from his slumber and hopped out of bed. He was super excited because today was his birthday! Nightwing dashed down the stairs and into the kitchen where Lyra and Bon Bon were already waiting for him.

“There’s the birthday boy!” Bon Bon said with a smile. She reached down and gave him a big hug. “Happy birthday sweetie.”

“Thanks Mama Bon Bon.” Nightwing said. He sat at the table next to Lyra who was reading the newspaper. She put it down and turned to Nightwing.

“So Nightwing, how does it feel to be seven years old?” She asked.

“I feel closer to being a Wonderbolt Mama Lyra.” Nightwing said with a smile and a flutter of his wings.

Lyra let out a little chuckle. “Well, don’t go and grow up too fast. There are still many great things about being a colt.”

“Yes, like having a special birthday breakfast.” Bon Bon said. She then placed a huge stack of pancakes in front of Nightwing. The pancakes were topped with syrup, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream.

Nightwing took a big bite of the pancakes. He chewed slowly and savored the taste. Once Nightwing was finished Bon Bon patted him on the head and took his empty plate away.

“Are you excited about your party this afternoon?” Bon Bon asked as she cleaned the dishes.

“You bet! All of my friends are going to be there.” Nightwing said with a big smile.

“Well then, you should hurry up and get to school.” Said Lyra. “The sooner your school day is over, the sooner you can have your party.”

Nightwing grabbed his Backpack. Bon Bon then kissed him goodbye while Lyra walked him to school.

While at school Nightwing waited impatiently for the day to end. He kept looking up at the clock, but everytime he did it seemed to be moving slower and slower. “Ugh! How much longer until school is over?” Nightwing thought to himself. “I want to get to my birthday party!” After what felt like an eternity, the school bell finally rang. Nightwing headed out of the school where he met up with Pumpkin and Pound Cake.

“Hey Nightwing, are you ready for your birthday party?” Pound Cake asked.

“You bet I am!” Nightwing replied. “Cheese Sandwich and Pinkie Pie are putting the party together. I can’t wait to see what they have planned!”

“Yeah! Aunt Pinkie always throws the best parties.” Pumpkin Cake said.

Bon Bon and Lyra waited for Nightwing outside of the school. They then walked with him and the Cake twins to the park where the party was being held.

Every foal from Nightwing’s class was there. Cheese Sandwich had brought along his party tank, and Pinkie Pie had baked a massive triple layer chocolate cake. The bottom layer was dark chocolate, the middle layer was milk chocolate, and the top layer was white chocolate with the whole thing covered with fudge frosting.

There were clowns, balloons, games, a bouncy castle, a ferris wheel, and tons of food. The whole party was capped off with a massive banner that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIGHTWING.

Nightwing could not believe what an amazing job Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich had done. Nightwing wasted no time in enjoying the party. He jumped around inside the bouncy castle and played all of the games, such as whack the pinata and pin the tail on the hydra.

Nightwing ate as much of the food as he could, but he still saved room for the birthday cake. He rode the ferris wheel and even enjoyed a show put on by the great and powerful Trixie.

“Are you having a fun time?” Bon Bon asked.

“You bet I am Mama Bon Bon!” Nightwing replied as he smiled and flapped his wings.

“That’s great to hear, sweetie.” Lyra said. “Now come on, it’s time to blow out the candles on your birthday cake.”

Lyra and Bon Bon walked with Nightwing over to the birthday cake. Seven candles had been lit atop it. Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich made an announcement to the party goers.

“Alright fillies and colts!” Cheese Sandwich announced. “It’s time for the birthday colt to blow out the candles and make his birthday wish!”

“And to get Nightwing ready, let’s all sing the birthday song!” Pinkie Pie said. She then led every pony in singing happy birthday. Once the song was finished, Nightwing took a big breath and blew out all of the candles. Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich fired off their party cannon and party tank respectively.

Lyra and Bon Bon both approached Nightwing as he began to eat the first slice of cake. “So, what did you wish for?” Lyra asked.

“Now Lyra.” Bon Bon said. “You know that if Nightwing tells any pony about his wish it won’t come true.”

Not that Nightwing needed to tell any pony what his wish was. All of his friends and family knew that he wanted to be a wonderbolt.

Nightwing received many gifts for his birthday, including a Neightendo gamecolt, a skateboard, and power pony action figures.

It was getting late and every pony was preparing to leave. Pound and Pumpkin approached Nightwing to thank him for the party. “We had a really great time!” Pound Cake said.

“Yeah, but I have one more gift to give you.” Pumpkin said.

“Oh? What is it?” Asked Nightwing.

Pumpkin then leaned in and kissed Nightwing on the cheek. She backed away and giggled as Nightwing stood there and blushed.

Suddenly, Nightwing’s backside began to glow. A symbol then appeared, taking the shape of a star with a pair of bat wings.

“Nightwing, you got your cutie mark!” Bon Bon said.

Lyra bent over and gave Nightwing a big hug. “I am so proud of you!”

Every pony gathered around Nightwing. “Yay! Now we get to throw Nightwing another party!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

As Nightwing admired his cutie mark, he couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss that Pumpkin had given him. “Does this mean that Pumpkin likes me?” Nightwing thought to himself. He had known Pumpkin since they were foals, but he had always thought of her as a friend. Were they more than that?

Detention

All Nightwing could think about for the next few days was that kiss he’d gotten from Pumpkin. He was glad that it had helped to get him his cutie mark, but he wondered if there was more to it.

Nightwing was deep in thought about the kiss at the dinner table which Lyra and Bon Bon both took notice of. “Honey, is something wrong? You’ve barely touched your dinner.” Bon Bon said.

Nightwing snapped out of his mental fog. “Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about something. Do you remember the kiss that Pumpkin gave me at my birthday party?”

“How could we forget?” Lyra said. “That’s when you got your cutie mark.”

“Well, since then I have been feeling some strange things that I haven’t felt before. Things about Pumpkin.”

Lyra and Bon Bon both looked at each other and smiled. “Aww, our little stallion has his first crush.” Said Bon Bon.

Nightwing’s eyes went wide. “What?! I don’t have a crush!”

Lyra giggled and walked over to Nightwing. “Don’t worry sweetie. What you’re feeling is perfectly normal. It just means that you’re growing up.” Lyra then gently rubbed Nightwing on the head.

“Yeah, but I don’t have any romantic feelings for Pumpkin. She’s just my best friend.” Nightwing said.

“Have you told Pumpkin about how you feel?” Bon Bon asked.

Nightwing lowered his head. “Not yet. We haven’t really talked since my birthday party.”

“Well honey, I think that tomorrow you should talk with Pumpkin and let her know how you feel about her.” Said Lyra.

“I will do that. Thanks for the advice.” Nightwing smiled and hugged Lyra. Bon Bon walked over and joined in on the group hug.

The next day at school, Nightwing met up with Pumpkin on the playground. “Hey Pumpkin, can we talk for a moment?” Nightwing asked.

“Sure thing.” Pumpkin said. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Well, you know that kiss you gave me on my birthday? When I got my cutie mark.”

Pumpkin brought her hoof to her mouth and giggled. “Sure, what about it?”

Nightwing rubbed the back of his head. “Umm, did you kiss me because you like me?”

“Of course I do. I think you’re cute.” Pumpkin replied.

Nightwing was surprised by Pumpkin’s answer. “Really? You think I’m cute?”

“Well, yeah. Ever since we were foals I’ve had an attraction to you. It was at your birthday party that I decided to finally act and kiss you. I had no idea that it would get you your cutie mark.”

Nightwing blushed. “Gee, I didn’t know you felt that way. I really appreciate that. The thing is however is that I like you as a friend. I don’t think we should rush things. Is that okay with you?”

Pumpkin smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the fruit sucker.” Nightwing and Pumpkin both turned their heads to see Nightwing’s long time bully Rusty Nail approaching.

Nightwing sighed and rolled his eyes. “What do you want?”

“I heard that your birthday party was a few days ago. How come I wasn’t invited?” Rusty Nail asked.

“You weren’t invited because you’re a big meanie!” Nightwing replied.

Rusty Nail narrowed his eyes. “It was probably a dumb party anyway.” Rusty Nail then noticed Nightwing’s cutie mark. “I see that you got your cutie mark. It looks really stupid.”

“At least I have a cutie mark.” Nightwing fired back.

“You two, please stop fighting!” Pumpkin pleaded.

“Shut up you dumb filly!” Rusty Nail shouted.

Nightwing became very angry. “Don’t call her dumb!” Nightwing then shoved Rusty Nail to the ground. Rusty Nail instantly started crying, which caught the attention of Miss Cheerilee.

“What is going on over here?” Miss Cheerilee asked.

“Nightwing pushed me!” Rusty Nail said.

Miss Cheerilee confronted Nightwing. “Nightwing, is this true?”

“Only because Rusty Nail called Pumpkin dumb.” Nightwing said.

“That is no excuse to harm another pony.” Miss Cheerilee said sternly. “You have detention for the next week, and I will be speaking with your mothers after school.”

Rusty Nail got up from the ground with a smirk on his face. It quickly disappeared when Miss Cheerilee turned to face him.

“As for you Rusty Nail, it is not nice to call other ponies dumb. Consider this a warning.” Said Miss Cheerilee.

After Miss Cheerilee and Rusty Nail both walked away, Pumpkin smiled at Nightwing. “Thanks for standing up for me.” She said.

Nightwing smiled at Pumpkin in return. “Hey, what are friends for?”

After school Nightwing sat in between Lyra and Bon Bon as Miss Cheerilee explained to them what Nightwing had done earlier that day. He lowered his head and pulled down his Wonderbolts hat in an attempt to hide his shame.

“Thank you for informing us of what Nightwing has done.” Bon Bon said. “We’ll be sure to properly punish Nightwing for his actions.”

As soon as the three of them left the school, Bon Bon turned to face Nightwing. “Nightwing, I know that you were just standing up for Pumpkin, but that is still no excuse to hurt another pony.” Bon Bon said with a stern voice. “In addition to having detention, you are not allowed to watch T.V. or play video games for the next week. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes mama Bon Bon.” Nightwing replied.

“So anyway, how did your conversation with Pumpkin go?” Lyra asked.

“Lyra! We’re supposed to be upset with him.” Bon Bon shot back.

“What? I’m just curious.” Lyra said.

“Well, Pumpkin and I had a talk. She said that she kissed me because she thought I was cute.” Nightwing said. Both Lyra and Bon Bon D’awwed.

Nightwing rolled his eyes. “Anyway, I talked with her and we agreed to just be friends.”

“Well I’m glad that you two talked it out. And even though what you did was wrong, I’m proud that you stood up for Pumpkin like you did.” Said Lyra.

Bon Bon sighed. She was also proud of Nightwing for standing up for Pumpkin. She just wished he had done it in a more peaceful way.

Flight camp

The day that Nightwing had been waiting for had finally come. He was ten years old, which meant that he was now old enough to attend flight camp. Nightwing was so excited that he could barely sleep the night before.

Bon Bon knocked on Nightwing’s bedroom door. “Nightwing, are you all ready to go?” Bon Bon opened the door and was surprised to find Nightwing wide awake with all of his things already packed.

“You bet I am Mama Bon Bon!” Nightwing said with excitement. “Come on, the air bus will be here soon!” Nightwing grabbed his bag and rushed out of the door.

As Nightwing waited outside with Lyra and Bon Bon for the air bus, Lyra could not stop crying. “My little colt is growing up so fast! He is already stepping out into the world!”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes. “Lyra, Nightwing will only be away at flight camp for two weeks.”

Lyra continued to cry. “What will we do until then?”

“Well, we could finally have some adult time to ourselves.” Bon Bon said seductively as she traced her hoof across Lyra’s chest. This made Nightwing gag.

Soon the air bus arrived. The dirigible landed in front of the house and the door opened. Nightwing gave both Lyra and Bon Bon a big hug before grabbing his bag and boarding the bus. “Have fun sweetie! Don’t forget to write!” Lyra called out.

Nightwing found a seat on the air bus next to a griffin. “Excuse me, is this seat taken?” Nightwing asked.

“Not at all.” The griffin replied. He moved over and Nightwing sat next to him. The griffin then extended his talons towards Nightwing. “My name is Gill. What’s yours?”

Nightwing extended his hoof and shook Gill’s talons. “I’m Nightwing. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” The air bus took off and headed for flight camp.

Gill looked at Nightwing’s hat. “I couldn’t help but notice your Wonderbolts hat. Are you a big fan?”

“You bet I am! I have been ever since I was a foal. I’ve been to their shows, I’ve met them in their locker room, and I live in the same town as Rainbow Dash! She’s the one who gave me this hat and Soarin even signed it for me.”

“You sure are fortunate.” Gill said. “I’ve always dreamed of meeting the Wonderbolts, and one day I hope to join them.”

“That’s also my dream.” Said Nightwing. “Maybe we’ll end up joining the Wonderbolts together.”

Nightwing and Gill continued talking with one another until the air bus arrived at flight camp. As Nightwing stepped off of the bus, he felt a little nervous. He had flown since he was a foal, but he had never stepped on a cloud before. As he took his first steps, Nightwing found the cloud to be quite supportive. It felt like he was walking on a mattress.

All of the campers lined up as soon as they got off of the bus. They were greeted by the head counselor, a pegasus with white hair and a red mane and tail named Cyclone.

“Hello campers!” Cyclone said with a big smile on his face. “Welcome to junior speedsters flight camp! Over the next two weeks you will all be learning how to fly, control the weather, and pull off aerial maneuvers. And remember, your main goal is to have fun!”

Gill raised his talons. “When do we get to meet the Wonderbolts?” He asked.

“Excellent question!” Cyclone replied. “The Wonderbolts will be here at the end of camp to personally award you as junior speedsters.”

A second pegasus walked up next to Cyclone. She had blue hair and a white mane and tail. “Hello campers! My name is Tornado Twist, and I’ll be serving as one of your councillors.” Tornado Twist then picked up a sheet of paper. “Every pony on this list is with me in bunk #1.” Tornado twist then read off the names. “Nightwing, Gilgamesh,...”

Nightwing and Gill were both excited that they were in the same bunk together. As soon as Tornado Twist was done reading off the list all of the campers in bunk #1 lined up behind her. She then led the way to the bunk. Once inside the bunk Nightwing and Gill both chose beds that were right next to each other.

Gill instantly began jumping up and down on the bed. “Oh boy! I can’t believe that we get to meet the Wonderbolts!”

“You’ll love meeting them.” Nightwing said. “Soarin is the best! He’s been my favorite ever since I was a foal.”

“I hope I get to meet Rainbow Dash.” Gill said. “She’s the coolest!”

After unpacking their things, Tornado Twist had the campers line up outside of the bunk. “Alright campers, it’s time for your first flying test.” Tornado Twist then pointed to a pole that was floating on a cloud in the distance. “This is a time trial. Simply fly over to the pole and back here as fast as you can.”

Nightwing was up first. After flapping his wings a few times to warm them up Nightwing took off for the pole. He flew as fast as he could, his heart pounding in his chest. Nightwing reached the pole and then flew back.

“35 seconds. Very good Nightwing!” Tornado Twist said. The other campers had their turns until it was Gill’s. He took off like a rocket, reaching the pole and coming back in no time. “30 seconds. That gives you the fastest time Gilgamesh! Nightwing, you have the 2nd best time.”

Nightwing walked over to Gill. “Congratulations! You were able to beat my time.”

“Thanks.” Gill replied. “What do you say we have a friendly little competition?”

“Go on.” Nightwing said with an intrigued look on his face.

“Whoever has the best score at the end of the day gets the loser's dessert at dinner.”

Nightwing smiled. “Deal.” He and Gill then shook on it.

Tornado Twist then led the campers to the next trial. Before them were a series of poles lined up in a row. “This campers is the solom trial. The goal is to fly in between the poles without touching them.” Tornado Twist explained. “Who wants to go first?”

Nightwing raised his hoof. “I do!”

Tornado Twist stepped aside and Nightwing took off. He flew fast yet carefully through the solom, making sure not to touch the poles. Nightwing finished the course and Tornado Twist applauded him. “Good job Nightwing! You finished the course without touching a single pole.”

The other campers took their turns. Some did better than others. After the final camper completed the solom, Tornado Twist announced the results. “Alright campers, the results are in. Nightwing comes in 1st without touching a single pole. Gilgamesh comes in 2nd, having touched one pole.”

Nightwing turned to Gill. “It looks like we are even.”

“Ah, but the day is still young.” Gill replied.

The campers competed in several more events, including flying through hoops and retrieving flags hidden in the clouds. Nightwing and Gill met up after competing in all of the events to tally up their scores.

“It appears that we are still tied at two wins apiece.” Nightwing said.

Gill placed his talons on Nightwing’s shoulder. “Tell you what. How about we split the dessert? I hear that we’re having cheesecake tonight.”

Nightwing smiled. “I’d like that.”

Over the next two weeks Nightwing had a great time at flight camp. He and the other campers played games, competed in various competitions, and much more. When the final day of camp rolled around Cyclone gathered up all of the campers for a big announcement.

“Alright campers, I have a big announcement for you all! Today there is going to be a big race involving all of you campers! And as a special bonus, the Wonderbolts will be giving out the medals to the top three winners of the race!”

All of the campers lined up on the starting line. Cyclone waved the starting flag and they all took off at full speed. Nightwing flapped his wings as hard and fast as he could. He was determined to win. The race course took the campers around the entire camp.

Soon Nightwing could see the finish line. He was filled with joy at the thought of winning. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye Nightwing could see Gill catching up to him. Nightwing tried to fly faster, but his body was at its limit. He could only watch as Gill flew past him and crossed the finish line.

Nightwing came in 2nd. After the race, Nightwing approached Gill and extended his hoof. “Congratulations on winning the race. You deserve it.”

Gill shook Nightwing’s hoof. “Thank you. You did a great job in the race as well. I’m glad that we both finished in the top 2.”

Nightwing and Gill both took their places on the podium. Rainbow Dash flew up to Gill and placed a gold medal around his neck. “Congratulations on winning the race. You showed some real grit out there.” Rainbow Dash said.

Gill’s eyes went wide with excitement. “Thank you so very much! I am a huge fan of yours Rainbow Dash! It is such an honor to meet you!”

Rainbow Dash smiled and ruffled the feathers on Gill’s head. “Keep up the hard work and one day you’ll be a Wonderbolt too.”

Soarin approached Nightwing and placed a silver medal around his neck. “I saw what you did with Gill after he won. You showed true sportsmanship out there.”

“Thank you.” Nightwing replied. “I’m just glad that my friend won.”

“That’s exactly the type of attitude that makes for a great Wonderbolt. Keep it up and you’ll be one in no time.”

Nightwing and Gill looked down at their medals. They were both happy that they had received such praise from their idols.

When Nightwing arrived home, he proudly showed off his silver medal and repeated to Lyra and Bon Bon what Soarin had said to him. Lyra and Bon Bon both hugged their son, whom they were very proud of.