Flying With the Dusty Bolts

Chapters

The Bad Day
The Last Flight
Momento Mori
Broken Wings Fly On
Digressions and Anecdotes of Two Old Pegasi on a Porch
Dusty Apples
Funerals and Frustrations
The Ugly Truth
War Stories
Wrong Side of the Tracks
Dreams and Premonitions
Thunderheads on the Horizon
Riding Cutie Mark Deep
Visibility Unlimited
Flying in the Red
Recovery and Regret
A Town Hollineigh
Polished
Bucking New Ponies
Down in a Blaze of Glory
Into the Sunset

The Bad Day

“Well, that doesn’t look good at all.” Mirage said, looking down from the Phoenix Nest Mesa, scowling through a set of binoculars at a sandstorm barreling down on Appaloosa.

“Yeah, it’s an inside slider; those are the most unpredictable.” Tumble Weed observed grimly, squinting in the glaring sun,

“Well time to get to work.” Filly the Kid said, shaking the dust out of her mane, trotting in place, and stretching out her wings warming up for another sandstorm drive.

“Right so here’s the plan: Kid, Silver Lining, Crazy Wing, and Sand Blast you all hit it from this side. Tumble Weed and I will steer it from the front. We’ll drive it through the orchards, Brayburn may not like it, but that’s what he gets for building a town in a canyon that only has one offshoot to channel all the weather through.” Mirage said as he pulled his goggles down,

“I don’t have a good feeling about this one, boss. Remember how close we came to being flung into the canyon walls last time we did this? This storm looks exactly the same as the last one.” Crazy Wing said watching the sandstorm swirl irregularly “

Tumble Weed glanced over at Crazy Wing in surprise; Crazy Wing never got nervous. What did it mean for the rest of the Dusty Bolts if Crazy Wing had second thoughts about the sandstorm drive? That was a bad sign, “The circumstances were different. If Filly the Kid hadn’t decided to dive headlong into that storm, none of that would have happened.” Tumble Weed stated, attempting to settle the mood he felt falling on the team.

“Hey, you can’t argue with results! That storm was going to hit Appaloosa if everypony was just going to sit around!” Kid shouted defending herself,

“What we really need are more team members. I mean seven pegasi for the entire Appleoosan basin? I thought Celestia’s offer of 100 cubic acres of sky to any pegasi willing to work the weather in Appaloosa would have brought more support from other weather pegasi.” Sand Blast tiredly said with dark rings under his eyes after his night of weather watch.

“Well it’s not our choice, ponies depend on us. We can’t have everything we want like the Wonder Bolts; we’re on our own out here.” Mirage said voice saturated with cynicism, what Sand Blast had said was true, but it didn’t change the facts. The whole situation was all bucked up; he should have never pulled Sand Blast for this drive, but he couldn’t do it without him.

“Ciders on me when we finish this job.” Silver Lining bubbled in her regular cheerful voice, breaking the downward spiral of the conversation in the way only she could.

“Buck yeah!” Crazy Wing hollered launching himself into the air, brown eyes gleaming and a mile wide smile plastered on his face.

Following his lead the rest of the team fell in on their bravest stunt flier shouting and hollering like lunatics, that was just the way they did business, throwing caution to the wind they flung themselves at the sandstorm in equal lunacy. This was their three hundred fiftieth sandstorm since the groundbreaking of Appleoosa; the townsponies watched them blazing down the face of the mesa and pass over Mane Street in flawless formation. They didn’t need smoke the dust had permanently embedded itself in their manes, ponies always knew when they were coming from their dust trails.

The townsponies flung their hats in the air and hollered back at the Dusty Bolts, “Yippie kai yay! Gwan get em’ colts!”

Little did they know the horrible feeling of apprehension the Dusty Bolts couldn’t shake about this dust drive, how could they? The Dusty Bolts were their heroes, larger than life and proud citizens of Appaloosa, their neighbors. They could handle anything, this was business as usual as far as they knew.

The sandstorm was three miles out and closing fast, they had to channel it down the Apple Chute as they called it which was half a mile out of town which didn’t leave much leeway for mistakes, not only that but they had to channel the storm as best as they could through the Bison stampeding path down the center of the orchards to prevent damage to the crops.

After three hundred fifty drives they had developed a system that worked reasonably well. It was the same system as any other weather team in any other town of Equestria but it required more work from them for lack of Pegasus.

The sandstorm filled their field of vision as they hurtled toward it then they hit the turbulence with the roar of the wind in their ears Mirage gave the hoof signal for his Dusties to fall in a column, Mirage and Tumble Weed in front with Crazy Wing, Kid, and Silver Lining stacked up behind Sand Blast drafting behind the rock steady tank of a Pegasus.

Once they were close enough to the sandstorm Mirage gave the hoof signal for Sand Blast's team to break off, but they already had, at this point it was like the Dusty Bolts could think for each other. Sand Blast threw his shoulder at the side of the storm while the others flipped over using their momentum to carry their back hooves in for a square buck at the sandstorm.

Mirage and Tumble Weed had the most dangerous job of steering the sandstorm, and the best place to steer a sandstorm is from the front. The trick was to slow the sandstorm down enough to control it without accidentally pushing too hard and falling into it, so getting in front of the storm they flipped around and reared back with wings outspread forming a sort of pegasus wind wall. It felt like being strapped to the front of a freight train but eventually the sandstorm slowed down enough for them to begin to lean forward while holding the storm back with their rear legs and steer it in the direction of the stampeding path down the orchard canyon.

The unruly sandstorm shifted its course cleanly onto the stampeding path straight down the center of the orchard and away from Appaloosa. So far so good, in fact it was a text book drive.

Then it happened a tendril of the sandstorm reached out as if with a mind of it's own and flipped Tumble Weed head over hooves into the swirling mass, Mirage lost sight of him.

What to do, if he left his position he could endanger the lives of the ponies on the side by allowing the storm to drift their way from lack of pressure pushing them into the orchard but if he didn’t go Tumble Weed would be at the mercy of the sandstorm. It was out of his hooves now, he couldn’t sacrifice the lives of his team for one no matter how much he felt called to fly in after Tumble Weed. He had to trust in Tumble Weed’s flying ability.

On the other side of the storm the rest of the team were bludgeoning their bodies into the storm to keep it in check. Squinting through the dust Crazy Wing saw Tumble Weed flailing in the storm, without a second thought he careened in after him.

The last thought that crossed Crazy Wing’s mind before his vision filled with sand was, “I'm not going to survive this time.” Not only couldn’t he see but he couldn’t breathe, the sand forced its way up his nostrils and into his throat, he pulled his Dusty Bolt bandanna up to clear the air.

Just then he realized he was passing dangerously close to the orchard tree tops and upside down.

Fortunately he didn’t have to fly in search of Tumble Weed, the lanky pegasus crashed straight into him. Steadying himself with all the strength he had Crazy Wing flew Tumble Weed hoof over shoulder to the edge of the storm. Tumble Weed broke out of the storm just as Crazy Wings muscles failed him and he sunk back into the sandstorm.

He had seen this before, so he wasn’t afraid. Why wasn’t he afraid? Crazy Wing felt a tap on his head and suddenly the skies cleared to the brightest blue he had seen. He whirled around to see who had tapped him and there stood his brother Meteor who had been killed in the Pony, Griffon war. “It’s so good to see you I knew you’d turn out alright and you did.”

Outside the sandstorm the entire team heard the sickening crunch of pegasus against tree, although they couldn't see it they knew that Crazy Wing had bit the dust. Sand Blast made a dive to get him but Tumble Weed held him back, "Let me go, I've got to go get him!"

"You go in there now you'll wind up no better than him, we have to finish this drive and come back for him!"

Putting their feelings aside the team drove the sandstorm down the stampeding path and out into the San Palomino plains and Bison country. Then turning back as quickly as they could they spread out in a row and scanned the orchards for Crazy Wing. Silver Lining was the first to reach Crazy Wing’s broken body eyes wide and hooves over her mouth in shock as tears began to form. “Dear Celestia why him!?”

Mirage plummeted down next to her, “Keep it together Silver, look he’s still breathing where is the nearest medical professional?” Mirage asked Tumble Weed who pulled up in a cloud of dust.

“There's the Appleoosan Pharmacy but Apothecary won't be able to do anything for Crazy Wing, the closest clinic is on the outskirts of the Everfree Forest and Ponyville two hundred miles away, he’ll never make it, and the Doc there won’t be ready for this kind of trauma.” Tumble Weed said staring in horror at Crazy Wing.

“Well she better get ready she’s the only pony we have to look after Crazy Wing.”

“Buckin Wonder Bolts get their own team physician and our friend is dying because no doctor ponies want to rough it out here.” Filly the Kid complained coming in for a slow landing,

“Shut up just shut up!” Sand Blast screamed tackling Filly the Kid “I can't take it anymore I don't want to hear about what the Wonder Bolts have that we don't! Crazy Wing is dying AND YOU’RE NOT HELPING!”

The color drained from Kid’s face as she looked up at Sand Blast with grief stricken eyes, “I know… I’m sorry.”

“Take it easy Sand Blast.” Tumble Weed said putting a hoof on his shoulder. “You should go get some rest, you’ll feel better.”

“Rest, just how hard did you try to save Crazy Wing when you saw him falling back into the storm?” Sand Blast spat bitterly,

“Sand Blast you are way out of line! Go home and go to sleep now!” Mirage said throwing his hoof in Sand Blast’s face which was a full three hands higher than his.

“Yes boss.” Sand Blast growled glaring knives at Tumble Weed and staring down Mirage as he left.

“We’ve got to get Crazy Wing to that clinic.” Mirage said as Sand Blast left,

“I’ll do it, I’ll take him.” Silver Lining said wiping the tears from her eyes and setting her face in a scowl of resolve.

Mirage had never seen her like this before, then again they hadn't lost any pony before. “Are you sure Silver? Crazy Wing is a heavy pegasus and two hundred miles is a long flight without carrying any pony.” Mirage asked just as worried about her as he was about Crazy Wing,

“Let me do this.” Was all she said staring at something a thousand yards past him,

“Alright, we're coming with you.” Mirage said as he and Tumble Weed gently lifted Crazy Wing onto her shoulders where he flopped limply. Silver's knees shook but didn't buckle, “You let us know when you need us to take over for you.”

“Yes boss.” Silver said beginning to trot gaining speed for her take off. Flapping her wings with steady effort her hooves lifted off the ground. At first her flank lifted up over her head, but then she adjusted and set herself against Crazy Wing's weight.

The team formed up on her as they flew North West for Ponyville. It was a grim and silent flight, the only noise was Silver Lining's panting, but she never gave up.

The Dusty Bolts left Appaloosa early in the afternoon and flew into Ponyville well after nightfall, but with a full moon the landscape was as clear as day. Silver Lining came in for her landing but her legs and wings collapsed and she skidded into the farmyard around the clinic.

Mirage and Tumbleweed quickly picked up Crazy Wing and carried him over to the door pounding the arrival of their injured friend. A yellow mare with long pink hair and sad eyes answered the door,

“Oh my…” she exclaimed quietly as Mirage and Tumble Weed carried him in to a table and explained the situation, it didn’t sound good. “Well you see I’m not actually a certified nurse or a doctor but I’ll do what I can.”

Silver Lining lay panting where she had landed, the rest of the team stood around waiting anxiously. Mirage and Tumble Weed came out once they were sure Crazy Wing was in good hooves, “Well team it was a rough day today, I know you all want to stay with Crazy Wing and make sure he's alright but we've done all we can for him, worrying about it won't change that. If we stay with him now we'll just be in the way, besides we're running on fumes as it is. We just need to calm down, so Silver I know you said the cider would be on you but you’ve done enough for today the ciders on me, that’s an order.”

“Yes boss.” She replied still catching her breath, just as the team was about to leave a shadow fell across the moon and Sand Blast came in for a landing.

“I thought I told you to get some rest.” Mirage said winding up to rip Sand Blast a new cutie mark,

“I know boss, but I couldn’t sleep not knowing what was happening with Crazy Wing, and after I cooled down I thought about what you said and you were right. It wasn’t any ponies fault it was just a bad storm that’s all.”

Mirage patted him on the shoulder, “Alright big dog, well Crazy Wing is as safe as he can be for now. We were going to Sweet Apple Acres to get some cider and kick back.”

“Will they be open at this time of night?” Filly the Kid asked skeptically,

“Don’t worry, me and Applejack go way back.”

“Heh heh that rhymed.” Silver Lining chuckled putting her usual smile back on.

The Dusty Bolts made their way to their favorite watering hole in Ponyville, like Filly the Kid had said the farm house was dark and quiet as they walked up. Mirage knocked on the door and there was movement inside, Applejack answered the door, her hair was a mess and her hat hung crazily off to one side as she looked at them through barely open eyes. “Merahge what in tarnation ya doin’ here at this hour?”

“I’m really sorry Applejack, but you know I wouldn’t bother you unless it was important, we’ve got some bad news.” Mirage explained apologetically,

“Mah house is yer house pardner, come on in and tell me bout it.” The Dusty Bolts filed in to the kitchen and Applejack put out the cider tumblers. It went without saying that the Dusty Bolts would be spending the night, they didn't have anywhere else to go this late at night. Besides it wouldn't be neighborly to turn them away especially when they looked like Tartarus.

Applebloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith came down to see what the commotion was about.

“What’s goin’ on sis? Who are these ponies?” Applebloom asked rubbing her eyes,

“Applebloom these here are the Dusty Bolts fahnest flahrs on the frontier.” Applejack bragged pouring the team cider and cutting up a leftover pie.

“I think you mean the finest fliers in Equestria.” Filly the Kid said,

“Hey Kid have something on your withers there.” Silver Lining said mischievously,

“What where? I don’t see anything.” Kid said turning around trying to find what was on her withers.

“Don’t worry I got it.” Silver said brushing her wing over Kid’s withers and holding an apple chip in her hoof, “You had a chip on your withers.” She said tossing the chip in her mouth. Big Macintosh and Sand Blast fell over with house shaking laughter Granny Smith laughed so hard her dentures fell out, Mirage and Applejack pounded on, the table hardly able to breath.

It wasn't that the joke was that funny it was just a distraction from the obvious fact that they might loose a dear friend that night and none of them wanted to think about that, so they enjoyed the laugh while they could.

As every pony calmed down and brushed the tears from their eyes, Applebloom looked around in bewilderment and said, “Ah don’t get it.” Which put every pony in hysterics once again,

“Don’t worry bout it sugar cube.” Applejack chuckled, then responding to Filly the Kid she said, “Ah wouldn’t say best flahers in Equestria, the best flaher is Rainbow Dash from raght here in Ponyville.”

Not wanting to back down Kid stuck to her claim, “Well he can’t be that good, I’ve never heard of him.”

Mirage gave Applejack a knowing glance, “Kid why is your mouth always faster than your wings? Rainbow Dash is not a colt she’s a mare, and she has twenty percent more speed and skill than you will ever have. If you actually wanted to be a good flier you’d take all the effort you put into running your mouth into training.”

Kid’s face turned as red as Big Macintosh as she turned around and left her cider and pie on the table.

“I’ll take care of her boss.” Silver Lining said picking up her and Kids cider and following her out to the back porch.

Moving out into the cool night air the moon was just beginning to set and it was brighter than ever, Silver took a seat and watched Kid trot back and forth getting angrier and angrier with each pace.

“I don’t know why every pony puts me down like that all the time, I work just as hard as any other pony on the team, it seems like I can’t say or do anything right! First Sand Blast then you and then Mirage! WHAT THE BUCK!?” Silver Lining just continued to watch her, “What does every pony want from me? Do they want me to work harder? Do they want me to be a better flier? Do they want me to shut my mouth? I try so hard!”

“We know, we can see it.” Silver Lining finally responded, “Honestly for a filly you really try too hard. Most fillies your age don’t have half the responsibility or guts that you do. Ever since your parents,”

“Don’t you talk about my parents!” Kid cut Silver off, “I may not know what it takes to be a good weather Pegasus but you will never know what it’s like losing your parents as a filly!” Filly the Kid paced for a little more then started choking up, “I don’t know what to do, I really don’t know what to do. I never even knew them.” She said throwing her arms around Silver sobbing.

“I think we should get some rest, it’s been a bad day for all of us.” Silver said returning Kid’s hug, “Things will seem better in the morning.” As Silver and Kid headed back in the others had already finished their cider and pie and for lack of sleeping arrangements crashed on some blankets on the living room floor. But there were voices coming from the porch swing out front,

“It really is good ta see ya agin Merahge, Ah jus wish ye were here under better circumstances.” Looking through the front window Silver and Kid saw Mirage and Applejack silhouetted against the moon on the porch swing, Applejack leaned back into Mirage and Mirage with his wing around Applejack just watching the moon go down.

After a while Mirage said, “Yeah, me too.” Kid opened her mouth to say something but Silver covered it with her hoof and shook her head. They left Mirage and Applejack alone and went to bed.

The Last Flight

Of course every pony woke up late the next morning, their nerves had settled from the trauma of the day before and things felt more like they should.

“We can’t say thank you enough for your hospitality Applejack.” Mirage said gratefully,

“Ahh, don’t mention it.” Applejack said smiling and pulling her hat down to hide an obvious blush,

“Well we’d better head over to the clinic and see how Crazy Wing is doing.” Mirage said turning to leave,

“Hold it raght there young colt!” Granny Smith said with a grin on her face, “Don’t ye have somethin ta say ta mah grand filly?”

“Granny!” Applejack shouted defensively,

“Alright, alright, well this was supposed to be a surprise but,” Mirage knelt down and took Applejack by the hoof looking into her eyes he plucked a primary from his wing and offered it to Applejack, “Applejack will you marry me?”

Big Macintosh gave his sister a playful shove as Tumble Weed and Sand Blast whistled and Silver Lining, Filly the Kid, and Applebloom all, “Awwwwwww.” Applejack’s eyes were as big as the apples in her orchards as she held her hoof to her mouth, “Ah, Ah, Ah uhhhh, of course!” She said throwing her hat over her shoulder and tackling Mirage in an embrace, Mirage swung her around into a dip and kissed her square on the muzzle.

“Ah never though ye’d ask.” Applejack said swooning,

“We’ll meet up with you at the clinic.” Tumble Weed said turning to leave,

“Alright, see you there.” Mirage said picking Applejack up and shooting off into the skies above Sweet Apple Acres, both ponies laughing like foals.

“I never would have guessed.” Kid said watching the pair loop and flip through the air,

“It’s good though.” Sand Blast said looking much better after a nights rest, “Mirage really is happy with her. It’ll help him get his mind off of Crazy Wing and looking after the team for a while.”

The Dusty Bolts left Sweet Apple Acres feeling better than they had ever been since they were established, and they took a pleasant trot to the clinic through the rustic outskirts of Ponyville.

As they approached the clinic they saw the passive yellow Pegasus flitting back and forth from her front door to her gate quietly but frantically talking to herself, she looked pale and her mane was a shambles,

“That’s not a good sign.” Tumble Weed observed, “We may have lost him.” He said looking back at the others,

“Don’t say that, not yet!” Sand Blast said fighting back a break down, then taking a deep breath regaining control, “Not until we hear it from her.”

As they slowly made their way to the frenzied yellow mare their anxiety grew with each step, then a dusty blur shot from the sky above them straight to her. It was Mirage, the Dusty Bolts went from a trot to a canter then a full on gallop as they saw the yellow Pegasus break down in front of their team leader.

Coming into earshot their fears were confirmed, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I did everything I could for him but he’s gone… He’s gone, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Mirage just stood there a look of disbelief on his face, as his team caught up to him, “No it’s not true, IT’S NOT TRUE!” Sand Blast shouted barreling for the door of the clinic, before any pony could stop him he was inside. The rest of the team followed him in and found him sobbing at the bed where Crazy Wing’s pale body lay peacefully.

The yellow Pegasus walked up and sat beside Sand Blast crying and repeating “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Sand Blast didn’t say anything he just hugged her and held her tight as they cried together, the rest of the team was just too shocked to react as they gazed on with hollow eyes and solemn faces.

The Dusty Bolts left the clinic much more slowly and gravely than when they had arrived, with Sand Blast carrying Crazy Wing’s body the rest of the team silently carried out the pegasi funeral procession ritual of gathering rain clouds to hide their tears and wash Crazy Wing for his final flight. Never before had a pegasi team moved in such reverent unison, before flying off Sand Blast turned back to the yellow Pegasus who he had learned was called Fluttershy, “I’m sorry you couldn’t save my friend, but it was his time to go, so please don’t let it bother you.” He said awkwardly looking down and drawing circles in the dirt with his hoof.

“Alright.” She replied in a voice that was hardly a squeak with tears still in her eyes. Sand Blast just stood there for a few moments staring at the ground then slowly turned around and spread his wings when, “Wait!” Had Fluttershy just shouted? “You’re always welcome back if you need anything.” Fluttershy said mimicking Sand Blast’s awkwardness,

“If anything we are in your debt for taking care of our wing mate.” Mirage said gratefully, “If you ever find yourself in Appaloosa you will always have a place to stay with us.”

“Ok.” Fluttershy said spinning around and galloping back to her house,

“Do you think she’ll be alright?” Tumble Weed asked concern written on his face,

“I don’t know.” Mirage said equally worried, “She’ll be alright.” Sand Blast said watching her go,

“She’s stronger than she looks.” Tumble Weed raised an eyebrow and Mirage looked over with an amused but understanding glance,

“As long as you’re sure she’ll be alright.”

“She’ll be fine.” Sand Blast said resolutely turning and taking off with a forceful thrust of his wings, after he was out of hearing distance Tumble Weed looked over at Mirage with a smirk, “He’s totally smitten.”

Mirage replied in a nickering chuckle, “Oh, no doubt, totally smitten.”

One thing about pegasi funeral processions, there is nothing as difficult and sobering as flying in a downpour bearing a deceased wing mate. It’s not the fact that it is nearly impossible to fly on saturated wings, it’s that the rain has a particular way of reminding you that you will never see that pony again. It is a pegasi tradition from before the establishment of Equestria, in the days of the tribes and the Windigos.

The flight South West over the plains and then the Appaloosan Desert was slow and ceremonial, each Dusty Bolt alone with their own thoughts, allowing them to come to grips with what had happened. Flying in over Appaloosa the rain turned the dusty streets into peanut butter and drenching the sun bleached buildings, you could almost hear the town give a contented sigh soaking in all the moisture it could get. With the distinct smell of wet sagebrush unlike anywhere else in Equestria, the Dusty Bolts knew they were home, coming in low and slow they landed on the boardwalk right in front of the undertaker's shop.

They were about to head in when they saw Brayburn galloping towards them through the clay that was forming on Main Street, “Hay Dusty Bolts! What happened ta y’all? Firs ye drive that daggom sandstorm through the orchards lahk Ah specifically told ya not ta, then we can’t find ye fer a day, then ye come back with this here unscheduled monsoon! What…”

Brayburn pulled up short taking in the scene as the Dusty Bolts turned to face him, pushing his hat back and rubbing his mane apologetically as he came closer to the team, “Ah’m powrful sahrry Merahge, it’s jus we didn’t know what had happened ta ya.”

Mirage just stared through Brayburn too shattered to speak, this was pegasi business any outside involvement was an affront to their warrior spirit.

Brayburn caught his drift and humbly offered, “Whatever ya need pardner jus name it, we’ll tear this town apart fer ya.”

This settled Mirages mood because he knew Brayburn meant it, “It shouldn’t come to that, but thank you Brayburn.”

Brayburn took his hat off and held it to his chest as the rain plastered his mane to his forehead, “Hay Marahge, Ah know ya probly hear this allot an Ah’m not tryin’ ta be cliché er nuthin’ but Ah’m proud te have ye as the Appaloosan weather team, all of ya.”

“Again thank you.”

The Dusty Bolts turned to enter the undertaker’s shop, in the rain the shop was dim and eerie with coffins and headstones set in columns and casting gloomy shadows across the store. The under taker Mr. Trench a former unicorn engineer in the Equestrian Royal Guard during the Pony Griffon War greeted them from the darkest corner towards the back where he was sleeping in a silk lined coffin, he yawned as he greeted them.

“Don’t mind me, I was visiting my old friends. What brings you here?” Then his eyes fell on Crazy Wing, “Why does the first death in Appaloosa have to be the best of us? He had his life ahead of him, arrogant Pegasus just had to play the hero all because of his warrior pride.” Mr. Trench lamented, as the Dusty Bolts watched the flashbacks play behind his eyes.

They didn’t blame Trench for his harsh appraisal, he had been where they were and it had broken him too. “Listen we will do whatever is necessary for a coffin we just don’t have the bits right now…”

“Buck your money,” Mr. Trench said cutting Mirage off, “The least I can do for all the times you’ve saved this two bit town is give your wing mate a proper burial.”

He said already taking Crazy Wing’s measurements, “We don’t want anything special, one of the plain cedar coffins will be fine.”

“No.” Mr. Trench said forcefully glaring at Mirage, “This is my shop and I set the bargains, I will make your friend a coffin fitting of his memory.”

Mirage just stood taken aback by Mr. Trench’s stubborn generosity. “We can’t thank you enough for this.”

Mr. Trench took Mirage’s hoof and shook it heartily, “Don’t mention it, just place him on the table and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Sand Blast took Crazy Wing over to the table as indicated by Mr. Trench, Mr. Trench had already gone over to his drafting board and was working out the measurements against the materials required. The materials at the top of the list were feather oak, cloud woven satin, silver, marble, and bronze. This made the team a little more than apprehensive to leave seeing the expenses that were disregarded on their account.

Mirage ushered his team back out to the street, and they circled around him to hear what would happen next. “Ok Dusties, this is the plan the past two days have been just bad all around, so unless there is a weather emergency we will only have the weather watch Pegasus on duty as set out in the schedule before we left, Tumble Weed that means you. The rest of you get out of here I’ll see you back in four days, any questions?”

Of course there were none, “Look out for each other and if you ever need anything you know my house is always open to all of you.”

After that the team broke for their houses in silence, Filly the Kid followed Silver Lining to her place, not wanting to be alone in her grief. After they were gone the only pony left was Tumble Weed who was watching the skies. That night with the exception of Tumble Weed they all slept, but not very well, Sand Blast kept playing the scene over in his head wondering if he had flown in to save his wing mate if he would still be with them. Mirage tossed and turned to nightmares of his team dying horrible, catastrophic deaths, Kid shared with Silver her sorrow at not only losing her parents but also a dear friend and wing mate.

In the process she also discovered that Silver Lining wasn’t as invulnerable as she first thought, Silver threw her wings around Kid and sobbed uncontrollably. “D-d-d-don’t tell the r-r-r-r-rest of the t-t-team about t-t-t-t-this, I t-t-t-t-try to s-s-s-s-st-stay st-t-strong for their s-s-sake.” Then Silver smiled weakly, “Is-s-sn’t it-t funny th-t-that I’m t-t-the w-w-w-one al-w-w-ways r-r-r-eassuring th-t-the t-t-t-t-eam and h-h-here I am f-f-falling ap-p-p-art in front-t of-f-f s-s-s-some p-p-p-pony who n-n-needs m-more r-r-r-reas-s-suring th-than me.”

This threw Silver into an even deeper fit of sobs, Kid didn’t have the slightest idea what to do, she wrapped her hooves around Silver in a daze and patted her mane saying, “It’s alright, it’ll be alright.” Silver was the closest thing Kid had to a Mother or a sister and seeing her like this made her regret having depended on Silver as much as she had.

In the perfect Equestria Kid wouldn’t have to worry about this, she’d still be in flight school, going back home and telling her parents about her day, as it was there was nothing she could do but give the team her best and meet them halfway. It made her feel so helpless and insecure, so she compensated by talking her fears away with confidence which usually got her in trouble. How was she supposed to be a decent pegasus anyways? She didn’t know, but feeling the responsibility she was given of comforting Silver Lining in her moment of need gave Kid a gut check.

Meanwhile Tumble Weed couldn’t get Sand Blast’s rant out of his head, “Rest, just how hard did you try to save Crazy Wing when you saw him falling back into the storm? How hard did you try to save Crazy Wing when you saw him falling back into the storm?” and then he saw Crazy Wing’s face the picture of perfect peace as he resigned himself to his death.

Tumble Weed put his face in his hoof, “Celestia have mercy.” It was going to be a long night. Tumble Weed told himself over and over, “The team depends on me, and they’d miss me as much as Crazy Wing if I left them.”

He found himself on the edge of Phoenix Nest Mesa the main weather watch look out. But it could be more than that; Tumble Weed looked over the edge at the sheer drop and solid boulders at the bottom, what a fitting way to end his misery, in the very place that it began.

Then he got ahold of himself and set his gaze on the horizon once again, maybe it was just him but the stars seemed to shine brighter tonight as if in honor of Crazy Wing. Luna’s grace certainly was with him tonight, how could Tumble Weed kill himself in the presence of such beauty? A single tear traced down his face, and then taking a deep breath he knew everything would be alright.

Author's Note

Author's note, So this part came along a little faster than I thought it would, still it was painful getting past the writer's blocks. More to follow I have an idea of where I want the story to go but still don't know how far I want to take it yet. Grammar yes, wastelands of paragraphs, miles of desolate words more disorienting than the badlands. Actually I've been slamming my face into the keyboard trying to get the format that people are looking for, does any pony have a template I could borrow? (Edit) So I understand it is more culturally accurate for a pegasus to offer a primary feather as a proposal.

Momento Mori

Dawn came, after the exhaustion and tsunamis of emotion from yesterday Mirage felt ready to take on the world. The sunlight slapped him in the face making him groan and pull his cloud cover over his head in a feeble attempt at irresponsibility. But he couldn’t bring himself to sleep in, discipline was in his bones and right now his bones felt like they had been pounded with tenderizers. The life of a Dusty Bolt it was hard but Mirage wouldn’t want it any other way, stretching the immovable soreness in his muscles he sighed.

How much more of this could he endure? Before long he’d wind up like Crazy Wing and he couldn’t do that to Applejack or his team. Thinking about Applejack made his stiffness bearable and he sat up on the edge of his bed with a longing sigh and a distant look.

What was he going to do now that he was engaged anyways? He was by no means second guessing himself, he had never been so sure that he had made the right decision, but his responsibility was with his team and her responsibility was with her family and her orchard. He would leave his team without a second thought if she asked him, but he couldn’t do that to Tumble Weed not now that the team was one pony shorter, he would have to find two replacements if he wanted to live his days happily on Sweet Apple Acres without downright abandoning the Dusty Bolts.

Applejack would wait he knew, she had waited while he got his life together before he proposed to her but now he had to seriously think about being a Pegasus she could depend on. He would cross that bridge when he came to it, just like when he proposed to her, things would sort themselves out, he just hoped it wouldn’t take too long.

In the meantime he would have to let his team know about the plans for the upcoming funeral; it was scheduled to be held two days after his Dusty Bolts returned from their sabbatical. Should he let them know right away? No, the last thing any of them wanted to see on their day off was their boss telling them about the upcoming schedule.

Well he had to get up but what was he going to do? He was off, it wouldn’t be too irresponsible of him to fly back to Sweet Apple Acres and be with his fiancé.

His mind was made up Silver Lining could take care of things while he was gone, if he remembered correctly it was her weather watch day today, and if not she could always look to Tumble Weed for help. Mirage owed it to himself this small favor, in the loss of his team mate he had to keep his head clear and no one set him straight like Applejack, not even Silver Lining. He would have to tell Tumble Weed before he left, just as a heads up.

Right now his team needed their space, Mirage realized it when he saw Sand Blast snap, Sand Blast was rock solid as a flier and when it came to level headedness, no pony was as cool hooved as Sand Blast. The stress was just too much and it could have gone very bad for his Dusty Bolts.

Mirage had an apple salad for breakfast, trotting out onto his porch the Appaloosan sun glaring in his eyes and the temperature already well above 90. It was going to be a beautiful if not sweltering day; Mirage stretched out and loosened up then as he looked out over the canyon lands of Appaloosa he saw Filly the Kid flying in the distance, so he took a seat and watched.

She was doing her favorite drills, touch and go’s. Starting by touching the ground with all four hooves, then as quickly as possible launching herself to around 7,000 ft. and diving straight down then repeating the whole process, it was a very demanding drill and Mirage was surprised to see Kid keep at it for half an hour before collapsing on a mesa.

He was proud to have such a skilled and passionate young Pegasus on his team; if she kept up her hard work she might even be as good as Rainbow Dash one day. She was the hardest worker on the team and threw herself at every job holding nothing back, he knew her trash talk was her reaction to her fears, but since she had lost her parents he viewed it as his responsibility to teach her how to be a good Pegasus.

Who was he kidding, the Dusty Bolts were the worst possible place to learn something like that; she’d turn out alright though he could see it. Whatever colt married her would be lucky to have a mare with her head on her shoulders. Mirage wondered if this was what being a father felt like, he’d think about that later, right now he just wanted to spend time with Applejack.

Without further thought he hurled himself off his cloud plantation porch and banked hard leveling off, feeling the blood rush to his head turning his sight red, then using the momentum from his dive and an extra push from his wings he shot up 500 ft. The blood that had just been pressing against his skull drained and his vision went from red to white as the skin on his face pressed to the sides giving him a comical grimace from the force of his ascent.

Throwing a couple rolls in for good measure he saw the ground spin violently below him in his peripheral, he climbed until he stalled then closed his wings plummeting head down eyes closed he counted, 1…2…3…4…5. Snapping his wings open he pulled up just in time to do a super speed strut with his own twist, he called it the Luna walk, Rainbow Dash had never seen this move before, strutting backwards while still moving forwards. Using a mesa as a ramp he hurdled back up to 1,000 ft.

Turning over on his back putting his fore hooves behind his head while crossing his rear hooves he flew backwards soaking in the glorious morning, nothing could beat the freedom of a Pegasus flying, nothing. When he pushed the limits of his flying it seemed as though he could leave his problems behind by sheer speed and skill, it was the same rush he got from being with Applejack, and he felt like he could truly be a better pony around her.

As he came up to Tumble Weed’s cloud cabin he hoped he could catch him before he passed out after being relieved by Silver Lining for the weather watch. All the shades were closed as he landed on the porch; there was a shout and the breaking of glass from inside as he walked up to the door.

Fearing the worst he pounded on the door and shouted, “Tumble Weed, you alright in there?” there was a pause, then the sound of staggering hoof steps, the door unlocked and flung inwards as Tumble Weed nearly fell out carrying a bottle of rainbow rum in his hoof.

Squinting in the glaring sunlight he swayed on his hooves struggling to recognize who had knocked on his door, “Ohhhh, bossssss it’s you.” Tumble Weed said with an embarrassed grin.

Mirage was dumbstruck he knew Tumble Weed was a drinker, but binging so soon after a tragedy like this was a recipe for disaster, “Shouldn’t you be getting your rest from last night?”

Tumble Weed looked down in shame, “Yeeeeaaaahhhh.” He slurred almost collapsing then mechanically bringing the bottle to his mouth.

Mirage held out his hoof and stopped him. “Get rid of that.” Mirage said throwing the bottle over his shoulder off the porch; Tumble Weed reached for it but didn’t complain.

Mirage held Tumble Weed up by his shoulder and took him up to his bed. “What are you doing Tumble Weed?”

Tumble Weed couldn’t look him in the eye, “I, uuuuuhhhh, Iiii don’t knowwww boss.”

Mirage’s instinct was screaming at him, “You weren’t thinking of killing yourself were you?”

As if on cue Mirage opened the door to Tumble Weed’s bedroom and came face to face with a noose hanging from the rafters, taking a deep breath and staying calm he put Tumble Weed in his bed, “There you go, you just need some rest.” Once Tumble Weed was comfortable Mirage took down the noose and cut it to pieces with a straight edge razor from the bathroom, then thinking about it he threw the razor out the window too. “Just go to sleep, that’s an order.”

Tumble Weed put his head down and closed his eyes, “Okayyyy bosssss.”

Mirage turned to leave, but before he stepped out the door, “WAIT BOSSS! Donnn’t leave, Iiiii diddddn’t waaaant youuuuuu to see thhhhissss.”

Mirage looked at him sternly, “You’re right I didn’t want to see this, honestly I expected better of you. Did you think that no pony on our team cared about you!? DID YOU THINK NO PONY WOULD MISS YOU!?”

Tumble Weed sobbed brokenly in the way only a drunk can completely shattered, “No I knnnnnew boooooss, Iiii jussssst…” he rolled over the side of the bed slamming to the floor and vomiting on Mirage’s hooves. Mirage once again turned his head and took a deep breath gathering his clarity, almost ignoring the puke he picked up Tumble Weed and embraced him.

His head reeled from the smell, but he shut it out as best he could, feeling the warm bile dribble down his back he shuddered and put Tumble Weed back in bed. Tumble Weed looked at him through teary and blurred eyes, “I’mmmm sorrrrry about thattttt boss.”

Mirage brushed himself off, “Don’t worry about it, it happens, do you feel better?”

“Nawww, Iiii feeeel horrrribbbble.” Tumble Weed said turning unnaturally pale, Mirage frantically looked around for something anything, dumping out a vase of flowers from Silver Lining he held it to Tumble Weed’s gaping maw, “Heeeeaaaaavvvvvveeeee.”

Giving a reproving smirk asked, “I bet you’re not going to do this again are you?”

Tumble Weed wiped his hoof across his mouth, “No boss.”

Mirage was about to leave again when Tumble Weed once again stopped him, “Heyyyy boooss, thannnnnk youuuu, yourrrrre a sssssswellll pegass, Pegasus.”

Finally Tumble Weed laid back and closed his eyes, without turning around Mirage answered him, “Sleep well Tumble Weed.”

Walking out onto the porch Mirage felt like he was about to explode and he did, with a primal scream from the core of his being and flailing like a pony possessed he bucked away from Tumble Weed’s house in a fit of pure rage. He needed to break something right now; he needed to feel it crushed beneath his hooves, his sight turned red again but it wasn’t from gravitational force this time.

He dove for Back Breaker Canyon, diving under arches, shooting through crevasses, and threading the needles of the harrowing canyon. He found himself flying through a cactus plowing it down as if it wasn’t there; he never felt the pain either, spitting the barbs from his lips as he gritted his teeth and flew faster he tasted blood and it only added to his fury.

Hurtling down an uncharted cave he careened past a group of roosting bats driving them to a frenzy from the force of his backdraft, but beyond the bats he felt a larger presence further in and charged toward it, he didn’t care who or what it was he was going to ruin it’s day.

Before he had time to think he felt he was in a large subterranean chamber black as pitch except for a pair of eyes that burned hatred at him. Fine with Mirage, he would put out that fire, he dove towards the body behind the eyes, almost before he could react a pillar of flame blazed in his direction and Mirage felt his feathers singe in the heat as he swerved out of harm’s way.

Then Mirage shifted from blind rage to cold, calculating, sadistic wrath. He smiled wickedly into the darkness, “It’s a dragon, I know a unicorn in Ponyville who would kill for some dragon heartstrings. Celestia forgive me for what I am about to do.”

Broken Wings Fly On

Silver Lining hummed to herself feeling the desert breeze in her hair taking in the panorama from her look out on Phoenix Nest Mesa, not a cloud in the sky or a dust devil on the horizon, it was a beautiful day. Even a tortoise sat down beside her to share the view, “Always good to have company.” Silver Lining half spoke half laughed, the tortoise looked up at her and smiled, “I wish I had some lettuce for you little guy, you must be really thirsty in this heat.” The tortoise just looked back to the horizon smiling, “I know, I’ll get you an apple from town, just wait right here.”

Humming even louder Silver Lining descended the mesa to the dusty streets of Appaloosa then something caught her eye, it was a black Pegasus that was dripping in some form of liquid and carrying what looked like wet ropes in his mouth. She looked closer, she recognized that flying but it couldn’t be, her heart skipped a beat and she rushed over to see none other than Mirage charred and dripping in blood, not his, what she thought were ropes at a closer look were some sort of meat. Fear almost choked the voice from her, but she managed to whisper, “Mirage what happened?”

Mirage stared a thousand yards through her and answered simply, “I killed a dragon, and I’m taking these heartstrings to Lyra.”

Silver Lining’s mouth dropped in horror, “Mirage, do you understand what you are saying to me right now?” He continued to stare through her, she had to get through to him, “What would Applejack think?”

His eyes cleared up and he looked at her as if he had woken up and couldn’t figure out where he was, “That reminds me, I wanted to go see Applejack today I was looking for you to let you know. Tumble Weed is inebriated so you’ll have to get Sand Blast if you need any help.”

Silver Lining’s eyes narrowed as she glared at Mirage, “You’re not going to Ponyville like that!”

Mirage looked down at himself as if he just noticed he was covered in dragon fluids, shrugging his wings he said, “Well I was going to clean up before I left.”

Silver Lining put her face in her hoof, “You aren’t hearing what I’m saying, you aren’t going to Ponyville in your frame of mind.”

Mirage looked back at her hurt, “Silver look at me, I’m the same Mirage you’ve always known; I just want to spend some time with Applejack to clear my head.”

Silver Lining studied Mirage skeptically, “I don’t know if I can trust you or not Mirage, will you make a deal to prove that you’re still sane and not completely off your rocker?”

“Of course.” he said smiling with the same smile that always gave her confidence everything would be alright, except now it looked more like a dragon’s smile, cunning and deceptive. No, it was probably just the blood he was covered in, he had to be the same Mirage she knew, what would the Dusty Bolts do without him? “At least wait until tomorrow before going to see Applejack.” Mirage’s face fell in honest disappointment, not anger, which was a good sign, “I was really looking forward to seeing her today.” He lamented, “But if you say I should wait then I will.”

Mirage turned to fly home, then turned back and asked, “Do you think I should give these to Lyra? I worked really hard to get them; it’d be a shame if they went to waste.”

Silver Lining felt her stomach turn as she struggled to hold down her breakfast and answered, “Do what you think is right, Mirage. That’s the only thing you can do now.”

Silver saw a light go on in Mirage’s head, “Yeah, I needed to tan these anyways.” He said turning and flying for home, Silver shuddered as Mirage flew away, unable to look away from the gruesome sight, “You really got in deep this time didn’t you boss?”

Mirage was torn inside Silver Lining had acted like she didn’t even know him. Not only that, it hurt him that Tumble Weed didn’t trust him enough to share his problems, maybe he hadn’t tried hard enough as the Dusty Bolts Captain. Was he too incompetent for command? Was he insane? He hoped not, then again slaying dragons for heartstrings wasn’t something your average Pegasus did daily.

So was he insane? Until it was legally certified he would presume not, after all he’d been through only Celestia could judge him. Looking back to his time before the Dusty Bolts he could hardly believe the change that had taken place, if any pony were referring to those standards then yes he was completely unrecognizable from what he had been. Killing a dragon changed that how? Should he feel remorse? Dragons were menaces, terrorizing ponies on their whim; if anything he had done Appaloosa a favor with his preemptive killing.

Still the better part of him, the part that he was sure Applejack had put there told him what he had done was wrong, and that he could not take it back. Why else would he feel the need to justify his actions? What have I done?

When he got home he washed the heartstrings and put them in a pot of oil to cure before stretching and drying them in the sun. What he had done may have been wrong but it would be even worse if he wasted his work by second guessing himself.

Stepping into the shower he turned the water on and sat down watching the blood swirl down the drain sizzling as the water came in contact with it. Bucking dragons, he wondered if what the stories said were true, that you could never truly wash the blood from guilty hooves, it sounded like an old mare’s tale to him. Yet the fact that he was thinking about it gave it credibility, he began scrubbing frantically, then he realized what he was doing, “Keep it together Mirage, remember your promise to Silver Lining and your responsibility to Applejack.”

He probably was insane, just a little bit, this made him chuckle to himself, how could a pony be a little bit insane? They were either insane or not, Mirage should see a counselor or a psychiatrist. There were things he could never admit to his Dusty Bolts and he had to tell them to some pony, and he sure as Tartarus didn’t want to put that burden on Applejack.

Mirage started crying softly, he didn’t know why; it had been such a beautiful morning, “Buck it all, Mr. Trench was right. Crazy Wing why did you have to leave us?” Then he really broke down, for the first time since Crazy Wing had died, away from his team, in the solitude of his home, Mirage allowed himself to be a pony. It had been a bad week hadn’t it? But it could only get better from here.

Silver Lining had brought the apple back for the tortoise badly shaken, she tried to stay calm and continue enjoying the morning but she couldn’t she began pacing the mesa’s edge. Mirage had been under a lot of stress lately and he had held it down better than she had, but pretending he was above feelings was just stupid, he probably just had a lapse of judgment.

Maybe she had depended on him too much; he just always seemed to have it together. But Mirage was right for wanting to see Applejack to clear his head, maybe he should have gone anyways, it would be no good if they lost their Captain on account of Mirage doing something he would regret.

She hated seeing the team like this, not just Mirage but the rest of them too, being a Dusty Bolt was hard enough without the self-destruction they were falling into after losing Crazy Wing. But she couldn’t hate them for it, she should do something, something to remind the team that life still went on and that you could still enjoy it even in the face of tragedy.

She hadn’t realized it but she had been flying as she thought, in fact she couldn’t remember the last time she had been this far up. It was absolutely frigid, but at least the wind wasn’t blowing, ice crystals began forming on her wings, sticking to her hair, and lashes as her breath came out in droplets that immediately froze. There was a lot of moisture up here but you wouldn’t be able to tell from below, it meant there would be rain coming soon.

Then it hit her, there was moisture up here but you couldn’t see it from below, so it had to be made visible for ponies to understand, just like the Dusty Bolts were loved and appreciated for all they did for Appaloosa, they just had to be shown. They didn’t call her Silver Lining for nothing, she got to work immediately making measurements and doing the math in her head, she had to get this just right. Rounding up the ice crystals in a ring she placed it directly between the sun and Appaloosa, lovely, now she had to fly down and check her work.

Flying down 100 ft and turning around she took out her Rainbow Bans sunglasses to see if her work had the effect that she wanted it to. There in front of her was the brightest most beautiful sun dog she had seen casting a perfect rainbow halo down on Appaloosa.

This called for a celebratory fly over; grabbing some more ice crystals she tied them around her neck like a cape. Out here they didn’t have a rainbow factory so the Dusty Bolts had to make their rainbows the old fashioned way; it gave her a sense of pride knowing she was using the same method her ancestors used.

“Awwww Yeeaaah.” Silver said lowering her sunglasses again, “I’m good.” Her get up would probably look ridiculous to the rest of the Dusty Bolts but she didn’t care they needed a bit of goofiness to brighten their day. She shut her wings and started falling earthward faster and faster as the grin on her face became bigger and bigger. Looking behind her the ice crystals were doing their job beautifully, she had a long rainbow trail, now she just had to get more speed.

Rainbow Dash had proven sonic rainbooms were possible, and she wasn’t some super Pegasus, she was just like the rest of them. Silver had to fall faster she started pumping her wings to speed her descent, a cone of air formed in front of her, she was so close, if only she could break through to the other side! Then she hit turbulence unlike any she had ever experienced before, it was as if the sky was telling her that her body was too frail to fly so fast. Not one to back down from a challenge she braced herself against the stubborn air, she came closer and closer to the tip of the cone. Then all of a sudden crack PWWWWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!

She broke through and her speed increased fivefold, using her hooves as well as her wings she angled herself for a pass over the town hall and Mane Street. “HI HO SILVER AWAY!” She whooped as the ground rushed up to meet her at a blistering pace, buzzing the town hall clock tower and shooting down Mane Street ponies faces flew past in a shocked blur.

It took less than half a second for her to fly through town, climbing as she left to dump her momentum she rolled like a maniac, and then spun a 180 straining her wings against her backwards momentum until she stalled. Then tilting one wing back and one wing forward she fell in a flat spin that made her head swim, leveling her wings and pulling out of the spin she flipped upside down for another pass down Mane Street.

Looking back she saw the expanding shockwave of her sonic rainboom and the rainbow trail still shining in the sun mixed with the dust trail left by her wing wash leaving the town ponies coughing and sputtering pulling up their bandanas and handkerchiefs, shaking their hooves at her but visibly smiling behind their masks.

Oh it never got old, the game between pegasi and earth ponies. She recalled the last time she had attended the Appaloosan Anniversary Dance, she had been so tired from her weather watch the night before that she fell asleep and Brayburn had stuffed apple slices into her goggles and put them over her eyes before waking her to ask for a dance. She giggled as she remembered the prank, apples in goggles, that was as original as they came.

Flying back down to Appaloosa after the rush of her sonic rainboom felt almost painfully slow, but flying down Mane Street with her rainbow cape and sunglasses so ponies could see who had just broken the sonic barrier was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “Hey every one, that was me, no big deal you know, just pulling off a sonic rainboom. Don’t know if you saw it or not ‘cause it’s right there.” It would have been even better if she could have said it with a straight face, but how could she? It felt like her smile would split her face in half, as the townsponies threw their hats down and kicked dust at her in playful aggravation.

“I know, I know,” She said blowing kisses to them, “try to contain yourselves gentlecolts.” Landing on the Clock Tower she put her fore hooves together and shook them over her head in triumph. “Thank you, thank you all!”

Meanwhile the rest of the Dusty Bolts gathered around to see what the commotion was about. “Silver, what’s all this?” Mirage asked looking much better than he had this morning and more like himself.

“It’s a little something I put together for you all.” She said pointing up to her sun dog and disappearing sonic rainboom, “You did all that for us?” Tumble Weed asked smelling as hung over as he looked, “Sure did, I wanted to remind you all how much you mean to me.”

Tumble Weed looked as if he was in pain but he smiled with the rest of the Dusty Bolts, “Wow thanks Silver,” Kid said eyes wide with amazement, “how hard was it to break through the sonic barrier?”

Silver Lining couldn’t help but smile at the look on Kid’s face “It was hard but this was something I wanted to do for you Dusties.” The moment couldn’t be more perfect and she engraved the picture to her memory, they sat there on the roof of town hall admiring the sun dog.

Even the earth ponies and unicorns who knew little of pegasus activities stopped from their work and gazed up at the masterpiece in the sky.

After a little while Sand Blast looked over at Silver Lining and said flatly, “Silver, you look ridiculous in those sunglasses and cape.” She started giggling, slowly at first, then the rest of the team joined in, until they were all rolling in side splitting laughter, not knowing why exactly other than it was just good to laugh again.

“He he he, no he he no lie though he he he he, you do look pretty ridiculous.” Kid said hyperventilating, “Hold up, I think she just said you look ridiculous.” Tumble Weed said joining in,

“I LOOK RIDICULOUS!” Silver Lining shouted throwing her hoof in the air, then the rest of the team joined her pumping their hooves in unison. “RIDICULOUS, RIDICULOUS, RIDICULOUS, RIDICULOUS!” They shouted just for the Tartarus of it, then picking up Silver Lining on their shoulders they flew down Mane Street shouting like foals, townsponies just laughed and shook their heads, “pegasi.”

Once the Dusty Bolts had worn themselves out on their shenanigans they once again broke for their homes, all thanking Silver profusely for her sun dog.

Mirage stayed a little longer though, “Silver, can I talk to you?” Silver knew what was coming, it was something she had tried to avoid but she knew she had to find closure, “About what happened this morning?”

“Yes, Silver I’m sorry you had to see that and I realize now that it was a horrible decision, I won’t even trouble you asking for forgiveness, what’s done is done. But can we leave it behind us?” Mirage implored humbly,

“You mean like denying it happened?”

“Yes.”

She looked straight into Mirage’s eyes, what was going on in his head? Should she be worried for her safety? Thinking carefully she answered, “Mirage I don’t think either of us will be able to forget what happened this morning, but I will take this secret to the grave if that’s what you mean.”

She offered her hoof to seal the agreement, “That’s all I could ask for.” Mirage said relieved shaking her hoof, then Silver pulled Mirage close and looking him straight in the eyes she said, “If you ever do anything like that again, I promise I will kill you.”

Mirage stared at her in shock, “Take it easy Silver, if it makes you feel better I promise not to do anything that reckless again.”

Silver had only meant the threat to make him think twice about pulling a stunt like that again and to see if he was serious about his promise, but she was a pony of her word. She hoped it would never come to that, it seemed as though Mirage read her thoughts, “You shouldn’t put a burden like that on yourself.” He said in a concerned tone, “But don’t worry I won’t break my promise. Deal?”

“Deal.” Silver said shaking hooves again. Why had she said that, that wasn’t like her at all, maybe she was just as crazy as Mirage. If that was true how much longer could she last as a Dusty Bolt? How much longer could any of them last?

Digressions and Anecdotes of Two Old Pegasi on a Porch

Tumble Weed sat on Sand Blast’s porch swing staring out over the vast Appaloosan canyon land, Sand Blast had gone in to get some cider for them. With the sun high in the sky it had to be over 100 degrees out and sweat formed in beads on Tumble Weeds forehead, Sand Blast came back out with the bottled cider which had already started to sweat.

“Hot one today.” Tumble Weed observed dryly as Sand Blast handed him his cider,

“Yep.” Sand Blast half grunted sitting down with cracking joints,

“Ahhh, that’s good.” Tumble Weed sighed taking a long swig,

“Yep.” Sand Blast replied holding the cold bottle to his face, Tumble Weed offered his bottle in cheers.

“Thanks for having me over.” The bottles clinked,

“Don’t mention it, figured it’s been to long since the last time we did this and I didn’t want you to think there were any hard feelings from what I said earlier.” That was exactly what Tumble Weed needed to hear and in that moment he was at peace with Crazy Wing’s death.

They looked back out over the desert with the perpetual squint that comes from the glaring reflection off the sand, miles and miles of beautiful desolate landscape with nothing but sagebrush and the occasional sand dunes. With no forests or cities to obscure their view of the sky they could see the horizon clearly in all directions and all the clear blue sky in between, but best of all had to be the mesas and canyons, painted in all colors of the rainbow down the different layers of the dirt that formed them. Nowhere in Equestria was there another place like this and there was no place that they both loved and hated as much as Appaloosa, especially at times like these.

“Hot one today.” Tumble Weed said still sticky with sweat,

“Yep.” The sun made it’s slow trek across the sky, leaving less and less shade on the porch.

Then they saw Filly the Kid drifting by on a higher cloud, it was her weather watch day and they could tell from the look on her face that she was bored fit to explode. She spotted something shining in the desert below her and she dived for it, it turned out to be a mirage and she crashed pell-mell into a sand dune.

“Recon that didn’t feel so good.” Tumble Weed just watched placidly,

“Yep.” They watched her roll around in the sand coating herself in it,

“Hey Sand Blast?” Tumble Weed said worriedly, “You think Kid’s spent a bit too much time in the sun?”

“Yep.” Tumble Weed sat back and watched as Kid grabbed some sagebrush and began sticking it in her mane.

“That’s too bad.”

“Yep.”

Kid looked up and spotted them on the porch, she waved and shouted, “Hey guys, look at me I’m a Minotaur!”

They gave a smile and waved back out of courtesy, “Hot one today.”

Sand Blast stared off into the horizon for a bit before he answered, “You know, my Pa used to tell me, ‘Son if you spit into the wind you could lose an eye.’”

This time it was Tumble Weed’s turn to say, “Yep.” Tumble Weed got up, “I’m gonna’ go get some more cider can I take your bottle and get you something?”

Sand Blast looked at him with a straight face and said, “Yeah you could get yourself a nice cool glass of shut the buck up.”

Tumble Weed was the first to start laughing but Sand Blast eventually cracked up, “Buck you.” Was all Tumble Weed could come up with as he headed for the fridge. Sand Blast put his hooves behind his head and rocked on the swing in complete tranquility, Tumble Weed came out and handed him another cider flopping down on the swing next to him,

“Hot one today.”

“Yep… Did I ever tell you bout’ the time that I had a plowing race with Big Mac?”

Tumble Weed had already heard it seven times since he had met Sand Blast and about three times before actually meeting him, “Sure didn’t tell me bout’ it.”

Sand Blast started the way all good stories start, “Shoot so there I was, cutie mark deep in Sweet Apple Acres clay which is about five times heavier than your average clay you understand.” Tumble Weed loved to hear the story because new details were added every time making the story better and better, it didn’t matter if it was true or not to him. An hour and a half later Sand Blast wrapped up with, “Well to make a long story short, I won on account of Big Mack hit the biggest bolder you ever did see.”

Tumble Weed looked at him with amused admiration, “Ain’t that somethin’?” They looked down to check on Kid who was stomping around the desert in her Minotaur get up chasing jack rabbits and growling at road runners.

Tumble Weed watched a tarantula crawl across the porch in fascination, “Hey Sand Blast, how do you figure that thing got up here?”

Sand Blast watched in equal fascination, “Beats the hay out of me.” The tarantula came to the end of the porch and turned around walking back the way it came, it repeated the process three times before Sand Blast said, “You recon we should put it out of its misery?”

Tumble Weed continued watching and replied, “Naw.”

Sand Blast watched it for a little longer before suggesting, “Do you think it wants some cider?”

Tumble Weed gave Sand Blast a road apple grin, “I never known any creature to turn down good cider, I guarantee that’s what he came here for.”

Sand Blast got up and walked over to the tarantula and up ended his bottle over it, at first it made a lunge at him and Sand Blast jumped back in alarm, “Oh road apples!” then the tarantula curled up and lay still.

Tumble Weed fell out of the swing laughing, “Ha ha ha ha ha look he he he was coming to get some more and ha ha ha there you have to go and drown him!”

“That would be the way to die.” Sand Blast said chuckling, once Tumble Weed calmed down he suggested,

“We should have a burial for the poor bugger.”

Sand Blast stood over the tarantula staring down at it, “Agreed.” Sand Blast reverently saluted the tarantula then grabbed a piece of his cloud cabin and patted it over the arachnid causing a miniature downpour, then gently picking it up he flew it down to the ledge of a mesa.

Digging out a three foot deep hole with his hooves was made a little easier by the ceremonial precipitation. Placing the tarantula into the grave he placed a layer of sand and then collected a hoof full of rocks and marked it with an Equestrian sun symbol which conveniently also looked like a spider.

Standing at the foot of the grave Tumble Weed gave the committal, “Heroic tarantula who braved the air for a sip of cider, we honor your memory with a drink.” So saying they poured the rest of their drinks over the grave and placed them as the headstones.

Looking up to the cabin Tumble Weed complained, “Now we have to fly all the way back up.”

Sand Blast kept staring at the grave, “Yep.”

Scanning the horizon Tumble Weed said, “I think I see a thermal we can use.” In less than five minutes they were back on Sand Blast’s porch sweating more than ever. The sun was low on the horizon and left no shade for them to hide in, coloring the skyline in a beautiful copper hue. Even though it was sweltering this was their favorite time of day, the sunsets in the deserts couldn’t be beat.

After a while Sand Blast looked over at Tumble Weed and said, “I’ve been thinking about asking Fluttershy out on a date.”

Tumble Weed looked back at him and replied, “I thought you might.”

Sand Blast looked down, unsure of what to say next, “Except I don’t know how it would work out with me being a Dusty Bolt and her taking care of all those animals.”

They both looked back at the sunset, “Well you should talk to Mirage about it, I don’t know what he has planned for him and Applejack but it’s going to be hard for them, but shoot I just wish I had somepony special to be with me.”

Sand Blast looked back and smirked at him, “It’s because your one ugly excuse for a pegasus.”

Tumble Weed punched Sand Blast in the forearm, “Stay awesome Sand Blast.” Tumble Weed got up as the last rays of sun sunk below the horizon, “I’ve got to get back but I had a good time, thanks for having me.”

Sand Blast gave Tumble Weed a hoof shake hug, and Tumble Weed flew off for his place. Sitting on his porch for a couple minuets Sand Blast said, “Hot one today.”

Dusty Apples

Mirage couldn’t contain his excitement he looped and rolled like a fresh graduate of flight school, “I’m going to Sweet Apple Acres, I’m going to Sweet Apple Acres!” He spelled it out in the sky with his dust trail, SWEET APPLE ACRES.

Then he realized, “Shoot, I’ve only got three days left after wasting that first day and I’ll be traveling most of today and the return flight so it’s more like two days. I’ll have to shorten the travel time.” Thus saying he tore off like a shot, he always enjoyed a challenge, what were the chances he could make it to Sweet Apple Acres before mid-morning while carrying Lyra’s dragon heartstrings in his saddlebag? As long as Applejack was waiting for him when he got there he would push himself as hard as possible to make it happen.

He was a foal, but a good looking foal; why else would a gorgeous earth pony like Applejack fall for a pegasus like him? He smiled putting on his Rainbow Bans laughing to himself, “Ridiculous.”

The miles flew by in a rush and he regretted his decision before he had reached his quarter flight mark, wheezing like a bellows he panted, "Buck me, flying is for the birds." Mirage reached the outskirts of Sweet Apple Acres two hours before lunch in a panting sweating wreck, landing in the orchard he started walking toward the farmhouse to catch his breath and dry off not wanting to make a scene.

He hadn’t taken five steps when he was ambushed from the side, his assailant had jumped onto his back and his sight filled with wheat golden hair accompanied by an ecstatic drawling voice and suddenly he didn’t care if Applejack saw him this way.

“Merahge ya came, Ah didn’t think ye’d be back so soon!”

Mirage felt like he was levitating a foot off the ground as his head swum, “How could I not make time for my bride to be?”

Applejack leaned down and put her face in front of his upside down with a coy smile, “Mmmmmhhhhmmmm.”

Mirage carried Applejack ponyback style back to the farmhouse, “How’r tha Dusty Bolts doin’?” She asked hugging him tighter, Mirage breathed deliberately,

“Honestly not good.” He hated talking to Applejack about his team but he knew he couldn’t and shouldn’t keep it from her, she cuddled closer to his ear and asked softly,

“And’ how’r you doin’?” Mirage bucked himself mentally, if only he could tell her, how could he tell her? Hey Applejack I killed a dragon? No, but he knew he had to one way or another; he fidgeted with the buckles on his saddle bags checking to make sure they were still closed.

“Well things are better now that I’m with you.”

She gave the same teasing, “Mmmmmhhhhmmmm.” When they got to the farmhouse Applejack hopped off Mirage and said, “Ya smell lahk Wahnona after a rain storm pardner, ye should go clean up.”

Applebloom came galloping out of the farmhouse, “Big brother Merage, big brother Merage!” She attached herself to his cannon with a vice like grip, Applejack blushed slightly,

“Woah there sugar cube, he ain’t yer brother jus yet.”

Granny Smith leaned out her bedroom window shaking her cane menacingly “Will ya’ll shut yer traps? Yer cuttin’ inta mah nap tahm!”

Applejack rolled her eyes, sighed, and shouted back, “Granny ya sleep most of tha day anyways, besahds we got ya them ear plugs fer a reason!”

Mirage winced as Granny Smith hurled her cane with lethal accuracy in Applejacks direction knocking off her hat. “Don’t ye git snippy with me yung filly, when yer mah age ya take advantage of all tha sleep ye can git.”

Applejack put her face in her hoof, “There’s just no talkin’ ta her.” Picking up her hat and dusting it off Applejack and Mirage made their way indoors with Applebloom still clinging like a leech to Mirage.

Mirage made his way to the bathroom, looking down at Applebloom he said, “Big brother Mirage has to scrub the desert out of his mane.”

Applebloom grimaced and replied, “Ah was wondrin’ what that smell was, Ah’m never movin’ to the desert now.” Applebloom said retreating to her room, Mirage chuckled to himself,

“That’s one way to get rid of a filly.”

The Apple family bathroom was nothing special, but one thing or another had prevented Mirage from having a proper bath or a shower for the last three months, even the shower he had taken yesterday was only to wash off the dragons blood, and to him this shower felt like a little piece of Paradise. He indulged and took his time, reveling in his lack of responsibility for anything, he stepped out of the tub feeling better than he had in a long time, his coat had lost its former dinginess of salt and dust that he had borne like a badge of honor.

If only his Dusties could see him now swaggering like a big city pegasus when they were still wallowing in their squalor, he shoved the thought back down, it had been too long, he owed himself this little favor and it wouldn’t help to beat himself over it.

Staring at his reflection he hardly recognized himself, the Dusty Bolts had made him hard, all the fat had been stripped from him leaving nothing but lean muscle. The scars of his accidents complimented it all with their pale jagged lines across his hide, but the biggest change had to be his eyes, he stared back at himself with a tired smoldering anger as if asking himself, “What the buck are you looking at?” This made him more irate, he shouldn’t be like this his mother Celestia rest her soul had raised him better.

Without even realizing it he had wound back to smash his reflection when there was a knock on the door behind him,

“Ya done in there pardner?” Big Mac asked, looking down at his hoof Mirage asked himself mentally, what am I doing?

“Yeah, I’m coming out.” He answered coming back to himself; he passed Big Mac awkwardly on his way out lost in his thoughts.

Initially he had relied on his anger to focus it and lead his Dusty Bolts with a tenacity few other pegasi could comprehend but now he was dependent on it. It was a problem to him now, and he couldn’t give up. Giving his team anything less than his best was out of the question, he had to be above scrutiny and now his hatred had lead him down a dark path he didn’t want to acknowledge. What could he look to if not his hatred to lead his team?

His reverie was broken when he almost walked into Applejack coming around a corner. “Well look who’s prettier than a fresh bottle of cider on a hot day.” Applejack said teasingly, as comfortable as Mirage was coming out from his bath he practically melted into Applejack.

Nuzzling her he felt her frayed and matted mane and joked, “Well one of us has to make an attempt at looking like we’ve seen a bathtub.”

Applejack gave an annoyed scowl, “An what’s that suppos’ta mean?”

Mirage looked back in mock ignorance, “What I’m saying is, we should spend some time combing your mane, I think you’d look that much better.”

Applejack blushed again, “Well normally Ah don’t spend tahm on trivial stuff lahk that, Rarity’s always tellin’ me ta take better care of mah looks, just this once maybe.”

They went to their favorite place of all the porch swing and settled in for a peaceful afternoon, Applejack rested her head on Mirage’s shoulder as he stroked her mane with her apple wood brush. They passed the hours just sitting there, as Mirage brushed the stringiness was slowly replaced with shimmering golden locks.

Applejack looked up at Mirage and said, “Ya wern’t completely honest when ya told me how ya were doin’ earlier.” Mirage should have known, Applejack was the embodiment of the element of honesty, there was no hiding it from her, he had to face the music.

He answered slowly picking his words carefully, “Applejack I’ve done something horrible and despicable.”

Applejack sat up interrupting the brush in half glide, “Well tell me bout’ it, it can’t be that bad.”

There was no easy way to put it so he laid his cards out on the table as they were, “I killed a dragon for its heartstrings in cold blood.”

Applejack didn’t look half as shocked as Silver Lining, then again he wasn’t covered in dragon guts, she gazed into his eyes with a steely glint in her emerald eyes as if weighing his words, while Mirage waited anxiously. “Hmmmm, well Ah don’t have much ta say ta that one, it seems ta me lahk ya realahze just how apallin’ what ye’ve done was. Sounds more lahk ya should let it go.”

Applejack leaned back and Mirage continued to brush, that wasn’t half as painfull as he thought it would be, and what Applejack had said was true, if he didn’t let it go it could impair his ability to lead more than the act of the killing itself.

But there was no denying he had an anger problem, what would he do if he lost control and hurt Applejack or his team?

Applejack as if feeling his thoughts snuggled deeper into his wings, “Don’t let it git ta ya too much sugar cube, ah believe in ya.” That was all Mirage needed to hear, he kissed her now silky mane and rested his chin on her head holding her close, giving a pensive sigh and putting the thoughts out of his head for Applejacks sake.

The next thing Mirage knew alarms were going off in his head, he didn’t know when he had fallen asleep but he jolted with a spook as Granny Smith shouted in his ear, “Supper’s ready git it whal it’s hot!”

Mirage’s vision was still blurry and he was sure one eye hadn’t opened completely yet, he looked down at his hooves. Applejack had left he looked back up at Granny Smith and drooling out of the side of his mouth he stated the meaning of the universe, “Huh?” Wiping his spittle with his hoof he spotted Applejack and Applebloom nickering over the edge of the porch. “Ok, kick me while I’m down.”

Applejack giggled behind her hooves tearing up from holding back her laughter, “Oh ya don’t have’ta worry bout’ that sugar cube, we took good care of ya.”

Applejack was a horrible bluffer Mirage already knew they had pulled some sort of prank, feeling his face and mane then scanning his body and seeing nothing he gave a playful glare at Applejack, “Alright, what did you do?”

Applejack wiped the tears from her eyes with her hat and put it back on her head saying, “Oh it wasn’t me, it was Big Mac here.”

She said pointing a hoof in her brothers direction, her brother rolled his eyes, “Yeah, thanks a lot sis.” He had a goofy beret and painter’s apron, with a paintbrush in his mouth, a palette in his hoof, and an easel with a linen canvas. There in oil paints and larger than life was Mirage’s sleeping countenance. A very fine piece of art for a country pony, Mirage looked the picture over and said,

“You realize I’m gonna’ get you back right?”

Applejack laughed again, “Heh heh, ye can trah sugar cube, but ye should be careful pullin’ a fast one on an Apple clan pony.” As she said this Big Mac stepped up to Mirage eclipsing his view of the sun, Mirage stared back coolly he was used to dealing with Sand Blast, he could take Big Mac. Big Mac was a big softie anyways, it was all a farce and he played right along.

Big Mac made a convincing squint and spat off the side of the porch hoofing his nose,

Granny Smith brandished the ladle she had used to wail on the triangle, “If ya’ll are done runnin’ yer gobs, ya better git ta tha table afore Ah eat it all. Ya wouldn’t want yer dear Granny ta die from combustin’ would ya? Move yer caboose!”

For the Apple Family all meals were sacred, everypony gathered at the table and there was always a lively conversation, but more than that there was enough food to feed the garrison at Canterlot Barracks.

The next few days passed in a blissful daze, the kind that only a love struck pony knows about.

Before Mirage left he took the heartstrings to Lyra, he wasn’t looking forward to the transaction at all. Lyra thanked him profusely for his risk in procuring them, “Celestia above how’d you get your hooves on these? Steel strings just don’t have the same depth of animal hide strings, it’s something ponies don’t like to acknowledge but how else do they think they can enjoy violins, drums, or pony pipes for crying out loud they’re made exclusively from sheep’s stomach, preferably a deceased one but never the less.”

Mirage felt the bile rise in his mouth, “Please don’t mention it; really, I’d rather not remember how I got them.”

But before Mirage knew it he was flying back to Appaloosa not at all looking forward to going back to weather duty, but as with all things his discipline took over and he slapped his bulging gut courtesy of the Apple family home cooking. “I’ve had enough of the easy life for now, it’s past time to get back to my Dusties.”

Funerals and Frustrations

The day of the funeral came bright, clear, and freezing to Appaloosa, the seasons had a twisted way of changing without warning even with the Dusty Bolt’s intervention. There was frost on the ground and rooftops as the Dusty Bolts huddled together for warmth around Crazy Wing’s gleaming, immaculate coffin on the steps of town hall, shivering with chattering teeth and foggy breath for the procession to the newly established graveyard and the committal.

They had polished their goggles to a gleam and they wore new black bandanas with the dust devil and lightning bolt insignia in honor of Crazy Wing. The cold added a particular stiffness and solemnity to their movements and a rosiness to their cheeks, each of them had come to accept the fact of Crazy Wings passing in their own way.

Mirage flew in from his meeting with Mayor Straight Shooter and his team gathered around to hear the final instructions, “Ok Dusties, here’s the plan, while we were off Mr. Trench worked his hooves to the bone, not only on the coffin there, but also surveying and staking claim to the Appaloosan cemetery, digging the grave, and constructing a beautiful memorial for Crazy Wing. I think you will like it, but let’s show Mr. Trench and more importantly Crazy Wing our gratitude by getting this ceremony right.”

Sand Blast complained through chattering teeth, “Boss, couldn’t we wait until it warmed up for this ceremony? Everypony else is going to be wrapped up in scarves and coats when all we have are our goggles and bandanas for our uniforms.”

“I’m freezing right along with you big dog but it is what it is, this is when we earn our bits. The schedules been set and some very special ponies will be visiting from out of town.”

Filly the Kid rolled her eyes and growled, “Oh joy, what did Crazy Wing mean to them?”

Mirage looked sadly to Kid and replied, “Crazy Wing’s life touched more ponies than you know, don’t demean their grief.”

“Any changes to the plan boss?” Tumble Weed asked with anxious anticipation,

“No, thankfully no changes to the ceremony. Of course that itself may change as the situation dictates, you know how these things are, ponies can’t make up their minds. We have Mayor Straight Shooter to thank for keeping the ceremony the way it is.” The team shared a grim satisfaction in that fact and breathed a small sigh of relief, “Any other questions or complaints?” If anypony had anything now it was already too late, but nopony did, good. “Alright, I’ve got to go get ready for my part of the ceremony.”

The entire team looked surprised and Mirage wondered how much Brayburn had told them as Sand Blast asked, “You aren’t flying with the procession boss?”

If all they had been told was their part in the ceremony then a pleasant surprise wouldn’t hurt them. “No I’ll be watching though, if nopony has anything else standby for the procession.”

With that Mirage flew off, “So much for leading from the front, what a schmoozer.” Kid complained for the sake of complaining, none of the others said anything to stop her, they were too cold to care and they also knew she didn’t actually mean it. Either that or deep down they actually had the same feelings, they picked up the coffin and put it on their shoulders standing at rigid attention with Tumble Weed out front since he was the only pony who actually knew where they were going.

They knew the start time of the ceremony was still half an hour out, they just hoped it wasn’t any longer from unforeseen delays. The first ponies started showing up five minutes before the procession, and as Sand Blast had said they were wrapped snugly in their scarves and coats.

They each dug down into their personal happy place and tried to keep the menacing scowls from detracting any of the ceremony’s reverence.

“I really don’t want to be here.” Kid muttered out of the side of her mouth,

“Shut the buck up Kid.” Tumble Weed hissed a little too loudly,

“When does the procession start?” Sand Blast asked breaking his granite bearing just a twinge of nervousness in his voice,

“Mirage said we’d know when to step off.” Tumble Weed responded praying nopony had anything else to say. Out of the corners of his eyes Tumble Weed didn’t see anypony out of the regular, they were all Appaloosan townsponies, he shifted his weight ever so slightly to keep from passing out, if the wait was long for him it had to be even worse for the rest of the team but there was no resting now, too many ponies had gathered.

“Come on Mirage what’s the hold up?” he muttered echoing Kid’s feelings, the sun had risen enough that it was now warming their numb wings and hooves but it was still bitterly cold and with the sunrise came a biting breeze.

It was already an hour past when the procession was supposed to start, and Filly the Kid who practically had the coffin on her head began swaying dangerously on her hooves. Then cutting through the clear morning air and startling them all was the unmistakable sound of a pegasi horn and the crowd chatted quietly in anticipation.

Tumble Weed blinked purposefully coming back to the present and stiffly took his first pace of the procession with painfully locked joints. Behind him he heard the coffin bearers stumble before they found their footing as they descended the steps of town hall.

The crowd gave a small gasp then continued chatting with a critical tone of witnessing a heinous scandal, they could all go to Tartarus if they didn’t have the grace to overlook the stumble of a frozen pegasi.

“Buck.” Sand Blast grunted through clenched teeth catching Silver Lining as she dived face first for the steps while still holding the coffin, “Keep it frosty.” Tumble Weed murmured chuckling quietly to break the tension.

Once the Dusty Bolts had started they continued much more easily their hooves striking the frozen ground in complete unison, the rhythmic hoof falls were almost hypnotic even above the shuffling racket of the procession behind them. Tumble Weed moved mechanically like a piston, front left leg, right rear leg, front right leg, left rear leg. His measured pace was maybe a little too fast for a funeral procession but honestly he wanted to get on with the ceremony so he could go home and warm his frozen body, but not with liquor this time.

The march out of town to the cemetery seemed to take forever, but as they came in sight of it they could see why Mr. Trench had chosen the sight, It was a grassy knoll alongside a river bed bordered by cloudwood trees. Crazy Wing’s memorial was more than any of them could have expected, it gleamed dully in the sun a life size cast bronze statue of Crazy Wing on a polished marble altar, rearing back with wings outspread, wind in his mane, and the goofiest smile on his face that they all recognized. Mr. Trench had truly outdone himself.

Placing the coffin as gently as they could on the stand next to the grave was more like a hasty but dignified fall from their dead shoulders. Facing the coffin in unison, Tumble Weed raised the front half for the committal and the team saluted, then marched to their position at the side of the orators podium.

Mirage flew in to join them falling in at the head of his team, first to speak was Mayor Straight Shooter, “Fillies and Gentlecolts, I want to keep this short in consideration of our Dusty Bolts, what they have to say is more important anyways. In my time as mayor I have come to depend on the Dusty Bolts for the wellbeing of Appaloosa and our orchards, I remember when they first came to Appaloosa and I thought to myself, ‘This town is doomed.’ If you had seen the Dusty Bolts back then you would not recognize them from the pegasi you see before you today, they put aside their differences and took the weather head on. I have seen them work themselves to deaths gate to keep Appaloosa a safe and thriving town. None more so than Crazy Wing, Appaloosa is less of a town after losing him, I know I’ll miss him, but I also know he’s flown on to clearer skies, and to our brave Dusty Bolts, thank you for all you do for Appaloosa.”

Without further pause the Mayor left the stage and made his way to his seat, next to speak was Brayburn stepping up to the podium he opened his mouth to speak when from the skies above there was the sudden blast of wing wash.

Everypony looked up to see the Wonder Bolts led by a sky blue pegasus mare with a rainbow mane and tail pulling a carriage alongside Fluttershy carrying Applejack, and another Apple family pony. She had curly rose colored hair bright caramel colored eyes a yellow coat and a black plaid bandana.

Out of the corner of his eye Mirage saw Tumble Weed break his bearing to stare at the new Apple mare completely captivated.

Spitfire apologized for the blunt entrance with the carelessness only a pegasus could display, “Heh, sorry everyone, we came as soon as we could, please continue.”

Mirage’s blood boiled, next to him he heard Sand Blast grinding his teeth like a rock crusher and Mirage had to fight the urge to turn to Sand Blast and shout, “Sick em’!”

Brayburn looked just as aggravated as the Dusty Bolts as he brushed the invisible dust off the shoulders of his jacket, popping his collar, lowering his hat, and clearing his throat deliberately he expressed just how Appaloosa welcomed such visitors. “Well Ah’l just wait fer ya’ll ta fahnd yer seats.”

The Wonder Bolts and Ponyville visitors slunk to the back everypony turning their heads hostilely watching them.

“Friendly crowd ain’t it coz?” asked the new Apple mare,

“Hush Apple Bumpkin.” Applejack hissed.

Once they were well settled Brayburn began again, “Thank ya’ll fer comin’ out an showin’ yer support fer our Dusty Bolts. Ah jus want ta say, tha Dusty Bolts and Ah never seen ah ta ah on a lot uh things. Ah wouldn’t pruhtend ta know what ya’ll do on a day ta day basis, but Ah know ya put yer lives on tha lahn for this town an for that mah hats off te ya an fer Crazy Wing wherever ya are pardner Ah got yer bits from that last game uh poker even if ya cheated.”

Mirage couldn’t be sure but he thought he saw the slightest glimmer of tears in Brayburn’s eyes as he put the bits on Crazy Wing’s chest.

After Brayburn it was Mirage’s turn to speak, walking up to the podium there was a cough from a young colt in the front row. He looked out at the crowd with panic written on his face obviously out of his element, as he began speaking his voice cracked nervously,

“Uhhh… thank you all for coming, I didn’t expect this much of a turn out after a freeze.”

The colt coughed again trying to clear his throat, a foal started crying in her mother’s hooves.

Mirage closed his eyes took a deep breath then began, “Crazy Wing meant a lot to me and my team, he was one goofy pegasus and he always had a way of brightening my day. I’ll never forget when I first met him, I came as an ice handler fresh from the Cloudsdale snow factory, he walks straight up to me and says, ‘I heard they’re looking for a pegasi with a couple screws loose to work the weather here.’”

There was a chuckle in the crowd from the ponies that knew Crazy Wing and Mirage continued, “That’s just how he was, he lived his life without fear…” Mirage turned his head to the side trying to choke back the tears that threatened to flood his vision, being unable to he continued brokenly, “Putting his fellow ponies life above his own… was what he did.” Looking back at his team but particularly at Tumble Weed he said, “I know he wouldn’t have gone out any other way than looking after his wingmate.”

There was more that Mirage had wanted to say but he couldn’t continue, so marching to Crazy Wing’s peaceful form he placed his goggles on Crazy Wing’s chest, saluted, then returned to his team.

Next to speak was Tumble Weed, who had also teared up after Mirage’s eulogy. Sniffing loudly and wiping his nose and eyes he said laughing, “You owe me for this one Mirage, you stole my thunder.”

Laughing back Mirage answered, “That’s what I’m here for.”

Once the crowd had settled down from Tumble Weed continued, “Thank you Mirage, to be honest I’ve been really torn up after losing Crazy Wing. I’ve wondered why he chose my life over his, because really I’m nopony special…”

After that Tumble Weed broke off putting his face into his cannon, “Buck it, Crazy Wing why’d you have to go?”

Silver Lining came over to him and pulled him from the stage taking him to the coffin where he placed his goggles below Mirage’s and walked back to the team.

The colt who had coughed started stomping his hooves, slowly he was followed by Brayburn, his parents, and then the rest of Appaloosa cheering, whistling, and throwing their hats into the air. “That’s alright Tumble Weed! Ya done em’ proud!”

After that the rest of the Dusty Bolts put their goggles on Crazy Wings chest saluted and closed the lid, then carrying the coffin to the grave they unwound the ropes from the palls and slowly lowered the coffin into the soil.

That was the conclusion of the ceremony, the Dusty Bolts were given permission to fall out and Mr. Trench came over to talk to them, he had put on his old Equestrian Royal Guard Dress Blacks from the pre-Nightmare Moon era with stacks upon stacks of medals clinking like wind chimes just to look at him you could tell each of them was earned. Pinned on his chest was the Engineer’s insignia proudly proclaiming “We Built Canterlot.” And tucked into his belt in place of the regular officers sword was an engineer shovel polished to a brilliance that made it hard to look at.

Silver Lining was the first to say, “Mr. Trench thank you so much, I’m sure it’s exactly what Crazy Wing would have wanted and we owe it all to you.”

The rest of the Dusty Bolts also thanked him over and over.

Mr. Trench just smiled and said, “Well I’m glad you like it, seeing you happy was all I needed to make this job worth it.”

“You certainly did that, again thank you.” Mirage said gratefully,

“Was that you on the pegasi horn earlier boss?” Sand Blast asked eagerly, Mirage gave an malicious smile,

“Yes that was me.”

The Dusty Bolts mobbed him, “Omygosh! A pegasi horn? Where did it come from? Can we see it? The last time I saw a pegasi horn was back in the Fillydelphia tornado water transfer.”

Mirage laughed, “Ok, ok, I’ll take you to see it, Mayor Straight Shooter had it commissioned at Cloudsdale specifically for Appaloosa and this funeral.”

The Dusty Bolts began flying off after Mirage, “Have I said that I always liked Mayor Straight Shooter?” Tumble Weed said jokingly,

“You got some road apple on your nose there Tumble Weed.” Sand Blast chuckled.

Filly the Kid stayed behind shuffling her hooves awkwardly, “Aren’t you going to go with your team?” Mr. Trench asked,

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in uniform.” She said looking down and blushing, “Oh that sounded stupid!”

Mr. Trench adjusted his cover out of habit, “I don’t wear it except for special occasions.” Pulling a pipe out of his pocket he packed it and light it filling the air with fragrant apple scented smoke. Speaking around the pipe he asked, “So why did you stay behind really?”

Kid shuffled her hooves a bit more before finally admitting, “I wanted to help bury Crazy Wing.”

Mr. Trench smiled kindly, “Well who am I to deny such a request? Of course you can clever feather.”

Hoofing her his shovel they went to the grave site and laid Crazy Wing to rest.

The Ugly Truth

The Dusty Bolts had the attention span of a hyperactive colt on a sugar rush, as soon as they had drooled over the new pegasi horn they had already lost interest.

Sand Blast and Tumble Weed split like a zipper, “Hey boss, this pegasi horn is nice but I want to talk to that Apple Bumpkin mare before she leaves.” Tumble Weed said cantering in place.

Silver Lining rolled her eyes back mockingly and mumbled out of the side of her mouth, “Stalker.”

Tumble Weed didn’t deny it he just chuckled with the biggest smile he’d had since the fateful sand storm drive.

“Don’t trip over your tongue while it’s hanging out your mouth Rico Stallion that would be awkward.” Sand Blast stated dryly adding to the hilarity.

“Hey, you’re treating me like a colt that still wets his clouds at night, sure this is the first mare I’ve fallen for, but how hard could it be?”

Mirage could hardly contain himself, nickering he said, “Go get her Tumble Weed.” Tumble Weed bolted so fast he left a silhouette of dust behind.

Mirage shook his head, “My Dusty Bolts aren’t going to disband from disabilities, you all are going to get married.”

Silver Lining tossed her hair and said, “Its cause we’re all damn sexy.”

“Yesir.” Sand Blast said pounding his chest, “Think I’m gonna’ follow Tumble Weed’s lead and go see Fluttershy.”

“Do your thing big dog.” Mirage could barely say before Sand Blast bugged out, looking over at Silver Lining he said, “How about you Silver you got somepony special?”

Silver smirked back demurely, “You could say that.”

What kind of answer was that? Mirage didn’t get it; Silver could have her pick of any stallion in Appaloosa or anywhere else for that matter. Part of his eulogy he was going to let her know how Crazy Wing was head over hooves in love with her but he didn’t have the heart to tell her. He wondered if she knew, she was a hard pony to read, her poker winnings spoke for that. She could be so much more than a Dusty Bolt; really she could walk out anytime she wanted.

Maybe she read ponies better than him because she said, “Don’t worry about me Mirage I have my eyes on somepony I’m just waiting for him to make the first move, find out if he actually wants me or not.”

Then the light bulb came on in Mirage’s head Brayburn it had to be, the Apple family was going to be overrun by Dusty Bolts, then again they could use a couple pegasi to help tend their orchards. “Alright, don’t give him too much time.”

Silver Lining giggled like a filly and said, “I’m on it boss, this ain’t my first rodeo, in fact I’m going to go see him right now.”

Mirage had to know, “Just out of curiosity who is it?”

Silver Lining looked over her shoulder as she flew off, “Brayburn.”

Mirage clenched his eyes and smiled giving his epic hoof pump, “Yesssssssssss.” His intuition was still dead on, no time to dwell on it though he had to catch Applejack before she left.

He was about to take off when, “Hey boss!”

Mirage almost face planted as he braked hard with his front hooves, muttering darkly to himself he turned back and asked, “Yeah Sand Blast, what’s up?”

Sand Blast flew in with Fluttershy, Mirage knew it Sand Blast was a smooth operator, he didn’t have to show him. “Fluttershy’s looking for a dragon friend out in the canyons, I figured since you know the canyons best you could show us where we might be able to find him.”

Mirage’s heart stopped and he felt the blood drain from his face, coughing to keep his voice from breaking he pried his tongue from the roof of his mouth, “You don’t say, a dragon huh?”

Fluttershy smiled and in a musical voice barely above a whisper she replied, “Oh yes, if it’s not too difficult for you I’d really like to see him, I haven’t talked to him since I woke him and had him move his lair from Ponyville Peak.”

Mirage felt his heart sink lower, buck, buck, buck, buck, buck, buck, buck! Not only was Fluttershy stronger than she looked just like Sand Blast had said, he was single hoofedly responsible for the cold blooded murder of one of her friends. Mirage’s world came to a standstill, He couldn’t tell Fluttershy the truth but he also couldn’t keep it from her.

Sand Blast came over and steadied Mirage, “You ok boss? You look like death warmed over.”

For his first time since flight school Mirage studdered, “F-ff-fffflutt-tt-tttershy I think I m-m-mm-mmmay have k-k-kk-k-k-killed your d-dd-d-d-d-d-dragon friend.”

Fluttershy held her smile but it had lost some of its radiance, “What do you mean? Nopony can kill a dragon on their own.”

Sand Blast looked nervously at Mirage, Sand Blast of all ponies knew what Mirage was capable of. Quietly he pulled Mirage aside and asked, “Hey boss did you actually kill the dragon?”

Mirage answered in a frantic whisper, “I killed a dragon, I’m not sure if it was the one Fluttershy is looking for, I’ll have to show her the body to find out for sure. I mean how many other dragons can be around here? Dragons are isolated creatures.”

Sand Blast looked from Mirage to Fluttershy, “Well the only way to find out is if you take us there, unless you know of anywhere else a dragon might live.”

Now Fluttershy looked worried as well, “I don’t understand, it’s impossible, one pony can’t kill a dragon by themselves.”

Mirage felt like a prisoner being led to execution as he led the lovers to see his hoofwork. To tell the truth he would rather face the guillotine, or the noose, or even be burned at the steak by Chief Thunderhooves than have to face Fluttershy and Sand Blast after killing one of Fluttershy’s friends, now he knew how Tumble Weed felt when faced with the guilt of losing Crazy Wing, funny how the very thing that had made him homicidal now made him suicidal.

Even in the cool air Mirage was sweating oats, Fluttershy was mumbling nervously to herself and Sand Blast as he usually did in these situations kept to himself. Mirage came to the entry chute for Back Breaker Canyon and waited for the other two to come closer, “Stay right behind me through here, it gets small real quick.”

Flying slowly through Back Breaker Canyon was like playing darts with feathers, but Fluttershy was struggling just to stay in the air behind them, eventually Sand Blast had to carry her which turned out to be harder than he thought, he had to shield her with his body to keep her from scraping on the canyon walls as they flew.

It seemed like forever but eventually they came to the place where Mirage had found the cave, first they saw it, buzzards, crows, and flies circling in swarms and a green haze that spilled out of the cave to the canyon below.

Then the smell hit them like a wall, Sand Blast was the first to, “Rrrrrrrraaaaaaaallllllllllph”

Mirage held his breath and gave Fluttershy his bandana, his eyes watered, “Awwww, uuuuhhhhh, cough cough, This, cough, this is the place. Cough cough cough, It’s that cave down there.” With a determined look in her eyes Fluttershy flitted down to the cave and without a pause went in.

Mirage was getting light headed, “Cough cough, Hey Sand Blast, I’m going in after her.”

Sand Blast gave him a worried look from behind his bandana, “You crazy boss? You don’t stand a chance down there, you’ll run out of air before she does.”

“Cough cough HACK, If it means I die saving her so be it, cough, I won’t be able to forgive myself if she dies as a result of me killing her friend.”

But Mirage never had to go after Fluttershy she came tearing out of the cave faster than he thought she was capable of moving. She flung herself into Sand Blast’s cannons crying and choking through the vomit in Mirage’s bandana. They flew above the fumes of the rotting dragon corpse.

Fluttershy lowered the bandana with tear filled eyes and a trembling hoof, then in a voice that Mirage could barely hear, but loud enough to shatter his heart she said, “That was the dragon… How can you call yourself a pony? You are less of a pony than a dirt dumb Minotaur, and I will never forgive you for what you did.” Fluttershy flew off and Sand Blast followed to comfort her.

Mirage just sat on the ledge of Break Back Canyon and stared at the circling birds then he wept like a foal. He thought he had left this behind him, how could he have known the Dragon meant something to somepony? What a flimsy excuse for his justification, Fluttershy was right; he was less than a pony. Mirage was about to dive straight into the cave and embrace his fate when an image of Applejack flashed through his head, she hadn’t been here to witness this, but she had still accepted him for who he was after he had admitted his crime to her.

Mirage was alive and breathing and ponies depended on him, even if he was less than a pony he had to continue living and continue looking out for those that meant something to him.

“BUCK!” he shouted at the crows sending them scattering before they resumed circling. Smashing his hoof down sending a large chunk of the ledge tumbling down into the river below, splitting his hoof and making it bleed. He held it with his other hoof to numb the pain, he was still alive, a dead pony walking, he heard wing beats behind him and he whirled to see who or what it was.

Spitfire pulled up in surprise, “Oh I’m sorry is this a bad time?”

Mirage wiped the tears from his eyes and hid his hoof under his wing, “No no, it’s fine, what can I do for you?”

Spitfire skeptically eyed the trail of blood dripping down Mirage’s flank, “Well we came out here to pay our respects to Crazy Wing, from all we hear he was one Tartarus of a pegasi.”

Mirage just stared at Spitfire, Filly the Kid was right what did she know? What did Crazy Wing mean to her? Sitting pretty in Canterlot hobnobbing with dignitaries and rich ponies, “That’s not why you came to see me.” He said as civilly as he could,

“I can see you’re a pegasi who cuts to the chase, fair enough, Princess Celestia wanted us to tell you after hearing about the death she will be sending a surgeon to Appaloosa, primarily for the Dusty Bolts but also for any other townsponies.”

Mirage could hardly hold back his cynicism, “That’s mighty generous of her.”

Spitfire continued oblivious to the sarcasm in his voice, “She also sent us out to do some joint training with you all.”

Mirage knocked the dust out of his ear to make sure he had heard correctly, “Beg pardon?”

“We’ll be training with the Dusty Bolts, you know seeing how ya’ll do things out here in the countreh.”

Mirage wasn’t sure which made him more nauseous Spitfire’s butchering of an accent or the stench of the corpse below him, “Fine with me you can train to your heart’s content.” Right now it didn’t matter to him, it would do the Wonderbolts some good to get their hooves dirty with his team, see how real pegasi worked and if they went back to Canterlot with a bitter taste in their mouth it wouldn’t make a difference to his Dusty Bolts; his Dusties were in Appaloosa to stay.

Spitfire looked genuinely excited to train with the Dusty Bolts, “Great, who do you have on weather watch right now?”

“Filly the Kid.” Mirage answered flatly.

Spitfire looked surprised, “You trust a filly with weather watch?”

Mirage laughed mentally, yes he trusted a filly with weather watch, any pegasi could stand weather watch it wasn’t Luna science and Kid was more than a filly she was a young mare. “We do what we have to.” He replied,

Spitfire shrugged and asked, “Well I think I’ll pair one of my wing mates with her, is that alright?”

Anything to get you out of my face, Mirage thought, “Alright, sounds good.”

“Great!” Spitfire smiled and flew off,

Mirage chuckled bitterly to himself, “Joint training huh? Stand by for some turbulence Wonderbolts, cause it’s coming, out here in Appaloosa it always comes.” He looked down at his bleeding hoof and sighed, road apples, he’d have to get Fluttershy to look at it. Maybe he could find some sort of closure with her.

War Stories

Filly the Kid wiped the sweat from her forehead, she hated working in the cold, especially when it was hard work, the cold air stung her throat as she panted for breath.

Mr. Trench was leaning on the memorial just watching her and chuckling to himself as he puffed on his pipe, “If you fill that hole any faster you’re liable to catch hypothermia.”

Kid grunted as she picked up another shovel full, “Gee, thanks for the advice.”

Mr. Trench took a long draw and said, “I bet you think I’m a mule for letting you fill in the grave by yourself.”

Kid stopped shoveling and looked at Mr. Trench in surprise, “No that’s not what I was thinking at all.”

Mr. Trench laughed again then came over and sat down beside her with a grunt, “Ahhhh, That’s alright, it’s what I thought about my elders when I was your age and it’s what fillies and colts will think of you when you’re older.”

Putting the work aside for a moment Kid sat next to Mr. Trench, sitting next to a decorated war veteran was something she rarely had the opportunity to do. If anypony knew how to be a decent pony under pressure it would be him, she had to pick his brain, “Mr. Trench, what was Equestria like when you were a colt?”

Mr. Trench took a deep breath and took off his cover and spoke in a sigh, “Well now, back in my day Canterlot was nothing but a small village on the side of a mountain with plain wood shacks with dirt streets just like here back then they called it Canterville, my parents moved there from Saint Poniesburgh after the unification of the tribes during the market boom.”

Mr. Trench had hardly begun and Kid was already hanging on every word, “Saint Poniesburg, where is that? I’ve never heard of it.”

Mr. Trench rolled his eyes and remembered who he was telling his story to, “It’s called Stalliongrad today, Nightmare Moon renamed it when she took over Equestria. Now St. Poniesburg was an earth pony city and there was still bad blood between unicorns and earth ponies. They had what were called pogroms which were state condoned looting of anypony’s business or house that wasn’t an earth pony, some of them were violent. I was too young to remember much but I do remember my parents had a hard time making a living, I was too young to care then, I had my friends mostly earth ponies the politics of older ponies was something we never worried about.

By age four I was pulled from school and apprenticed by Papa in clock making, I promised myself to do my best for my family, but I was still young and my Papa had high expectations for me, so I learned quickly.

Then one night I was woken by the glow of torches and shouts outside my parents took me down to the basement and through the outside exit. Thankfully the house hadn’t been surrounded yet because as we ran I saw my home go up in flames.

A broke life in Canterville was better than anything we’d be able scrounge up in St. Poniesburgh, as soon as my Papa had his hooves on the ground I was put in school again, that was my first time meeting pegasi.

Back then I thought you all were the most arrogant, cocky, conceited pieces of work I had ever encountered and I still do but I respect you for it. When I graduated from school I decided to enlist as a combat engineer in the Equestrian Royal Corps of Marines.”

Kid’s already big eyes opened wider, “Equestria had a Marine Corps?”

Mr. Trench sighed, “What are they teaching in flight school these days? Do you all still get high from sniffing rainbow fumes?”

Kid giggled stupidly, “They did that back then too?”

Mr. Trench put his face in his hoof and laughed as he packed another pinch in his pipe, “They still do huh? I bet you were the first in your class to try it.”

Blushing sheepishly Kid admitted, “Heh yeah, it made my voice sound funny.”

Mr. Trench continued before he said anything that would curl the filly’s hooves, “Well getting back on topic, yes when Equestria was getting itself established the entire country was still a frontier and they needed an Amphibious Corps to enforce their claim on the land.

As soon as I set hoof on those gold hoofprints my life was never the same, I’ll never forget my Drill Instructors, Sergeant Red Buck, Corporal Sharp Eye, and Corporal Swift Heart. Honestly I don’t remember much about boot camp anymore just that it was a frantic blur of training, screaming, pain, and hate.

Combat Engineer School was a little better than boot camp, we were allowed more freedom and treated more like the stallions we were, it wasn’t that difficult really. We learned different forms of assault engineering everything from bridge building, to demolitions, road paving, and tunneling.

Once I had graduated from Engineer School I was assigned to 2nd Marine Raider Battalion Carmelton’s Kelpies.”

For some reason the name sounded familiar to Kid, “I think I remember a Carmelton, but I can’t be sure.”

“You should know him, he was Applejacks father, Major Carmelton, now he was a pony who could lead.

When I got to the Raiders was when my real training began everything up to that point had been a bad joke, but the leadership was the best I have ever known. Everything they did they took care of their juniors first and then themselves, and they also demanded the best from us.

They had us run everywhere we went, everywhere, they told us it was twenty five miles a day but it felt like more. Oh, and obstacle courses that pegasi were prohibited from using their wings and unicorns from using their horns, because, ‘if we couldn’t complete the obstacle course like an earth pony then we wouldn’t be able to accomplish the mission if we lost our wings or horns.’

Every day I went to sleep I felt too broke to go on but I couldn’t let my team down. We learned hoof to hoof combat and how to exploit our advantage as earth ponies, pegasi, or unicorns, we also learned weapons handling skills with spears, flails, clubs, tridents, swords, and shields but as an engineer they primarily focused on shovels, axes, and hammers with me. We learned small boat handling skills, swimming of course swimming and diving, we spent just as much time in the water as we did pounding sand. We also worked with the pegasi on a new type of maneuver called parachuting, and let me tell you those were some wild times, especially if you were being dropped into open water in a boat with your crew.

Once I was up to Raider standards was when I got back into engineer related work but the training continued, every week it was something new, it was mostly clearing beaches for assault forces, but we also practiced raids, and engineering reconnaissance.

I remember one time Major Carmelton came to supervise our training and we blazed through it flawlessly but the only thing he said when we were done was, ‘faster, and more violent.’

Whenever we were sent out to crush uprisings or disturbances, the perpetrators would always bug out before we got there. We thought we were unstoppable, until the Nightmare Moon Rebellion, when the Night Guard took over Everfree we were too far away to do anything and we had to go into hiding.

Of course we made raids on Everfree Castle, freeing high value prisoners and swiping food for ponies in need, the Night Guard started calling us the Inglorious Branders when we started carving the moon into our victim’s foreheads, but there was only so much we could do when Celestia was imprisoned and the Royal Guard had disbanded.

Most of us felt cheated out of our training by those damn Night Guards and their surprise coup, and once we had enough information on Celetia’s location we took point on her recovery.

As it turned out there was some dissention in the Night Guard as to whether they should release Celestia or not especially after the return of the Windigos.”

Kid’s jaw dropped, “The Windigos returned during Nightmare Moon’s rein?”

Mr. Trench just shook his head, “Flight School these days, they did, and It’s a good thing we sprung Celestia when we did, all the hate and mistrust from Nightmare Moon fueled their wrath to a fever pitch.

Carmelton, foal that he was, died trying to earn the Soleil de Celestia, I watched him pull three ponies single hoofedly out from a Windigo stampede and then went back in never to return. Celestia fixed things quickly once we had released her, never before and never since have I witnessed anything like the wrath of dueling Alicorns.

After Nightmare Moon was exiled the need for an Amphibious Corps of ponies was greater than ever, I was reassigned to 3d Combat Engineer Battalion for ‘recovery duty’ after the overthrowing of Nightmare Moon, but there was nothing I wanted more than to be with my Raiders. The ponies of 3d Combat Engineers just didn’t have the same demand for excellence that I was used to and the leadership was only concerned with looking out for themselves, little did I know that we would be responsible for the massive expansion of Canterlot.

One of the things that bugged me the most was that after my part in the overthrow of Nightmare Moon, they started looking into my service record and throwing medals at me, when the ponies with the Raiders still hadn’t received a single award for their part in the operation.

But I had little time to think about it, when Equestria’s capital moved from Everfree to Canterlot business picked up as if it had never left off and Celestia had big plans for Canterlot, have you ever wondered why Canterlot was built on a cliff?”

That one stumped Kid, “I guess I never thought about it but it doesn’t really make sense to build a city into a cliff now that you mention it.”

Mr. Trench dumped out his pipe and began cleaning it as he continued, “It didn’t to us either the only thing we could conclude was that Celestia was paranoid, but it was the best time to be in the Equestrian Royal Marines especially as an engineer, we had access to whatever we needed to build Canterlot properly, tools that I had never imagined much less hoped to set hoof on.

The hardest part was building the bulwarks as the base of the city, we had to use a hanging crane and move slabs of rock three times the size of Sugarcube Corner. I was mostly involved with the development of the city itself, by the end of a year we had built the Canterlot Barracks, most of the Royal Palace, and Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorn’s which at the time was an Officer’s Candidate School.

My Company First Pony who was the only pony I really looked up to in the Battalion, First Pony Hard Nose recommended me for the Warrant Officer’s program at the Officer’s Candidate School, at first I wanted nothing to do with it, I despised officers, but looking back on it now I think that I could have done more good if I had done it sooner.

Officer’s Candidate School was a croc, even though most of the instructors were combat veterans they had to tone down the classes for the Officer’s Candidates fresh out of High School, you should have heard the whining of those ponies, as a veteran myself I was my class leader and was held responsible for all of the stupid road apples they dumped.

It was then that I realized why Officers are the way they are, they can get away with things Enlisted ponies can only dream of, but if there is something wrong with their ponies they get hammered into dust whether it’s their fault or not. Coming from Enlisted to Warrant Officer was like a step into a different world and it took me about a year and a half before I figured out my job was to develop better training and techniques for the Enlisted Ponies.

When I graduated Officer’s Candidate School I requested to go back to 2nd Raiders and within hours of receiving my certificate of graduation I had my orders.

When I got back to the Raiders they had completely changed from what I had remembered, I only knew a few of the Senior Enlisted Ponies, one thing hadn’t changed though, they were still the finest Battalion I had ever served with. I actually met Meteor, Crazy Wings brother at 2nd Raiders right before the Pony Griffon war, I had never met a more fearless pegasi Crazy Wing was the spitting image of him.”

Kid had lost track of time, “Crazy Wing? Oh buck! I’m supposed to be on weather watch right now! Umm, sorry I had meant to have this finished by now.” She said flying backwards and apologizing profusely.

Mr. Trench smiled as Kid flew off already filling his shovel, “Don’t worry about it I’ll finish it up.” He laughed to himself as he packed his pipe again. “That one’ll turn out alright.”

Wrong Side of the Tracks

Filly the Kid was on weather watch again up on Phoenix’s Nest Mesa, waking up early for the funeral, carrying, and burying Crazy Wing had wiped her out. She felt like road apples, yawning and stretching then bouncing a pebble on her hooves to keep her mind off the fact she had 21 hours until Mirage took over for her.

She mechanically scanned the horizon out of habit. Nothing, it had been a long time since they’d had weather of any kind, it was too cold for dust storms now, and she didn’t have to worry about thunderstorms. The only thing that could really ruin Appaloosa would be a bad blizzard and they were too far from any water for that, they had seen snow every once in a while but it never stayed on the ground for more than a couple hours.

In the solitude she continued tossing the pebble and once again tried to remember what her parents were like, but she could remember nothing except incoherent voices and blurry images, she knew it should hurt her that she had lost her parents but it didn’t hurt as bad as the fact she couldn’t remember them except from what other ponies could tell her about them.

After Mr. Trench’s reminiscing it gave her a bitter and hollow sense of nostalgia for a brief past she couldn’t remember. She wondered if her parents would forgive her for missing Crazy Wing more than she missed them, and that made her angrier, why couldn’t she miss her parents?

Still kicking the stone from one hoof to another, stalling it on her wings balancing it on her nose she worked herself into a frenzy adding a few flips into the routine. It was the same situation with her parents as it was with Crazy Wing, her Father had died protecting her from a rampaging Manticore and her Mother had been put in an irreversible coma shielding her. After a month the doctors took her off life support, and Kid had been passed from family to family, none of them truly understood why such a young filly was so angry and reckless.

She hated all Equestria and the life fate had dealt her, in her downward spiral she could do nothing right even if she tried, she always found herself in the middle of any and all trouble. She couldn’t stand disappointing everypony anymore, and even though she hated them for all their annoying placating she realized she couldn’t be a burden to them anymore, she resolved to fly away and not ruin their perfect little lives.

A pegasi like her didn’t deserve to be with a loving family, she still remembered how she snuck out of Saint Hurricane’s Orphanage and Flightschool, she had learned how to fly a week earlier and she had kept it to herself getting into her regular hoof fights to confuse anypony who might notice her practicing her flying.

All of the other pegasi colts and fillies were still grounded, not only physically but mentally, Kid was the only one that seemed to be upset enough to take charge of her life, they were content to throw sand at each other and eat crayons. That was why she hated them, these colts and fillies had parents they could miss and they went on with life as though everything was peaches and cream not understanding why she was so angry because she had no parents to miss.

Nothing ticked Kid off more, she felt the smoldering bitterness return, as she remembered how she had stood on her desk after a particularly vicious round of harassment and proclaimed to her class that she would, “fly over the fence and leave their sorry blank flanks in the dust.” Needless to say she was snatched up by the teacher who thoroughly tanned her hide, which made her all the more bitter.

At least nopony had taken her seriously because the very next day she proved good on her word and “flew over the fence leaving their sorry blank flanks in the dust.” She left during the beginning of recess at a secluded spot in the wall, so nopony knew she had left until she had boarded a carriage bound for anywhere with a hooffull of stolen bits.

Life on the road was harsh but Kid quickly got used to it, every mare and stallion she came across had no idea she was a delinquent orphan living on her own. She even managed to talk her way into small jobs as opposed to her typical pick saddling which always left her feeling guilty no matter how many times she did it and how starving she was at the time she always knew it was wrong.

That was how she met Mirage, she had found herself stuck in Appaloosa and despite all the town raising around her she could find nopony that wanted to hire a two bit filly. Out of desperation she had fished her hoof into a short paint of a pegasi’s saddlebag as he was talking with Sheriff Silver Star about the upcoming weather schedule.

With the sense of a pony who has spent too much time in the wilderness the painted pegasi whirled on her catching her hoof as she attempted to bolt. She bucked at him catching him squarely in the jaw sending him staggering back a couple paces but never letting go of her hoof. “Woah there young buck, you can’t just fly off with my hard earned bits even if you’ve got a buck like a freight train.”

“Buck you, let me go!” Kid shouted squirming in the pegasi’s grip, this was the first time she had slipped up, she had misjudged the unassuming pegasus.

Looking over at Sheriff Silver Star the pegasi said, “Don’t worry sheriff, I’ll take care of this she’s too young to start a criminal record yet.”

Sheriff Silver Star turned and trotted over to his office, “Ah didn’t see uh thang Merahge.”

Dragging Kid through the dust of Mane Street the pegasus flew to his house leaving Kid no choice but to fly alongside or risk a fatal plummet from her struggling.

Once the pegasus had brought Kid inside and let her go she couldn’t decide whether she wanted to bolt with the bits he had still left in her hoof or stay and listen to what he had to say. What was so important that he had to drag her back to his Cloud Plantation to talk to her about? Going over to his ice cloud he asked her, “You look thirsty can I get you some lemonade, iced tea, sarsaparilla?”

“Don’t patronize me old stallion, you can have your bits back if you let me go!”

The pegasus laughed though not the way most other stallions did when Kid mouthed off condescending and shallow, “No no that won’t be necessary, I admire your guts kid what’s your name?”

Up until that point everypony she had known called her Filly the Kid after the notorious bandit of the old west, because her parents had died before she could claim her own name and without a cutie mark the name stuck like a cruel joke.

Standing in the home of this pegasi who seemed genuinely concerned about her not just the shallow pacification everypony else had shown her, it was the first time she felt ashamed of her infamous branding that had kept the nastier ponies away.

Glaring down at her hooves she growled her response, “Filly the Kid.”

The pegasus stared at her like she had seen other colts size her up for a fight, “You fly pretty well for a filly so young, and you’ve got a solid buck. Normally I wouldn’t ask somepony your age but would you be interested in joining my weather team?”

That sparked Kid’s interest, an opportunity like this could turn her life around it almost sounded too good to be true, “What’s the catch and what’s in it for me?”

The pegasus laughed again, “Cheeky little filly, alright here’s the catch, I don’t turn you into Sheriff Silver Star for petty theft and you get one hundred cubic acres of sky all to yourself with a salary of fifty bits a month.”

No doubt this offer was too good for Kid to pass up spitting on her hoof she offered it to her employer, “You got a deal old stallion.”

Spitting on his hoof the pegasus shook her hoof sealing the deal, “The name’s Mirage by the way, Filly the Kid.”

A freezing gust ran up Kid’s spine breaking her out of her contemplation and she shivered then whirled at the sound of hoofsteps behind her. Storm Surge pulled up her goggles and raised her hooves disarmingly, “Woah woah, take it easy.”

Kid didn’t know what to think, on the one hoof she despised the Wonderbolts and all their arrogant, pretentious, well equipped lives of ease. Still she couldn’t deny this was a Wonderbolt, any pegasus colt or filly in Equestria would kill for an opportunity to be with a Wonderbolt, the very air they flew on was sacred.

No the Wonderbolts may have been the top wings back in their hometown of Canterlot but Kid was part of her own team now, she could fly just as well as any of the Wonderbolts even without the prestige. “What can I do for you?” Kid asked as politely as she could.

Storm Surge rolled her eyes and sighed, “Spitfire sent me here to stand weather watch with you as part of this joint training we’re supposed to be doing.”

“Joint training?” Kid asked inquisitively,

“Yeah, Spitfire said something about building cohesiveness with local weather teams for advanced flying techniques or something lame like that. I just want to get out of this dustbowl and back to Canterlot.”

Kid stared back smugly, “Well that makes two of us, I don’t want you here and you don’t want to be here, I think we’ll get along just fine.”

Storm Surge smiled giving Kid a high hoof, “Agreed. So tell me about this weather watch how does a typical watch work out here?”

Kid couldn’t believe she was giving a Wonderbolt lessons on weather watch, a pegasus three years older than her no less. “Well watch usually starts at 6:00 AM and goes until 6:00 AM the next day and we take care of any weather during that time, if we need any help we let Mirage know.”

Storm Surge looked at Kid in shock, “How do you stay awake the whole time?”

“Well if I get really tired I’ll rock out to The Agony Stables, their song Scapegoat always gets me hyped.” Kid replied throwing her hoof in the air and gave a couple head bangs.

A look of disgust crossed Storm Surge’s face, “How can you listen to that noise? You can’t even understand what they’re singing.”

Kid drilled Storm Surge with a glare, “Noise? Wait don’t tell me you listen to that cultured pony music like the Octavia quartet.”

Storm Surge huffed defensively, “What’s wrong with classical? So you listen to music that gets your adrenaline flowing and I listen to music that calms me down.”

“So it sounds like I can’t knock it till I try it. Still… classical sounds to mellow for me.” Kid’s ears twitched involuntarily, what the hay was that? She scanned the horizon looking for the source of the noise that didn’t fit,

Storm Surge hadn’t noticed and was still trying to pique her interest, “You really have to try it…”

“Shush!” Kid cut her off, shoving a hoof in her mouth,

Storm Surge brushed off her flight suit clearly offended, “If you needed me to be quiet you could have just asked.”

Kid looked over with a panicked look in her eyes, “Did you hear that?”

Storm Surge stiffened and tilted her head in the direction Kid indicated, “Now that you mention it that sounds like…”

“Minotaurs?” Kid suggested sharing her worst assumption,

Storm Surge shook her head in disbelief, “Naw, couldn’t be, not this far in buffalo territory. Celestia closed the border after their raids on the Everfree settlements.”

Then they saw them, a heard of fifteen Minotaurs in full armor with spears and axes was all they could spot from their perch. Of course there might have been more, as they watched they saw the Minotaurs stalking Chief Thunderhooves daughter Little Strongheart as she was panning for gold that the pioneer ponies valued more than anything.

It didn’t look good Kid jumped up immediately ready to dive down and knock some heads together, “We’ve got to help her!”

Storm Surge looked nervously from the Minotaurs back to Kid, “Only three of us against fifteen armored Minotaurs? I don’t like those odds.”

Kid was anxious to get going, “We don’t have time to fly for help, we just have to hold out until somepony notices!”

With no time left for argument as the Minotaurs circled Little Strongheart Kid fell from the sky like an anvil, Storm Surge groaned and dove after her. “We are totally going to get trampled into glue.”

Dreams and Premonitions

Mirage’s nightmares had been getting worse and worse, when he was lucky he usually got six hours of sleep a night. Tonight though his dream wandered to a place that he missed more than anything else, it started with a voice,

“You alright boss?” The next thing Mirage saw was Crazy Wing waving his hoof in front of his eyes.

Mirage blinked forcing his eyes to focus, “Huh what?”

Crazy Wing looked at him worried, “I was asking you if you still wanted to go to the Dropbuck Murphies, One Hoof Death Buck show in Baltimare tonight. You don’t look so good though I think you should get some rest after taking down that dust devil by yourself and weather watch.”

It took Mirage a few seconds to process what Crazy Wing was saying to him and come up with a coherent answer, “No, this is a once in a lifetime show and I’m not going to miss it I’ll take a carriage if I have to and sleep on the way. Get the rest of the team together, I’ve already let Brayburn know we’ll be out and there’s no weather within a thousand mile radius.”

“Alright if you say so, I’ll have Sand Blast get the town coach ready.”

It half occurred to Mirage that Brayburn would flip road apples if they took the town coach, Brayburn already didn’t like the idea of the Dusty Bolts leaving town unprotected even with clear skies for three days at least when they were only going to be out for one night. Oh well he could always claim he was too tired to remember, his dream jumped the carriage ride most of which he slept, he sat up with a jolt as the carriage stopped.

He could already hear the noise of the warm up from where they were parked just down the block, Mirage jumped up and down like a sprinter as the electricity of the moment rushed through him, “Let’s go let’s go!”

Tumble Weed looked at him in disbelief, “Jeez boss I think this is the most excited I’ve ever seen you.”

Crazy Wing grabbed Tumble Weed in a headlock and gave him a noogie, “Hey now don’t rain on his parade.”

Tumble Weed shoved Crazy Wing off putting up his hooves in a fighting stance, “Mirage may be the boss but don’t forget who runs things around here.”

Crazy Wing rolled his eyes, “Lighten up Tumble Weed, we’re off work and nowhere near Appaloosa, here watch this!” Looking around and finding two mares across the street he whistled and hollered at them, “Hey, you yeah you! Looking good tonight ladies, how’d you like to go to the rock show with some weather team pegasi!”

Giggling the mares chattered excitedly about what they should do, finally one drug the other across the street. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to have some spare tickets? We were on our way, but the show was sold out yesterday.”

Crazy Wing nodded, “Oh yeah, you know Mike McCanterton with Dropbuck Murphies? We’re like this.” He bragged crossing his primaries, “We can get you backstage.”

The mares did the fan filly crow hop, Silver Lining drilled Crazy Wing with an obvious jealous glare, “You better put your money where your mouth is partner, I know how you are Cool Hoof Luke winning the jackpot with a hooffull of nothing.”

Crazy Wing threw his wing around Silver Lining giving her a look of mock hurt, “How can you say that Silver? You know I keep it honest, I can’t help it if you keep falling for my bluffs.” Silver clobbered Crazy Wing over the head, rubbing his mane sorely he walked back to the mares, “Nothing but abuse from my crew, my name’s Crazy Wing by the way.”

The mares were falling over each other in laughter, “You guys are funny, my name’s Rivet, and this is Highlight.” Said the more outgoing of the two, Rivet was dressed in a denim jacket and had a red and white polka dot bandana tied around her mane, Highlight who was obviously a barber had died her mane neon green with bleached streaks for the show, she waved silently.

Looking closer Crazy Wing noticed a set of worn goggles on Rivet’s forehead, “You’re not a weather pegasus are you?”

Rivet’s hoof followed his gaze and she yanked her goggles off embarrassed, “Oh sorry, just got off work at the docks, I’m a ship builder.”

Crazy Wing gaped with surprise, how could somepony that good looking be a ship builder? Then again you’d never be able to tell Silver was a weather pegasus from the frontier just by looking at her. “Oi, we got us some locals!” He said looking back at the Dusty Bolts, “You wouldn’t mind showing us the best place to eat after the show would you? See my friends there they wanted to invite you but they punked out.” Crazy Wing said indicating Sand Blast and Tumble Weed, Tumble Weed gave a face hoof and Sand Blast suddenly found something fascinating about the street lamp above them.

“Hey no worries, we can take you guys around after the show.” Rivet said shoving Highlight over to Tumble Weed and grabbing Sand Blast’s hoof.

Crazy Wing looked over at Silver who was still glaring at him, “What?”

“What do you mean what? You’re treading on thin cumulus amigo.”

Crazy Wing just smiled and threw his wing over Silver again, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, just trying to get Sand Blast and Tumble Weed to loosen up a bit.”

Silver Lining just shook her head, “You really know how to play the mares don’t you?”

“You make it sound like it’s hard.” Silver Lining once more shoved Crazy Wing into an alley where he cackled and flew after the team.

The show was everything they expected, the Dropbuck Murphies opened up with Cadence to Arms, down in the pit with the slamming bodies of ponies cutting loose, the noise of the bands drowning out everything else in the warehouse.

Crazy Wing never lost sight of Sand Blast the entire show, he stood a head and shoulder above everypony else and he didn’t so much two step as he rolled with the bucks. It would be lights out for anypony that ticked him off.

Tumble Weed came up to him with Highlight beside him and shouted above the noise, “WHOOOOO! THIS IS A GREAT SHOW!” His breath reeked of cider,

“YOU’VE BEEN DRINKING HAVEN’T YOU?” Crazy Wing shouted back,

“YEP, WELL SEE YOU AROUND!” Tumble Weed went back to Highlight and picked her up to stand on his wings so she could get a better view of the stage, the ponies around them saw this and carried her off in a wave of hooves.

Highlight loved every minute of it, “YEAH DROPBUCK MURPHIES ROCK!”

Crazy Wing saw Filly the Kid doing the windmill in her own little pit as older ponies stepped back from her flailing hooves, she had the biggest grin on her face and through the blood of a split lip and a black eye she shouted, “LET’S GO MURPHIES!”

Crazy Wing was on Silver’s black list so he shrugged and jumped in with Kid shielding her from getting trampled, “OI, OI, OI!”

One Hoof Death Buck came on and started playing No Pony Gets Left Behind, then Ivan Metalhoof shouted, “ALRIGHT ALL YOU PEGASI OUT THERE, LET’S SEE A TORNADO OF DEATH!”

This was Crazy Wing’s favorite part of the show, all the pegasi in the crowd shot up and began circling wildly above the crowd, as the crowd split down the center and backed up against the walls unicorns and earth ponies scraping their hooves and rearing up waiting for the signal.

Metalhoof held an old guitar over his head, standing on top of a pyramid of speakers looking out over the crowd he said, “YOU ALL ARE THE CRAZIEST PONIES WE’VE EVER SEEN, AND ON THE COUNT OF THREE I WANT YOU ALL TO BRING THIS PLACE DOWN, LET’S DO IT! ONE TWO THREE!”

Smashing the guitar on the stage, the crowd rushed each other screaming above the noise of the band. Smashing together with all the force of a rabid heard of Bison Crazy Wing saw bodies flying in the brawl below him. He chuckled to himself, better them than him, foalish ground pounders.

Crazy Wing saw Tumble Weed swerving wildly with Highlight clinging to his shoulders laughing at the mayhem below. Maybe Crazy Wing should have picked better for Tumble Weed, and unless he wasn’t completely blind he thought he saw the beginnings of a psycho stalker mare in Highlight’s eyes.

If it wasn’t Tumble Weed then Crazy Wing would have listened to Silver’s advice, but the good thing was Tumble Weed was too sloshed to know what was happening anyways, “Heh, oh well Tumble Weed’s problem now.”

After the concert Crazy Wing was true to his word and pulled a fast one on the security distracting them talking about his family in the area while the Dusty Bolts and their company snuck past. Then flying out back he met up with them as they waved off the band carriages, Rivet and Highlight were still dancing and singing, “Best night ever!” Sand Blast was cringing in Rivet’s grip like she had the pony pox, always one to play it cool he was on the verge of snapping on the oblivious mare.

Crazy Wing spared Sand Blast by getting Rivet and Highlight’s attention, “Ok so I’ve held up my end of the bargain, I got you backstage, so what’s the most poppin’ after show place to eat around here?”

“DIP’S!” Rivet and Highlight shouted in unison, “We should go there right now!”

The scene faded from Mirage’s mind; just as well, he knew what happened next. The night had bombed after that, he fell asleep in Dip’s to Highlightzilla trying to get Tumble Weed to sober up enough to be romantic.

His consciousness was kicking in, he felt himself roll over and he knew he had only been asleep for an hour and a half at the most. Clearing his mind he kept his eyes closed as another dream came to him, this one making him more melancholy than the last, every fiber of him begged to step through and become part of the dream.

“Hey boss does it bug you when I do this? Hey boss, hey boss, hey boss!”

Mirage shoved Crazy Wing aside, “Crazy Wing I swear to Celestia if you say one more thing about me asking Brayburn’s cousin for a dance I’ll clip your wings!”

Crazy Wing just laughed and said, “Oh look you got her attention now, time to make your move.” Crazy Wing pushed Mirage stiff legged over to the orange mare with the blonde mane and green eyes, “You’re the one that told me you thought she was the prettiest mare here, I’d have to agree with you on that but you called dibs first. Besides I’ve got somepony else I want to dance with.” Crazy Wing pushed Mirage straight up to the mare who had watched the whole scene and was holding her sides with laughter, “Tootles!”

Crazy Wing bolted for Silver Lining, Mirage shouted after him, “Crazy Wing I’m gonna’ kill you!”

The orange mare spoke in gasps, “Heh heh What’s tha matter sugar cube? Too yella ta ask a mare ta dance?”

Mirage’s head spun Brayburn’s cousin had the same laid back drawl, the words fell from her mouth like caramel syrup, “I’m not yellow.”

The mare’s eyes shone like emeralds as she gave him a demure smile then moving in close she said, “Mmmmmhhhhmmmm, If’n ya ain’t yella then take tha lead.”

Mirage’s heart decided to take the day off just then, and a grin he couldn’t stop spread across his face from ear to ear. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.” He said taking hold of the mare and kicking up his hooves in time with the shindig.

The banjo and fiddle picked up the tempo and Mirage looked over to see Crazy Wing and Brayburn throwing down their hat and goggles in front of a slightly confused looking Silver Lining,

“Gosh dern it! Just ignore mah cuzin.” Applejack said pulling Mirage in for a kiss,

It occurred to Mirage that he should jump in and help Crazy Wing, then he decided not to and leaned into Applejack and lead their dance off to the more secluded side of the dance floor. With Crazy Wing shouting obscenities in the background, something about Mirage owing him, well that was unfortunate he had gotten himself in too deep this time. Mirage always knew Crazy Wing would get his lumps for running his mouth one day, School of Hard Knocks as they said.

Applejack looked over Mirage’s shoulder and commented, “Wow, Brayburn is doin’ a number on yer friend’s face ther.”

Mirage didn’t bother looking back he just kept gazing into Applejack’s eyes, “Nopony taught him how to fight so he did it to himself.”

Applejack looked back at Mirage and in a sultry tone she said, “Yer one heartless mule.”

Mirage lackadaisically asked, “Should we help him out?”

“Naw.” Applejack said pulling him in for another kiss.

That night had always seemed too short to Mirage, the dream had made it seem even shorter, he strained his wings as Applejack faded from his vision he could feel himself talking in his sleep begging her not to go, then forlornly clearing his mind to stay asleep he was glad for a brief period of the peaceful oblivion of deep sleep.

Then he knew he was going to have a nightmare, he felt it before he saw or heard anything, it was coming for him.

Grey everything was grey like ash, the horizon was murky with the grey dust obscuring the sun and painting everything a dull putrid grey. It was Appaloosa but nopony was there, Mirage already knew it would be pointless to call for somepony even though the fear almost brought him to gallop screaming for anypony.

He was being watched, the hair of his coat stood on end as he circled scanning his vision, no matter which way he faced he knew whatever it was would inevitably be right behind him. Then he felt it, or rather a group of them and this made him freeze, after circling to look for them they were right behind him like he knew they would be. He couldn’t bring himself to look, he stood like a statue knowing the moment he turned around they would be on him like Timberwolves ready to rip him to shreds.

Hardly daring to breathe and with a uncontrollable shiver he turned one hoof at a time, he was not at all prepared for what he saw and it made his heart stop as adrenaline filled his chest till it felt like it would pop. He opened up his mouth to scream but it was nothing more than a breath, anything louder and they would destroy him.

Mirage stood face to face with his Dusty Bolts. They were grey like the dust around them, grey like the buildings, grey like the sky, grey like the sun, grey like dead ponies. Their mouths gaped unnaturally revealing grey teeth and grey tongues open to devour him, their black eyes shone in the dim light with a burning hatred. Crazy Wing stepped to the front of the Dusties and spoke in a snarling whisper that was repeated in chorus by the team.

“Yooooouuuuuuuuu, Miraaaaaaaagggggggeeeeeee.”

Finding his voice Mirage confronted the apparitions, “What do you want?”

This enraged the phantoms and above a scream from the air around them Crazy Wing growled still speaking through the team, “Howwwww Darrrrrreeee yooooooouuuuuu!!! Yooooouuuuu abannnnnnnndonnnnnnned usssssssssssss!!!! Weeeeeeee demannnnnnnnnnd!!!!!!!”

Mirage could see Crazy Wing straining to say something but he couldn’t, “What, you demand what?”

Crazy Wing screamed at him louder than anything Mirage had heard in his dreams before opening his mouth to a gaping abyss and an empty casket pulling Mirage in like an irresistible vacuum,

“WEEEEEE DEEEEEMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNDDD!!!!!!!!!”

Mirage woke with a rush in a cold sweat, there was a knock at his door, for some reason no matter what he did he couldn’t slow his racing heart, something horrible was about to happen he knew it.

Swallowing his fear he cantered downstairs and opened the door, Filly the Kid stood on his porch badly bruised and scraped but otherwise alright from what he could see, “Boss we have a problem.”

Author's Note

I hate this chapter now, before I wrote it I had been having consistent nightmares nothing as bad as in the story but I wrote the scariest thing I could think of. A couple weeks after writing this chapter I had a nightmare similar to the one above, it was one of the most vivid I have ever had, now this is completely backwards I'm supposed to have the nightmare and then write about it not the other way around dadgom Nightmare Moon.

Thunderheads on the Horizon

Mayor Straight Shooter pounded his gavel in the town hall conference room as ponies and bison were still filing in, the Wonderbolts hovering overhead representing the Royal Sisters as citizens of Canterlot, “This emergency city council will come to order.” Everypony quieted down and looked expectantly at the Mayor, “I’ll give the floor to Chief Thunderhooves, he’ll explain the reason I called you all here.”

Chief Thunderhooves horns almost scraped the ceiling as he stepped to the head of the assembled ponies and bison, even Sand Blast leaning against a corner in the back of the room only came up to his shoulder.

The Chief’s rumbling baritone voice filled the room as he began, “Appaloosans I come to you today to ask you to go to war with us.”

The conference room erupted ponies reaching for their hidden knifes that they were supposed to leave with the door pony, bison staring down the ponies daring them to do something.

Brayburn shouted above the commotion, “We already gave ya uh stampeedin’ path through our orchards! Wha should we go ta war with ya?”

Mayor Straight Shooter held Brayburn back and silently shook his head that was enough to bring silence back to the conference room, Chief Thunderhooves continued, “A heard of minotaurs nearly killed my daughter, if it hadn’t been for your Dusty Bolts she would not be alive right now.”

Sheriff Silver Star threw an accusing hoof at the Chief, “Sounds ta me lahk ya already got tha help ya needed!”

Chief Thunderhooves shouted shaking the chandeliers above them, “An army of minotaurs is assembling on our border, pony or bison they don’t care, they will kill us all!”

Brayburn looked skeptically at the Chief and then questioningly over at Mirage who should have been the one to tell them about something like this, “Where’d ya git yer infermation?”

Chief Thunderhooves glared defensively, “My scouts are as reliable as the sunrise.”

Sheriff Silver Star looked threateningly over at Mirage, “Why weren’t we told about this?”

Mirage sighed and shook his head, his hoof was throbbing in dull pain from where Fluttershy had wrapped it up after he apologized to her, “We were told by the Mayor’s office that bison skies were off limits for flying in respect of their jurisdiction over them.”

Mayor Straight Shooter scowled, that had been his decision, right now it didn’t matter it was obvious that they had to pull together to overcome this threat, he could only hope the counsel would see it the same way, “Assembled counsel what is your decision on this matter, yea or neigh?”

Mr. Trench the senior counsel member stood to give his vote first, “Mayor, I had hoped to leave my fighting days behind me coming out here to this quiet town, but it is clear that we must defend ourselves and go to war with Chief Thunderhooves, Yea.”

Mayor Straight Shooter gave a small sigh of relief, he hadn’t been sure how Mr. Trench would react, being a veteran he could have voted for Appaloosan noninvolvement not wanting to see conflict on the doorstep of the place he came to, to find peace. It was a good sign his opinion carried a lot of weight.

Brayburn was next glaring hostilely at Chief Thunderhooves he voted, “Ah don’t see uh way around it, yea, though that don’t mean Ah’m happy bout it.”

Next was Mirage who had been talking quietly with Tumble Weed and Sand Blast in their corner, “Mayor I wish to have my vote withheld, whatever decision is made the Dusty Bolts will support it one hundred percent.”

This drew boos from ponies on both sides of the argument, after that the rest of the council voted, with a final count of 16 yeas, 3 neighs, and 1 withheld.

Mayor Straight Shooter looked up at the Wonderbolts who had been silent the entire time, “Before I close these proceedings is there anything you have to say on behalf of the Princesses?”

Spitfire gravely responded, “Nothing on their behalf your honor, we will be sending a courier to request support from the Royal Guard.”

Mirage rolled his eyes, finally the Wonderbolts were good for something and they might actually get some support from Equestria this time.

“Thank you Spitfire, we can use all the help we can get, and the decision is made Appaloosa will go to war with the Bison Tribes, this council is adjourned, begin making preparations immediately.” Mayor Straight Shooter pounded his gavel again dismissing the council,

Sheriff Silver Star took over after that, “Appaloosa is now in uh state uh marshul law, nopony comes in er out uh tha city without mah persahnal purmishin. Dafenses should be put in place immediately; every able bodied colt and stallion will be required to take up arms in the Appaloosan militia, we will leave at nightfall.”

The conference hall emptied with a rush ponies and bison already going over their plans, Mirage could already guess what the Dusty Bolts would be doing, he walked over to where Mayor Straight Shooter, Sheriff Silver Star, and Chief Thunderhooves were talking.

They had just finished as he joined the group Mayor Straight Shooter addressed him, “Mirage we need eyes on that minotaur army pronto, we just got permission from Chief Thunderhooves for use of the skies above bison land.”

Chief Thunderhooves nodded in agreement, “My scouts will lead you within eyesight of the minotaurs, but we need your flying ponies to get a hawk’s eye view of the army.”

Mirage snapped a salute out of habit, “Consider it done Mayor, Chief. Tumble Weed round up my Dusties we will meet you outside.”

Tumble Weed shot off without a word, and Mirage turned back to Chief Thunderhooves, “Well Chief I’d like to meet the scouts we’ll be working with.”

Chief Thunderhooves gave a sharp whistle over his shoulder, “Of course, these are my two best scouts, Phoenix Heart and Red Feather.”

The bison in question ran into the conference room at a gallop, they were small for bison and would have been considered perfect for scouting but they were still colossal by pony standards. Chief Thunderhooves was right they needed pegasi to get a good look at the minotaurs.

Spitfire and Soarin flew up beside Mirage, “Sheriff with your permission I’d like to send Lightning Flash to Canterlot with the request for the Royal Guards.”

Sheriff Silver Star nodded briskly, “Do it.”

Soarin bolted off to find Lightning Flash and Spitfire looked over at Mirage, “We’re ready to support you and the Dusty Bolts.”

Mirage closed his eyes, be civil he told himself, “The best way you can help us out right now is by flying patrols over the town, this reconnaissance mission over bison territory is going to be a dangerous one we need as few pegasi as possible to avoid notice and they have to know the land in case they get lost.”

Spitfire looked disappointed but said, “Well this is your town so you know best.”

Mirage stepped out of town hall into the glaring Appaloosan sun, it was a beautiful clear day if not a bit chilly. He pulled his goggles down as he was confronted with a face full of wing wash, he almost didn’t recognize his Dusty Bolts, when Tumble Weed had been told they were going to War he really took it seriously; every one of the Dusty Bolts from Sand Blast down to Filly the Kid had coated their faces in the traditional pegasi rainbow war paint.

They looked ready to do some damage, even the Wonderbolts in their high speed flight suits regarded his Dusties with a spark of fear in their eyes, Soarin whistled in amazement, “Well I’ll be, I never thought I’d see a pegasi painted up like that.”

Tumble Weed handed Mirage a hoof full of the paint, “We can’t have our leader be the odd one out.”

Mirage smeared his hooves across his face feeling a surge of energy, this was it his Dusty Bolts were going to war, time to kick cutie mark. “Alright Dusties let’s ride, Phoenix Heart, Red Feather lead the way.”

With a wailing war whoop the bison reared back and galloped out of town to the North West with the Dusty Bolts trailing close behind in a staggered column.

Mirage looked over his shoulder at the sound of shouting voices, “Hey pardner ya leavin’ without sayin’ goodbye?”

That could only be one pony, Mirage turned around to see Applejack, Apple Bumpkin, and Fluttershy galloping after them out of town. With a signal he stopped his team and the bison held up waiting for them, The Apple cousins and Fluttershy galloped up out of breath, Fluttershy threw her wings around Sand Blasts neck bringing a glowing rosy hue to his face but then again that could have been the cold air.

“What are you still doing in Appaloosa?” Mirage asked nuzzling Applejack,

“Just doin’ some catchin’ up with cuzin Brayburn ya know. Din’nt expect uh wahr ta brake out.”

Tumble Weed threw his wing around Apple Bumpkin as they wandered away from the group, Apple Bumpkin had a worried look in her eyes as she spoke anxiously with Tumble Weed. Mirage smiled as he watched them, Tumble Weed had worked fast, Apple Bumpkin had it bad.

Looking into Applejacks eyes he put his bandanna around her neck, “I’ll be back for this.”

Mirage thought he saw the beginnings of tears in Applejacks eyes but she blinked and they cleared up. She spoke with a laugh to try and hide her wavering voice. “Well Ah should hope so sugar cube, ye’ll need somthin’ ta wahpe that paint off yer face, ya look lahk a raght terror.”

Mirage smiled and kissed Applejack smack on the muzzle leaving a rainbow smear, “You know it. I’ve got to go.”

Applejack lowered her hat to hide her eyes now Mirage knew she was crying, “Ah know pardner do what ya got ta do but don’t leave yer fiancé hangin’.”

“Never.” Mirage stepped back slowly then galloped up ahead to Phoenix Heart, Three Feathers, Silver, and Kid who was making a gagging motion.

Wiping his nose on his cannon he looked over at Silver Lining, “Brayburn didn’t come out?”

Silver Lining took a deep breath and shook her head, “No, I’m sure he’s busy with preparations for war.”

Mirage looked back at Applejack who was still watching him from the town limits, “Would you mind if I gave Brayburn a little nudge to let him know how you feel about him?”

Silver followed Mirage’s gaze, “No that was the whole point of me waiting for him, to find out if he wanted me or not.”

“I know, sometimes stallions need more encouragement than others, I should know.” Mirage said thinking back to his meeting with Applejack at the Appaloosa Aniversary Dance.

“If you think it would help.” Silver said pretending to wipe dust out of her eyes then lowering her goggles when she couldn’t hold back her tears.

Mirage flew back to Applejack and whispered his idea in her ear as a huge smile began to spread across her face,

“Uhhhhh, what’s taking so long!?” Kid groaned in frustration.

“One day you’ll understand.” Silver said sniffling.

Mirage flew back chuckling to himself,

“What’d you tell her?” Silver asked suspiciously

“Oh I told her you were madly in love with Brayburn so she said she’d have a talk with him about it.”

Silver rolled her eyes, “As if I didn’t make it obvious enough to him.”

“Painfully obvious.” Kid seconded gagging again.

“Oh that’ll change when we come back, you won’t be able to keep his hooves off you.” Mirage said still chuckling.

Tumble Weed and Sand Blast cantered up finished saying their goodbyes, Mirage looked over his team making sure they had made their peace and were ready to go. He could see it in their eyes, he didn’t have to ask but he did anyways just to hear it. “Are we ready to go?”

“Yes Boss!” the Dusty Bolts barked back in unison, Mirage got shivers, that was beautiful.

“Right, let’s ride!”

Riding Cutie Mark Deep

Mirage kept as much weight off his injured hoof as he could while he ran after Phoenix Heart and Red Feather, just another throbbing pain he could add to his already stiff and cracking joints. He should have asked Fluttershy for more bandages, his were already caked with dust. He was surprised she had accepted his apology; he could see it in her eyes she had a heart of gold and was too kind to stay mad at him. He was starting to regret leaving his bandana with Applejack as he ground sand between his teeth.

Nothing to do but dig down and keep running, he remembered how Applejack had stayed on the town outskirts to watch them fade into the horizon until she was a glint of sunset orange in the distance. This sortie was going to be easy all they had to do was get close enough to see the minotaur army and then stay in the sun above them while they observed what they would be up against, they’d be back in Appaloosa before they knew it.

Their dust trail would carry with the wind towards the minotaurs if they weren’t careful, but Mirage trusted that Phoenix and Red had been in the business long enough to know what they were doing. Then again if his Dusties could be spotted then likewise his Dusties could spot any minotaurs moving up on them.

“I don’t understand why we’re pounding ground when we could be flying.” Kid complained already panting, she was a strong flyer not a runner.

Tumble Weed spared Mirage from having to snap at Kid by explaining to the young buck, “We have to get close enough to the army that they won’t know we’re watching them, once we’re close enough we’ll shoot up to ten thousand feet and circle in the sun down to five thousand feet.”

“What difference will it make if they know we’re watching them?” Kid asked hovering along the ground obviously anxious to be airborne.

“What do you think the minotaurs would do if they saw Appaloosans circling above them?” Tumble Weed said trying to get her to think.

Mirage could almost see the gears turning in Kid’s head before the light bulb came on, “If they knew we were involved Appaloosa would be a target… Wait, isn’t Appaloosa a target already?”

“I don’t know that’s part of what we’re trying to find out.” Tumble Weed said with a touch of apprehension in his voice.

“How are we going to do that? We’ll have to be right on top of them to get that kind of info.”

Kid’s question went unanswered and she didn’t bother repeating it, she already knew she had said more than she should have. Phoenix Heart and Three Feathers began leading them through canyons and gullies and they knew they had to be close. Then they slowed to a trot and slid into a bolder as the silhouette of a minotaur came into view on the ridge in front of them.

The Dusty Bolts stacked up on the bison scouts, Phoenix Heart signaled Mirage to come closer and whispered, “The minotaurs are on the plane at the top of this hill.”

Mirage gathered his Dusty Bolts around him and gave them his plan, “We’ll go with Tumble Weed’s plan of observation in the sun from ten thousand feet down to five thousand feet. Before we take off preen your nasty wings and mane, no dust trails today.”

“How are we supposed to preen? We’ll just be moving the dust around our coats without water.” Kid complained, she was right; they hadn’t come prepared for this, too late now.

“Figure something out; you will not have dust on you when we fly. We have until sunset to get back to Appaloosa, the militia is waiting on us.” Mirage snarled, they were on a time crunch, and the minotaurs waited for no pony, they had to get the drop on them.

The bison began creeping away to let the Dusty Bolts do their work undetected, preening without water in the Appaloosan desert was like sweeping up a sand dune, but once Mirage was satisfied that his team wouldn’t leave dust trails he held up one wing and counted down silently with his primaries, three, two, one.

The team fought for altitude, shooting straight up in a column, scanning the mass of minotaurs they reached five hundred feet without being noticed it would be easier now. As they looked out over the plane they saw a dense forest of horns there had to be three thousand at least. They were bivouacked and not on the move so that was a good sign, they were probably waiting for more to arrive.

The air became thinner and their pegasi lungs deepened their breath compressing the air around them sending it straight to their heads, frost began forming on their still beating wings. Staying in the sun the Dusty Bolts circled watching for any tricks the army might have up its sleeve, from what they could see there were no assault engines, no battering rams, no catapults, just a mass of minotaurs larger than the parasprite swarm that had nearly ruined Appaloosa. Their descent lasted all afternoon, no raiding parties had been sent in but another thousand had been added from the Minotaur Mountains to the North.

Looking for the bison the Dusty Bolts dove the last five thousand feet back to Equestria Firma, they had to get moving. Racing at full gallop towards Appaloosa they had to warn the militia, even if all of Appaloosa was emptied and combined with Chief Thunderhoove’s tribe they would be unable to face the minotaurs.

Phoenix Heart and Red Feather led the Dusty Bolts through a narrow gulch and Mirage knew that they were going to be ambushed he signaled his team to speed up in hopes of outrunning the eyes he knew were watching them, Phoenix and Red sensed it too and galloped to a break neck pace. The gulch was a horrible place for them to go through they could be cut off at both ends for all he knew.

Mirage looked up and saw signs of their hunters, dust clouds and rocks falling down the walls of the gulch behind them, as long as they could stay ahead and they weren’t already boxed in they would be fine. As the end of the gulch came into view Mirage’s heart sunk, they were boxed in he knew it, a wall of five minotaurs with pikes blocked their exit. The bison wouldn’t be able to get close enough to smash through without impaling themselves, they had to fight now.

Mirage waved the bison off from their suicide charge they slowed down when they saw their only chance would be to let the Dusty Bolts deal with the pikes. Mirage gave the signal and the Dusty Bolts used the space that they had in the gulch to circle back to back with Phoenix and Red. “KID BUCK THOSE SCHMUCKS WITH THE PIKES!”

Kid knew better than to argue when Mirage was in this state of mind, she nodded and rushed the minotaurs boxing them in swerving up at the last possible moment to avoid being run through, she fell from the sky above them like chain lightning. First on one side then the other with the speed and agility that only a filly pegasi can muster, causing the minotaurs to smash into each other in their rabid attempt to catch her.

“Time to stop foalin’ around.” Kid wound back and bucked two helmeted minotaurs heads together, their helmets tolled like the town hall clock tower their eyes rolled back into their heads and they fell like apple sacks.

The other three minotaurs had turned their backs to the bison chasing after Kid, they never saw it coming, Phoenix Heart sent one minotaur flying over the ledge of the gulch, and Red Feather trampled the other two into a red mist.

The Dusty Bolts and bison were still surrounded by circling minotaurs with more arriving by the second. They had to push for the end of the gulch to get in the open, then they would have enough space and momentum to smash through. The minotaurs never gave them an inch, then Tumble Weed saw it Sand Blast was about to be impaled by a minotaur, NO! He had lost Crazy Wing he was not going to lose Sand Blast, gathering his fury he stormed the minotaur head on. Taking the bull by the horns just like Apple Bumpkin had said, time slowed, Apple Bumpkin.

A peace that Tumble Weed had never known fell over him as he charged the minotaur with unfailing wings, “Apple Bumpkin forgive me I don’t know if I’ll survive this one.”

Tumble Weed watched as the minotaur’s horn came closer and closer, he felt it cut his face as he shoved it to the side away from Sand Blast. The last thing he saw through a haze of red was Sand Blast screaming at him, but Tumble Weed was too tired to understand what was happening. The sand beneath him was pooling with something warm and comfortable, he closed his eyes at peace that he had saved Sand Blast.

Sand Blast slid up to Tumble Weed and threw him over his shoulders like a limp towel, blood already trickling down his foreleg. “Sand Blast wait!” Mirage shouted but it was too late Sand Blast had lost it, in a frantic rush he flew in the direction of Appaloosa ditching the Dusty Bolts. Mirage would have to deal with that later, right now he had to get the bison out of the mess they found themselves in.

Minotaur bodies started piling up around them, they wouldn’t be able to get out now, this was going to be the end of them, this dusty gulch was going to be their grave, the dead minotaurs their epitaph.

Then there was an explosion in the sky above them, crack PWWWWHHHHHHOOOOOOOOMMMMMM! Mirage looked up to see Spitfire and Soarin plummeting to their rescue, what were they doing? He had never seen a stunt like that before, it looked like a sonic drill boom but that was impossible the last pegasi to successfully pull that off and live was Commander Hurricane on her wedding day, it was a forbidden technique. Even Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be able to pull it off unless she met a pegasi as skilled as her, which would be never. Their drill deteriorated when Spitfire and Soarin could no longer fight the gravitational force and they formed into a dust devil picking up his Dusty Bolts and the bison.

“We heard you could use a lift.” Spitfire said smiling smugly

Saved by Wonderbolts, maybe Mirage had misjudged them, after all they were pegasi just like him it didn’t make them any less skilled or hard that they lived in Canterlot. That was just their life; he should have Silver Lining brush an apple chip off his shoulder.

“Yeah, you came just in time.” Mirage panted catching his breath from the fight,

“Sure did, you all look like you went through the ringer.” Soarin said worriedly, “Is that your blood?”

“Not this time, it’s those minotaurs’. Did Sand Blast get with you?”

Soarin gave Mirage a strange look, “In a manner of speaking, the stallion came into town like a wrecking ball asking everypony where Fluttershy was, Tumble Weed was with him, he didn’t look so good either but Fluttershy said she’d be able to fix him up.”

“That’s good to hear.” Mirage said chuckling as he pictured Sand Blast demolishing Appaloosa to find Fluttershy.

Below them the bison clung to each other clearly not enjoying the ride, “Do you recon’ we should let those two down?” Mirage asked

“Naw, we got to get them to town.” Spitfire said, Mirage decided he liked the Wonderbolts then, they weren’t so bad.

Visibility Unlimited

“Welcome to Appaloosa General Hospital.” Mr. Trench said as the Dusty Bolts filed in,

“What is Tumble Weed doing in here?” Mirage asked harshly,

“Now I know what you’re thinking but he’s doing fine, Fluttershy just needed the table space in here. In fact you can go on in and see him right now.” Without further invitation the Dusty Bolts pressed into the room, Tumble Weed was already trying to sit up with Sand Blast stiff hoofing him as Fluttershy attempted to work on him, “Let me go Sand Blast, you of all ponies should know better than to abandon the team!”

Sand Blast gently but firmly held Tumble Weed down, “Tumble Weed shut up, you’re in no condition to lecture me much less go back to the team. Do you have a death wish, what were you thinking?”

Tumble Weed and Sand Blast looked up as the Dusty Bolts came in, Fluttershy took the opportunity of Tumble Weed’s distraction to stick him, quickly but carefully, with an IV of salt water. “Ow, what was that for?” Tumble Weed complained,

“Don’t be such a little filly.” Sand Blast scolded,

“You lost a lot of blood so I’m using this saline solution to keep you blood pressure up, if your heart overworks itself from lack of pressure you’ll go into shock.” Fluttershy said putting a pillow behind his head and a blanket over his involuntarily trembling body.

“Why am I so cold all of a sudden?” Tumble Weed chattered as his shivering increased,

Fluttershy put a thicker blanket and a comforter over Tumble Weed and explained, “It’s a cold day outside, and after losing so much blood in combination with this room temperature IV, your body can no longer maintain its core temperature, you need to stay calm and get your rest, you’ll feel better after a few days. Now hold still.” She said wiping his face with a wet rag washing the blood off,

Watching Fluttershy work was like watching an allicorn of healing, it was obvious she was not used to the pressure of this kind of trauma but she handled it with the grace of ten unicorns a look of determined focus on her face.

“You look good Tumble Weed, you look real good, you’re going to have a sexy eye patch when this is over.” Mirage joked trying to lighten the mood, “Yeah you’re Appaloosa’s resident Cyclops now.” Kid added, “I guess that makes your eye twice as valuable now.”

There was a commotion from the store behind them and Apple Bumpkin shoved her way past them and to Tumble Weed’s side, “Tumble Weed ya Pinkie Pah swar ya wouldn’t do anythin’ stupid! Nobody breaks a Pinkie Pah Prahmiss.”

Tumble Weed gave a humiliated smile, “Yeah well now I guess I have to stick a cupcake in my eye.” He said indicating his missing eye that Fluttershy was attempting to patch up,

Apple Bumpkin gave a glare of incredulity before she hit him hard in the shoulder, “Yer a damn foal Tumble Weed, Ah don’t know if Ah should finish that mahnotar’s job er kiss yer dumb face.”

“Just so you know I’d prefer the kiss.” Tumble Weed laughed as his eye teared up from the hit,

“If you all wouldn’t mind it’s getting too crowded for me to work in here.” Fluttershy hinted quietly but sternly, without hesitation Sand Blast enforced his marefriend’s suggestion, “Alright you heard the mare, clear out.”

The Dusty Bolts and Apple Bumpkin complained boisterously as they left, but Apple Bumpkin didn’t leave until she had kissed Tumble Weed… Passionately, to the whistles and hollers of the Dusty Bolts. “Don’t ya dah on me ya knuckle head er Ah’ll kill ya.”

Turning to leave the Dusty Bolts knew what they had to do next, as they left Mirage turned to Mr. Trench, “Thank you for providing space for my team, again.” Mr. Trench just tipped his top hat, nothing else to be said, Mirage knew they would always be welcome at the undertaker’s, but not in a morbid way.

Before they headed to the Sheriff’s Mirage had to clear the air with Sand Blast, “Sand Blast can I have a word with you?”

Silver and Kid knew that tone of voice, Silver shuffled her hooves awkwardly watching the ants crawl past while Kid rolled her eyes back and whistled uncomfortably to herself as Mirage took Sand Blast out back.

Sand Blast knew better than to take on Mirage, the last time he had tried to throw his weight around with his short Captain he had found himself tied up into a pegasus pretzel with an ocotillo tree in his flank he folded his wings politely and stared straight ahead while Mirage paced growing more and more furious with each turn.

Mirage was so mad it made him sick to the point of vomiting he couldn’t look Sand Blast in the eyes without feeling the urge to jump down his throat and he couldn’t do that, Sand Blast had saved Tumble Weed but there was still a problem that had to be dealt with and that’s what made his blood boil, still pacing he calmly asked Sand Blast, “Why did you abandon your Dusties Sand Blast?”

Mirage saw the shadow of a glare pass across Sand Blasts face before he resumed his thousand yard stare and politely answered, “I don’t understand why you’re doing this boss I saved Tumble Weed, you know we would have lost him if I hadn’t brought him here.”

“THAT’S NOT WHAT I ASKED!” Mirage couldn’t hold it back now, shoving his face close to Sand Blasts and looking him square in the eye unleashing all the tension he had held with his prewar anxieties, his darker side was taking over. Rubbing his eyes with his hooves he took a deep breath but still felt the hate simmering, waiting for another chance to get out, calmly he again said, “Explain yourself.”

Sand Blast closed his eyes as a single tear ran down his cheek the first that Mirage had ever seen from the big pegasus with the big heart and he immediately regretted his outburst, “I can’t explain myself boss, I did what I thought was right.”

Mirage felt like a popped balloon he sighed and shook his head, “Let me explain where I am right now.” He said pacing again, “You did make the right decision and you saved Tumble Weed for that you have my eternal thanks, but you also abandoned your team, I don’t know if I can trust you anymore.”

Sand Blast snorted through his nose breathing harshly, he opened his mouth several times as if he was about to say something but couldn’t bring himself to, “We’re going to have to leave you in Appaloosa the next time we go out.”

Mirage turned to leave when he was stopped by a snarl from Sand Blast, “You want to talk about trust boss?” Looking back Mirage already knew what was coming, he couldn’t say that he blamed Sand Blast, “YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT TRUST!? WHAT ABOUT THE DRAGON HUH MIRAGE!? WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO LET US KNOW!? I STUCK MY NECK OUT FOR YOU WITH FLUTTERSHY!”

Mirage hung his head and walked up to the gigantic pegasus putting a hoof on his shoulder, “I know, and honestly I can’t ask you or any of the team to follow my lead anymore.”

Sand Blast stared at Mirage dumbfounded, “But boss who’s going to lead us if it’s not you?”

“I’m going to talk to Spitfire and see if she’d be willing to let Soarin’ take over for me.”

Sand Blast scowled at Mirage, “Buck no boss, I’m not following some candy flanked Wonderbolt, the only pegasus I trust to lead us is you.”

Mirage gave Sand Blast a hoofshake hug, “Sand Blast you’re a good pegasus.”

“I can still fly out with you all right? You still need a heavy lifter.” Sand Blast asked nervously,

“As long as you don’t lose your mind again.” Mirage said searching Sand Blast’s eyes for any break in integrity,

“It’s too late for me boss, I done lost my mind already.” Sand Blast said a half smirk across his face,

“Same here partner, trash is about to get ridiculous around here.” Mirage chuckled as he and Sand Blast pumped their hooves in the air shouting, “Ridiculous!”

Mirage could see Silver and Kid visibly sigh with relief when he and Sand Blast came back, they gathered around to hear what would happen next, “It’s past time for me to tell the Sheriff what we saw, I’m going to let him know right now you all should get some rest but be ready to leave at the drop of a hat. I know we’ll be going out again it’s just a matter of when.”

Something behind Silver had distracted Mirage while he was addressing them and he chuckled to himself, as Mirage finished Silver Lining looked around to see what it was and came face to face with Brayburn who picked her up and spun her in a circle in his hooves, “Welcome back sugar cube! Ah’m powrful sahry Ah missed ya when ya left so Ah’m here ta make it up ta ya.”

Silver knew she should be mad with Brayburn but how could she be? He was with her now and that was all that mattered, all she could do was laugh as he continued to twirl her around.

“What exactly did you tell Applejack boss?” Kid asked a spark of interest in her eyes,

“Just that Brayburn was infatuated with Silver and didn’t come out to see her off to war.” Mirage looked closer Brayburn’s vest was inside out, the collar was tucked under on one side, his hat had been folded up on one side, and his coat had a few scuffs that looked uncannily like Applejacks hoofwork. “Maybe I should have been more subtle.”

“It’s about time he came around.” Sand Blast said smiling,

“Yeahhhhh.” Kid said watching Brayburn dip Silver down for a kiss,

“Well I got to get over to the Sheriff’s.” Mirage said abruptly winking at Sand Blast and Kid, tilting his head signaling them to give Silver her privacy.

Sand Blast looked down at Kid, it was the first time it had just been the two of them, after losing Crazy Wing and now that Tumble Weed would most likely be grounded the Dusty Bolts would be on a pony bones crew. Meaning more work for all of them making them more vulnerable to accidents, time to enjoy their rest while they could.

“What do you think Kid you want to get some ice cream before we head out again? It’ll be on me, you done good today.”

Kid took her last glance at Brayburn and Silver before answering, “Yes please, and thank you.”

The two stopped by The Ice Barrel Creamery and finished their ice cream in silence thinking about the rough days ahead, the sun set and they still hadn’t heard from Mirage they hadn’t even seen the militia assembling to depart, there would be no sleep tonight. “We should have been back sooner; the militia won’t be ready till o dark thirty tomorrow morning.” Kid observed tiredly,

“Yep.” Was all Sand Blast had to say.

Flying in the Red

“Sand Blast? Hey Sand Blast!” Sand Blast felt his head snap up, he wasn’t sure where he was or how he got there he looked down at Filly the Kid where she stood in front of him. “It’s time to go.”

Sand Blast blinked hard trying to understand what had just happened, “I wasn’t sleeping.” He said compulsively,

“Shhhh.” Kid whispered, “I know you weren’t, your eyes were open the whole time you just weren’t open for business.”

Sand Blast looked around taking in his surroundings, what he could see of them anyways, the moon had set and the only light came from the countless stars above them, it was black as pitch, Sand Blast saw the silhouettes of ponies moving around them creeping through the desert in the darkness and realized they were moving into position against the minotaur army. If he were more awake he would have felt a rush at the prospect but all he could do was stare blankly.

His eyes felt like lead in his skull and his head felt detached from his wings and legs. He shook his head frantically trying to shake some sort of cognizance loose, “Ok.”

He started to fly off when Kid stopped him, “Sand Blast what are you doing? It’s this way.”

“Ok.” Sand Blast repeated like a broken record, he followed mechanically after Kid’s shadow until he came to a cloud where the rest of the Dusty Bolts and Wonderbolts were gathered. The cloud seemed to have a glow of its own as it caught the dim light from the faint line of gold on the horizon.

“Sand Blast get your head in the game! You’re the one who begged to come along!” Mirage hissed quietly,

“Ok boss.” Sand Blast repeated in the same monotone, Celestia he needed sleep badly,

“So as I was saying if Mr. Trench’s plan with the concealed stake pits goes well it should buy the militia enough time to pick off the rest of first wave before falling back to Rainbow Hot Springs, if they time it right they should roast a good number of minotaurs while the bison run the stragglers right into the hot pots. Our job will be to provide harassing cover, remember don’t get too involved, we just want to aggravate the minotaurs and keep them at a safe distance from the militia, let the ground pounders do their thing and we’ll do ours.”

Spitfire gazed intently at the scaled cloud table of the battlefield before them, “It’s amazing how Mr. Trench came up with this plan in such a short time, I have to say it’s borderline sadistic, do you think it’ll buy us enough time for the Royal Guard to show up?”

“You’re the Canterlot pegasi here you tell me.” Mirage said though more out of apprehension than cynicism, if Spitfire was unsure that the plan would buy them enough time they would be overrun and routed well before the Royal Guard could get there, this was the best they had to work with at the moment.

Mr. Trench was making magic happen on the field leading the militia at a break neck pace digging out the traps before the sunlight revealed them, if they tried to add any other anti-assault obstacles they would be caught in the open in broad daylight. Their one advantage was that they held the home turf, the minotaurs would never expect a hot springs in the middle of a desert. They would charge pell-mell straight into it like lemmings, the pathfinder ponies had already gone through and the rest of the militia knew to follow behind them hoof step for hoof step.

Looking down the Dusty Bolts could see the militia engineers scrambling to put the finishing touches on the stake pits, they would hardly be recognizable if it weren’t for the irregularly swaying bushes they had covered themselves in. “Hoo hoo, those minotaurs are in for a big surprise!” Kid said cantering in place with anticipation,

“We got to stay focused though this is about more than us this time.” Mirage cautioned,

Sand Blast broke his stare and his silence if only to keep himself awake, “It’s always been about more than us, every time we go out it’s been for the protection of Appaloosa, we’ll be fine boss.”

Whether he knew it or not Sand Blast had lightened the mood, “You’re right Sand Blast we’ve been through some rough spots before and we’ll make it through this.” Silver Lining agreed putting a hoof on his shoulder,

The sun began its climb over the horizon painting the desert a dazzling copper hue below them, the engineers had finished their work and were now dug in for their ambush, Mirage could see the minotaur army shuffling nervously at the force of ponies that had sprung up out of the desert overnight. It was a good sign, they may be outnumbered but at least they had the element of surprise to keep the minotaurs guessing.

Below them the small but fierce Appaloosan militia was lined up fifty ponies two deep, with the Appaloosan colors of the apple tree on a red background flying defiantly in the morning breeze. Sheriff Silver Star and Brayburn were in front of the formation with the drummer and bugle colt close behind them. The drummer colt nervously twirling his sticks and the bugle colt buzzing his lips out of habit warming up for the call to battle, the first rank stood with their lances at the ready, behind them the second row brandished their sabers threateningly.

In a gulch below the hot springs the bison watched silently from their concealment, from the Dusty Bolts perch it all spread out perfectly below them it could be flawless everything was in place, but just like a sand storm they had to be ready for the unexpected. Like this minotaur walking out from his army waving a white flag.

Wait what? Mirage rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, “Hey Sand Blast are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

“Yeah, I see it boss, it looks like they want a pre battle parley, that’s awfully old fashioned and honorable of them, of course it could also be a trap.”

Sheriff Silver Star, Brayburn, and the color pony went out to meet the enemy’s envoy and Mirage paced nervously watching for any treachery, “No, no, no, no, Silver Star you foal get out of there! I’ve got to go down and find out what’s going on!”

Spitfire held Mirage back as he made a bolt for the negotiations, “You go down there now and you could kill us all!” She said forcing him to look her in the eyes, “Think about what you’re doing, Silver Star can take care of himself and you still have a team to lead.”

For the smallest fraction of a second Mirage could have sworn he was talking to Applejack and he had to do a double take, “Ok, ok, you’re right I don’t know what came over me.”

Saved by a Wonderbolt again he was really slipping up, either that or he wasn’t using the Wonderbolts to their full potential and pointlessly working his team to exhaustion. But if they couldn’t handle this situation without the Wonderbolts how would they deal with it once the Wonderbolts were gone? His Dusty Bolts had to take the lead on this, those were their fellow townsponies below them. The Wonderbolts may have meant well but Mirage would not use them as a crutch no matter how many Dusties he had lost.

The minotaur army bellowed behind him and he whirled to see the Sheriff, Brayburn, and the Color pony hauling flank back to Appaloosan lines,

“It doesn’t look like that went well.” Sand Blast observed,

“Understatement of the year.” Kid quipped as the minotaur army surged forward,

“This is it here we go!” Mirage said lowering his goggles, but before his Dusty Bolts had a chance to dive in they abruptly lost their sunlight.

Mirage looked up, the sky had turned crimson under a solar eclipse, there were massive storm clouds to the North East and the wind was picking up violently. He heard the roar of pegasi screaming their war cry, and a pegasi horn on the wind. He stopped and gaped at what he saw, Princess Luna in full armor leading her Night Guard five hundred pegasi in force and flying in a colossal V of Vs formation. Behind them they hauled a thunderstorm that blasted everything in its way as lightning crackled without ceasing in the dry desert air.

“The wrath of Luna.” He whispered to himself, he had never seen anything like it, it made his heart burn inside him.

The minotaurs had seen it too and before they had reached full gallop they were stumbling over one another to turn around, their force of five thousand strong turning tail to five hundred Night Guard was a testament to the Night Guard’s ferocity, their reputation certainly proceeded them.

The engineers and the bison broke from their cover and charged the fleeing minotaurs quickly closing the gap with the chaotic mob.

“LET’S GO, LET’S GO!” Mirage shouted flinging himself forward diving like a maniac, the Dusty Bolts made a pass over the militia but none of them even looked up, they were galloping full tilt to get a piece of the minotaurs before anypony else.

The Dusty Bolts linked up with the Night Guard just as they overtook the last ranks of the minotaurs raining down their hate without mercy. “TUMBLE WEEDS!” Mirage shouted the Night Guard in their full battle rattle around him looked at him questioningly with their reptilian eyes, but then they saw his rainbow war paint and joined in the cry, “TUMBLE WEEDS!”

They chased the minotaur army well past their border and back into their own territory only stopping when they saw the minotaurs taking cover in a village ahead, forming their lines again the ponies and bison stamped the ground screaming bloody murder, daring the minotaurs to come back and face them.

Mirage looked around, that was it they were done for now, he didn’t think the minotaurs would have the heart to continue when their home land was at risk, he hoped more than anything they would surrender.

Then from behind him he heard a voice above all the others, “Warriors where can we find our loyal subject Mirage of the Dusty Bolts?”

“He’s up here your majesty!” Spitfire shouted off to his side, what was happening?

Before Mirage knew it Princess Luna stood before him accompanied by her personal guards who looked and smelled like they had sprinted the whole flight to Appaloosa, it took him a second to shake the stars out of his eyes before he fell to his knees, “Your majesty.”

“Rise Mirage,” Princess Luna said removing her helmet and shrinking down from her Nightmare form, her starry mane was strangely matted and split in places, “We have felt your nightmares from Canterlot, that is why we asked our sister to fly out and bring peace back to your dreams.”

“How did you get here so fast?” Mirage asked bewildered

“We could tell you but then we’d have to kill you.” The guard with the anvil cutie mark joked,

Princess Luna continued, “Mirage you have done well as the captain of the Dusty Bolts you take your responsibility very seriously but this task is too large for one pony alone, we have arranged for a selection screening in Cloudsdale to be presided by your Dusty Bolts to strengthen your team. The challenge has been issued and we think it will draw just the pegasi you’re looking for.”

This was more than Mirage could have dreamed of, the fulfillment of his hopes, now he could marry Applejack without having to worry about his Dusties, kneeling again he said “From the bottom of my heart, thank you your majesty.”

Princess Luna smiled at the display of gratitude but she wasn’t quite finished yet, “Our sister would also like to personally thank you for your service and extends her invitation to you and your team for the Grand Galloping Gala, we hope to see you there as well.”

Mirage was speechless, after all he had done, all the hardship he had endured and now he was receiving recognition? Of course that was never the reason he had taken on the job of captain of the Dusty Bolts he felt the need of Appaloosa when he had first seen the advertisement, “Weather Pegasi Needed One Hundred Cubic Acres of Sky for Anypony Interested.” That and he knew he would get nowhere new in his life if he stayed in the snow factory, sure he could have made it to CEO or president but that wasn’t the life he wanted. So many white collar ponies had done it before him and he didn’t want to be just another good ol’ pegasus.

“Once again thank you your majesty.”

Then Princess Luna lowered her horn to Mirage’s forehead, at first he recoiled, it wasn’t a common ponies place to come in contact with royalty, but when her guard didn’t jump him he stood still and graciously accepted the Princesses gift. It felt like a boulder had been lifted off his back, and he collapsed where he stood and fell asleep to dreams of his and Applejacks wedding and life couldn’t have been better.

Recovery and Regret

Mirage rolled over in his sleep and a light hit him in the face, of course he didn’t want to get up but he felt… rested, how was that possible?

“Good mornin sunshahn.” Hummed an angelic voice,

“Yaaaawwwn morning Applejack.” Then a light bulb came on in Mirage’s head and his eyes snapped open, Applejack was standing face to face with him by his bed in his home. Only one thought crossed his mind, “How long was I out?”

“Two days.” She said wiping the drool from his face with his bandana.

Mirage sat up it was too late for him to panic about how his team was doing now, he had already failed in his responsibilities. But it was obvious things were running smoothly on their own otherwise his wake up would have been more frantic. Still he covered his face with his hooves in humiliation and groaned.

“Hey don’t worry bout it pardner we got yer back, let me tell ya somthin Ah lerned from mah experience in farmin. No matter how much work ya do there’ll allus be somthin else fer ya ta work on sometahms it’s best ta put things off fer a bit ‘specially if’n there ain’t anythin ya can do bout it.”

That was why Mirage loved Applejack she had a way of grounding his pegasus heart, just like the Stallion in Black he’d Walk the Line for Applejack.

“Ah fixed ya some brekfest if ya want some.” Applejack said turning to leave,

“Yeah I’m starving.” Starving didn’t begin to describe how mirage felt, if he didn’t get down to his table soon he’d start eating his house, it tasted like cotton candy anyways. The only trouble would be collecting more water to rebuild, it had taken him a month of tornado water transfers from the Lariat River by himself to get his house the way he wanted it.

“Well Ah would hope so after sleepin fer two days.”

Mirage jumped out of bed and something occurred to him, “Hey, how are you in my house Applejack? Only pegasi can walk on clouds.”

Applejack gave him a teasing look leaned close and said, “Mmmmmhhhhmmmm, well Ah recon Ah’m walkin on clouds cause Ah’m bout ta marry tha handsomest pegasus in all Ehquestriah.”

“You know it.” Mirage said pounding his chest,

Resting her head on his shoulder Applejack whispered, “Yer wings er stiff Merahge.”

Looking over his shoulder then back at Applejack he smiled and licked his lips, “Mmmmmhhhhmmmm, cause I’m fixin’ to have apples for breakfast.”

Lifting her head up she smiled back, “Oh yeah? Ya maght want ta slow yer glahd Ah gess is how ya pegasah say it, Ah think yer hooves er too full ta start makin foals just yet.”

Mirage whistled and made a crashing noise “Down in flames huh?”

“Not quaht.” Applejack said pulling Mirage in for a kiss,

Mirage could have stayed there forever until a cramp racked his stomach and he sat down holding his barrel, “I should probably get down to breakfast.”

Applejack just laughed at him, “Yeah, yeah ya should.”

They both went downstairs together, “Do you know what happened after the battle?” Mirage asked his responsible side kicking back in

“Hmm, well ya were passed out fer that weren’t ya? From what Ah was told Princess Luna negoshiated with tha mahnotar trahble leaders, acourse they claimed no rusponsability fer their ‘mavrick war lords’ and tha whole thang was passed off seein’ as how they didn’t want any more bloodshed, har har, them mahnotars er a shiesty bunch.”

Applejack stayed to watch Mirage finish his breakfast then said in an apologetic tone, “Sahry ta cut it short but Ah got ta get mahself on back ta Sweet Apple Acres sugar cube. Ah’m glad Ah got held up here fer a couple more days than Ah expected. Rainbow Dash is waitin on me ta head back ta Ponyville.”

She said kissing Mirage on the cheek and tying his bandana around his neck with a tight hug, it smelled like apples and cinnamon. Mirage’s heart sunk, he knew Applejack had to get back to her life he just wished it wasn’t so soon,

“Don’t look so glum pardner, Ah know it won’t be much longer, what with ya headed ta Cloudsdale fer that suhlecshun screenin’ an all, Ah’ll be waitin’ under tha apple tree fer no one else but you.”

Applejack kept her eyes locked on Mirage’s until she had backed out of his door to where Rainbow Dash was waiting on the porch, “It’s about time what took so long?”

“Jus sayin goodbye Rainbow, burr, little bit of frost on tha pumpkin thismornin’.”

“Yeah whatever, that’s the longest goodbye I’ve ever heard of, its freezing out here, you ready to go?”

“Eyup.” And like that Applejack was gone like a dream, it was time for Mirage to see how his team had survived without him, he suspected Sand Blast had decided to take the Wonderbolts up on their offer to help with the Weather Watch. Stepping out onto his porch he immediately locked up in the cold air, it took him a few minutes of working himself up to flying in the frigid air,

“Flying is for the birds.” Mirage muttered to himself lowering his goggles and pulling up his bandana, Applejack’s perfume was stronger than he thought and just thinking about her was enough to warm him up.

Mirage held off on any fancy flying today, it wouldn’t be good for his split hoof anyways; he made his way directly to Phoenix Nest Mesa. Passing over he saw Silver Lining and Spitfire huddled together in a bison blanket, he tried to control his wing wash as he came in but it was unavoidable the blanket went flying.

Silver glared mischievously up at Mirage, “Well look who it is, the pegasi that decides to sleep on the job and then tries to freeze us solid. How does it feel to be back among common ponies oh favored one of the Night Princess?”

So it wasn’t a dream, “Hey cut me some slack, how was I supposed to know that was going to happen? Anyways I came out to see how my Dusties are doing.”

“We’re doing good boss, the Wonderbolts have been a big help. I think if we can get those pegasi from Cloudsdale like Princess Luna promised the Dusty Bolts will be set.”

Spitfire wiped her cannon across her nose shivering uncontrollably, “I don’t know how you do it Mirage the weather duty out here is miserable, I thought the stories I heard were just exaggerations from a conceited weather team but I wouldn’t be able to keep this up permanently.”

Mirage brought the blanket back over to the two, “Thanks Spitfire that means allot, but don’t feel like you have to stay if you don’t want to.”

Silver Lining rolled her eyes as she threw the blanket over her and Spitfire again, “We’ve been hurting as it is without Tumble Weed boss, if we get rid of our help now we’ll be in no condition to screen anypony to replace us.”

Cantering in place and pumping his wings to keep warm Mirage asked, “Would you know where the rest of the team is?”

“Shoot they’re probably holed up in their homes staying out of this cold.” Silver Lining said pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders, “Speaking of which boss, it can’t be healthy for you to be out in this cold you should join us.”

Taking a step back Mirage shook his head, bad idea, “I don’t think so, it wouldn’t look good to Applejack for me to be huddled with two mares on weather watch.”

Silver glared incredulously at Mirage, “She’d probably smack you around for being stupid enough to fly out on a day like this.”

“That’s funny because she’s on her way back to Ponyville right now.”

Silver facehooved and shook her head, “I don’t know how Applejack can deal with your stubborn flank.”

“Yeah I bet Brayburn is the perfect stallion too huh?” Mirage said with a road apple smirk,

Silver grimaced and stuck her tongue out at Mirage, “That’s low boss.”

“If you’re not careful you’ll turn into a tonguecicle. Anyways, I’m going to check up on Tumble Weed, is he still on bed rest?”

“He should be, but he took stupid lessons from you, he’s ‘resting’ back up at his house.”

“He’s not drinking is he?” Mirage asked nervously ready to bolt for Tumble Weed’s house,

Silver shook the frost out of her hair and sniffled before replying, “No, he’s been better boss.”

“Well I think I’ll take my stupid, stubborn flank to his place and get out of your mane.”

“Don’t catch any flies in your teeth on the way over.” Silver jabbed as a parting shot,

Turning to leave Mirage asked over his shoulder, “What would I do without you Silver?”

“Freeze.”

Mirage chuckled to himself as he flew towards Tumble Weed’s cloud cabin; it wasn’t like he was a buddy bucker he always worked his hardest for his Dusties. What Applejack had said was true there were some things you just had to set aside while you rested, but what if Silver had meant what she said deep down? While he hadn’t replaced Crazy Wing or Tumble Weed he had slept for two days leaving his team hanging.

There was a time for rest but should he justify his power nap to placate his conscience? It didn’t matter anymore he was awake and ready to lead, all that mattered was what he did from now on.

Mirage glided up to Tumble Weed’s cabin, it looked unnervingly the way it had when he had been here last and it made his pulse spike as he braced for the worst. Curtains drawn and no sign of life inside, Mirage knocked on the door; there was some dark muttering and shuffling, that was a good sign. Now to find out if Tumble Weed had stayed dry or not, Tumble Weed opened the door his good eye screwed shut, his socket staring back, his mane looked as though he had flown through a bad thunderstorm. He was in a bathrobe and slippers, but thank Celestia he didn’t smell like a brewery.

Tumble Weed yawned expansively, scratched his flank, and asked, “That you boss?”

“Yeah it’s me.”

Tumble Weed stood with the door open for a few seconds the cold air had no effect on his awakening, “I’m glad you stopped by, come on in.”

As Mirage stepped in his eyes adjusted to the dimness before Tumble Weed struck a match and light a lamp, putting a patch over his eye to make himself look halfway presentable he turned back to Mirage still trying to open his eye.

Through a yawn he said, “Ohhhhhhaaaahhhhhhh, make yourself at home, can I get you any hot cider, or something a little bit harder?”

“Some cider sounds nice.” Mirage said a worried tone in his voice,

Tumble Weed shuffled over to the stove and light the burner under the kettle, “I’ve been trying to get the rest of the team to finish off my stash, because as soon as I can get it out of my house I’m not getting another drop.”

“That’s good to hear, what brought you to that decision?”

Tumble Weed leaned on the stove and spit on his hooves to straighten out his mane, “I guess it was just everything that was happening lately, loosing Crazy Wing, then my attempted suicide, you killing the dragon as a result, falling for Apple Bumpkin, and now we have new Dusties to look after… I can’t be acting like a colt anymore.”

One less thing for Mirage to worry about, it seemed that he had finally made it to the clear skies he had been fighting for since he had first arrived in Appaloosa, had he earned it? Buck yes.

Author's Note

So frustrating! This was the chapter that I meant Dusty Apples to be like and the romantic scene was still cut short. Oh well, sorry about the delays between chapters and that they're getting shorter, I haven't been able to write like I want to lately. I wanted to polish this one up a bit more but my regular readers have waited long enough.

P.S. I hate prop wash pilots can be such tools.

A Town Hollineigh

Tumble Weed sighed as he shuffled through the applications impulsively adjusting his eye patch that was cutting off his circulation, “What do any of these stats even mean boss? We do this stuff five times over every day; it’s going to be too steep of a learning curve for these young bucks.”

Mirage was feeling Tumble Weed’s pain as he looked at the picture of some straight edge hipster pegasus who thought he already deserved a spot on the Dusty Bolts from the glance he took at the confident letter accompanying the application, “I don’t know Tumble Weed.” He said tossing the picture back onto the pile, “The good news is we won’t have to work as hard as we used to so maybe once the new joins get spun up we can let them figure out for themselves what it takes to be a Dusty Bolt.”

Tumble Weed laughed cynically, “Yeah cause that’ll turn out well.”

Mirage smirked and tiredly replied, “Well I’ve got my primaries crossed for the best.”

Tumble Weed threw his hooffull of applications over his shoulder, “All these foals are going to get crushed.”

“So that’s when we’ll find out the ones who really want it and work them up to standards.” Mirage said taking a sip of cider and continuing to wade through the applications,

“I don’t know how you can be so optimistic, even Kid can outperform most of these full grown stallions and mares.”

It had only been half a week since Tumble Weed had lost his eye and he was already back on his hooves, of course he was grounded for the time being while his body took time to recover fully, but really what kind of pegasus follows rules? He had a Dusty Bolts selection screening to go to in Cloudsdale and he wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to ensure the Dusty Bolts only got the best pegasi Cloudsdale had to offer, besides Cloudsdale was much a more conducive locale for convalescence recovery.

He had talked to Applejack about getting one of her unicorn friends to enchant Apple Bumpkin’s hooves so she could come and see the city few other earth ponies had seen. He wanted to take her to a pegasus message parlor so she could learn how to give a wing message, he wanted to take her to the best cotton candy stand in Equestria and to get a real snow cone straight from Mirage’s old snow factory he also wanted to thank the pegasus who had carved Appasloosa’s pegasus horn.

Fortunately Mirage and Tumble Weed didn’t have to suffer sorting through any applications when they were interrupted by a pounding at the door. They gave each other the “Oh road apples.” look, Tumble Weed opened the door and looked down to where Filly the Kid had collapsed in a sweating, panting mess.

“Jeez Kid is the Sheriff after you again, why are you in such a rush?” Mirage asked over Tumble Weeds shoulder,

“You wheeze, wheeze have to come and see wheeze hack…” Kid spoke with her tongue lolling out of the side of her mouth and the cold air sent her into a coughing fit before she spat a large chunk of phlegm over the edge of the porch.

Mirage and Tumble Weed leaned in close fearing the worst, but Kid looked back with shining eyes, a huge smile, and gasped out, “Pant, pant the doctor is in, pant, pant, pant.”

Mirage raised an eyebrow with surprise, “Well that is good news, just next time try not to kill yourself letting me know.”

“Sure thing boss.”

“Come on in and sit by the stove before you become hypothermic.” Mirage said helping Kid up and escorting her to the kitchen, then he grabbed a blanket from the couch and threw it over her shivering frame. Tumble Weed didn’t have anything softer than the cider he had warmed up but Kid would be in bad shape if they couldn’t keep her core temperature where it needed to be.

He apprehensively hooved her a mug, “Drink this but slowly or you’ll get light headed.”

“Is this booze boss?” Kid asked smelling the liquor in the drink,

“Yes.”

“Buck yeah, I should get hypothermic more often!” Kid shouted throwing back the mug until Mirage pulled her hoof back but it was too late. Kid already had a rosy glow in her cheeks and nose and it wasn’t from her flight in the cold,

“What did I tell you Kid!?” Mirage said more frustrated than worried, he could feel his anger fighting to get out.

“Woah, that’ssssssssssssstronnnnger thannnnnnn I thhhhhhought.” Kid said swaying on her hooves,

“I tried to warn you, there’s a reason I say things and it’s not just to hear the sound of my own voice.” Mirage reprimanded harshly,

Tumble Weed was chuckling quietly to himself watching the scene,

“Tumble Weed this isn’t funny!”

“I know boss, heh, heh, it’s just heh, heh, heh, she chugged that cider like a champ.”

Mirage just shook his head

Tumble Weed replied defensively trying to hold back outright laughter, “Hey I’m not the one who gave her the cider and then told her what it was. If you hadn’t’ve mentioned anything she might not’ve known.”

“Naw, I coulddddd sssssmell it.” Kid slurred with a goofy grin,

Mirage couldn’t hold back a grim smile, what was he thinking, giving a filly hard cider to keep her from going into hypothermia, he was sure that was the textbook definition of irresponsibility. Don’t do this at home foals, oh well if it works it works, she didn’t seem to be shivering as much anyways, he just hope she wouldn’t lose her cider from how fast she had guzzled it.

Thankfully it seemed to be putting her to sleep, she let out an interesting combination between a belch and a yawn, “Bwaaaaaaahhhhhh, sssssorryyyyyyy Mmmmmirage I….” she never got out the rest as she settled down to the floor by the stove in the blanket.

At least Mirage wasn’t the only pony who was wiped out from their whole excursion these past couple days, Kid deserved her rest as much as he did. Gently picking her up he moved her over to Tumble Weed’s couch propped her up on a pillow and tucked her in, “What do you think Tumble Weed, should we take this as a sign and take a couple days to ourselves before we head up to Cloudsdale for this screening?”

Tumble Weed stared back tiredly and sighed, “I’d say yes boss but it seems we haven’t looked after the weather much since losing Crazy Wing, and I don’t want to throw the whole thing on the Wonderbolts.”

“That’s just what I was thinking, we’ll have to do that anyways when we head up to Cloudsdale for the selection so I want to find the source of this bucking cold front before we leave. We’ll just have to keep it up until we get to Cloudsdale, if all we’ll be doing is the screening then it shouldn’t be a problem to catch up on our rest and make a good impression on the Bucking New Ponies.”

“You know how it goes boss, as soon as we get to Cloudsdale the first shiny thing we see is going to distract us to the nearest party.”

Mirage had been staring off into space, “Huh, what were you saying? I was watching that sparkle on the roof.”

“You’re a mule boss.” Tumble Weed smiled throwing a hoof at Mirage’s shoulder,

Mirage deftly caught the foreleg spun Tumble Weed around and proceeded to choke him out with his own foreleg, not wanting to tap out yet Tumble Weed let out a gurgling laugh, “Not… donnnnne… yet.” Throwing his knee into Mirage’s barrel and dropping his weight he grabbed Mirage’s hoof with his free hoof bent down and rolled Mirage off his shoulder throwing him to the floor, it was a soft landing on clouds but Tumble Weed heard the air knocked out of Mirage’s lungs and he jumped on his opportunity.

Still holding on to Mirage’s hoof Tumble Weed threw his rear legs over Mirage’s head and barrel and leaned back. Surprisingly Mirage resisted Tumble Weed by pure force even though he hadn’t caught his breath yet, he pulled Tumble Weed over and rolled on top of him and began stomping him in the barrel. Not full force but enough to make Tumble Weed tap out.

Jumping up Mirage offered a hoof to help Tumble Weed up, “Pant, pant, pant, you always beat me boss.”

Mirage had gotten his breath back and wasn’t even winded, “You’re getting better though, we’ve got to be quiet or we’ll wake up Kid.”

Tumble Weed smacked Mirage over the head with a wing, “I don’t know why you’re making so much noise boss.”

The hit didn’t even phase Mirage, he got a crazed look in his eyes and started laughing picking Tumble Weed up by the base of his wings and throwing him up against a wall. Through Tumble Weed’s good eye he couldn’t tell if Mirage was serious or joking anymore, sure he was laughing but something was off. Anyways he wasn’t in a position to continue the fight so he conceded, carefully keeping his smile and with a laughing voice Tumble Weed said, “Uncle, uncle, I’m done.”

Mirage let Tumble Weed down slowly, very slowly as if he didn’t want Tumble Weed to give in and he kept his eyes locked unblinkingly on Tumble Weed’s good eye with a blood chilling smile on his face. “No sucker bucks please or I won’t be responsible for what happens to you.” Mirage requested in an equally friendly voice,

Tumble Weed’s pulse spiked, the way Mirage had said it, no hesitation, no sign that he didn’t mean exactly what he said. Tumble Weed’s skin crawled, he felt like Mirage could snap his wings with that same smile on his face. Tumble Weed knew Mirage had been a bit wound up lately but not like this, keeping his calm he changed the subject, “I think we should let Kid get some sleep and go welcome the doctor that just came in.”

Mirage just grunted and nodded in agreement, the two of them left Kid on the couch and made their way to Appaloosa.

Tumble Weed had to pick Mirage’s brain make sure he was still alright. Not being able to think of where to start he asked the first thing that came to mind, “Hey Mirage, remember when we used to work the weather in Cloudsdale?”

Mirage sighed in melancholy, “Life was so much simpler back then.”

Tumble Weed could tell Mirage was bucking himself inside for slipping up and threatening him, “What happened to us Mirage? It’s like we’re broken.”

“We’re stronger than we ever were.” Mirage answered coldly glaring straight ahead,

“At what price? Murdering dragons, attempted suicides, giving hard cider to a filly, none of this would have crossed my mind before I became a Dusty Bolt.”

“You’re right, that’s just the way things are though, there are only so many things a pony can take before they’re shattered. This is the life we chose, no one forced us to stay in Appaloosa, even if we wanted to we couldn’t back out now.”

“I want to believe we’re better than that, experiences don’t make a pony, experiences contribute a lot to who a pony is but not to the point of influencing what they do. Like you said a pony chooses to do the right thing despite their circumstances.”

“I want to believe that too Tumble Weed but every time I try to be a better pegasus, a better leader I always fall short.” Mirage could feel himself tearing up, he didn’t want to talk about it but if he didn’t talk about it now when would he?

This was the pain of becoming a better pony, all Mirage wanted was his space so he could sort things out himself but he knew if he didn’t confront his problem now with Tumble Weed it would overcome him. He had already let his hate take over.

“I suppose everypony has their vices, I should know.” Tumble Weed admitted humbly

“Yes and you got over it, I have no excuse.” Mirage said flying a little lower and dropping his head unable to look Tumble Weed in the eye.

“Cut yourself some slack boss, when I gave up my drinking it wasn’t because I hated myself for my dependency, and trust me I did hate myself, but I gave it up because I realized the ponies around me believed I was better than my addiction.”

Mirage laughed solemnly, “Tumble Weed you’ve got better vision than me and you’ve only got one eye.”

Tumble Weed laughed with Mirage, “Yeah it does tend to give you a new perspective when you lose an eye.” After flying in silence for a while Tumble Weed looked over again and said, “Hey boss just because you’re our Captain don’t feel like you have to keep your problems to yourself, a problem for you is a problem for all of us. We got your back.”

It was then that they pulled up above a crowd of ponies gathered around whom they could only assume was the doctor, he was had with frazzled black hair, and wore a khaki long coat, a scarf and a wide brim hat in the cold. He looked up as they flew in, “Ah just the ponies I was looking for, Princess Celestia herself ordered me to give the Dusty Bolts a checkup as soon as I arrived in Appaloosa.”

“Well you’re the doc, doc.” Mirage said diving in and landing in front of the doctor with a dramatic bow, “Mirage von Stäube Captain of the Dusty Bolts at your service.”

The doctor rolled his eyes and muttered, “Pegasi” before offering his hoof in introduction, “Doctor Hollineigh M.D.”

“Doc Hollineigh, as in the Doc Hollineigh?” Tumble Weed asked eyes wide in disbelief,

“The one and only.” The Doctor said taking off his hat and bowing with as much mock elegance as Mirage,

“Oh we have to play poker sometime!” Tumble Weed said bouncing excitedly,

“Well it seems my reputation has preceded me, sorry young buck I don’t play with amateurs, but if you wouldn’t mind I’d like to begin my initial exam.” Not waiting for Tumble Weed’s disappointed reaction he hooved Mirage’s cannon and pulled a watch out of his coat pocket, once a minute had passed Doc Hollineigh reached into his medical bag and pulled out a thermometer, “Well your blood pressure is excellent, much better than the layabouts in Canterlot.”

Mirage spoke around the thermometer that was shoved abruptly under his tongue, “I wud hop sho.”

“I’ll go round up the rest of the team boss.” Tumble Weed said turning to leave,

“Please do.” Doc Hollineigh acknowledged,

Tumble Weed thought about it and said, “Alright but you owe me a game of poker.”

Doc Hollineigh sighed as he brought out a candle with a mirror and a scope on it and proceeded to look into Mirage’s eyes, ears, and nose, “I suppose I can afford a few friendly games with you, seeing as how I’ll be taking up residence here but you better bring you’re A game or I’ll cut it off after the first round.”

SQUEE! Tumble Weed flew off and nearly smashed into the clock tower on his blind side, “Sounds fair to me!”

Doc Hollineigh brought out a small mallet and tapped on Mirage’s joints frowning in contemplation when they cracked as they moved, “Well your reaction time is faster than most, but those joints don’t sound good at all. Do you stretch before your work day?”

“Every morning.” Mirage answered hesitantly, he didn’t like where the questions were going,

“More bananas.” Doc Hollineigh said flatly,

“Those aren’t exactly easy to get out here Doc.” Mirage commented cynically,

Doc Hollineigh ignored him and continued with his exam, “Close your eyes hold your wings out and relax.” Mirage silently obeyed, Doc Halliday grunted dubiously, “I thought so your nerves are shot.”

Mirage opened his eyes and saw his wings twitching involuntarily, “Comes with the job.”

“Right, well, until you actually hurt yourself I can only give advice. Your mane is going to turn grey before you hit 25 if you don’t find a better way of dealing with your stress. It looks like you did a number on your hoof.”

Mirage followed the doctor’s gaze to his split hoof, “Landing accident.” He lied,

“Have you been keeping it clean?” Doc asked picking up the hoof for a closer look,

“Of course.”

“Hmm, it should heal fine by itself it’s going to leave a nice scar though, come see me if it gets infected.”

“Sure thing Doc.”

Doc Hollineigh looked as if he was about to say something then he looked to the skies behind Mirage and his jaw dropped “Holy road apples that’s a big pegasus, what do they feed you?”

“I live on motivation and crushing little foals dreams.” Sand Blast said causing a mini sand storm coming in,

Doc Hollineigh rolled his eyes and started his exam on Sand Blast as the rest of the Dusty Bolts gathered around, “Everypony’s a comedian.”

Mirage looked over Doc Hollineigh’s shoulder as he conducted his exams, Sand Blast’s and Silver’s exams had the same diagnosis, but after scrutinizing Tumble Weed’s eye and teeth Doc Hollineigh solemnly declared, “Your liver is on the verge of failure, you need to stop drinking now or you could die within a year.”

Tumble Weed grimly but defiantly admitted, “I figured that, I never planned on living long but I planned on living.”

“Well if you’re going to live by that code then you might as well say goodbye to your friends, they’ll be joining you short after I shouldn’t wonder with the way they abuse themselves.”

“It’s always the sober ones that tell you that you need to stop drinking. If I hadn’t quit I’d have pulled out my flask right now.” Tumble Weed muttered darkly,

“It’s our business to abuse ourselves when nopony else steps up to do our business.” Mirage growled defensively, “In case you haven’t noticed Doc we’re in the middle of nowhere any help that we might get is days away so nopony bothers to help.”

Silver Lining made a pie slinger’s whistle, “AaAaAaaaa!”

Dodging the hostility by changing the subject Doc Hollineigh asked, “Where’s the filly I heard you have on the team?”

Mirage coughed nervously, “She’s not available for a checkup today.”

Doc Hollineigh looked disappointed, “Oh, I was hoping to finish the entire team today, I suppose it won’t matter now that I’ll be living here but if you’ll please excuse me I’d like to get settled in.”

“Do what you have to Doc.” Mirage said watching Doc Holineigh pack his medical bag and trot to the Apple Core Inn “Interesting stallion.”

“Ah have ta agree with ya ther pardner.” Brayburn said stepping out from the townsponies who were still gathered to welcome the Doctor and were just disbursing,

“Ah hope he figures out we’re on the frontier before anythin too terrible happens.”

“Me too.” Mirage admitted worriedly.

Polished

Mirage had sent Sand Blast out on weather patrol to find the source of the cold front that had settled in Appaloosa that left him to fly alone with his thoughts. He enjoyed flying alone over the beautiful open desert, the only sound was the wind rushing past his ears, and whenever he stopped to scan the horizon the silence was complete there were few other places in Equestria that were this isolated and peaceful, it was beautiful.

It helped him keep his mind off the fact that none of the Dusty Bolts truly knew him; the tough pony face he put on every day was a front. The truth was he didn’t have the rough and tumble foalhood the rest of the Dusty Bolts did which was why he kept to himself as much as he could. He had a loving family who had done their best to raise him right, he wrote them often and missed them more than anything, except for Fluttershy.

He knew that by now the Dusty Bolts had seen something different in him, something with a touch of naïveté and purity; if they had noticed it they must have admired him for it because they never let on. In the beginning he had wondered what he had gotten himself into but when he saw how much the Dusty Bolts depended on each other it compelled him to stay, it was like his second family... a very dysfunctional family.

He hated waking up every morning having to pretend to be sompony he wasn’t, letters and visits from his family were what kept him from losing his mind. Watching the rest of the Dusty Bolts was depressing to him knowing they had been cheated out of a good life.

In his first letters home he had tried to spare his family from the depravity he dealt with on a day to day basis, but he couldn’t hide it from them forever so he decided honesty would be his best relief for stress. His family told him over and over how proud they were of him but the only ponies who understood what he was going through anymore were the Dusty Bolts and he could hardly relate with them.

That was why he had fallen so hard for Fluttershy because he saw in her a piece of what he had lost in Appaloosa, he was glad that it had gone so well with her and he wanted to see what the future held for her and him. Not only that he just enjoyed being around her and he hoped she felt the same way about him, she was so un-confrontational he was sure that if he didn’t gauge her feelings properly she would internalize everything while he steamrolled over her and that wasn’t at all what he wanted.

Sand Blast decided to pay Crazy Wing a visit since he was flying that way, seeing his statue with his trademark grin brought back a rush of memories and emotions that Sand Blast had almost forgotten, “Hey Crazy Wing, I thought you’d be lonely out here so I stopped by for a visit, sorry I didn’t bring anything.”

Reading over the epitaph brought back even stronger memories, until now Sand Blast hadn’t gotten a good look at what had been engraved but it stared back at him from the dust dulled marble, “HE HAPPILY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE PONIES HE LOVED”

Sand Blast knew that Crazy Wing wouldn’t have wanted him to get broken up over his death but he couldn’t help it. It didn’t look like anypony had been back to the cemetery since the funeral if the condition of the memorial was an indicator, the brass was already starting to oxidize and green, and the marble was faded and dusty. Sand Blast wouldn’t be able to do anything about the brass unless he came back with an ammonia scrub pad but he started wiping down the marble with his bandana bringing back the glossy polish.

He had two days to find the source of the cold front so it wasn’t like he was short on time, polishing Crazy Wing up just seemed like the right thing to do, Sand Blast always tried to do the right thing, “There, you look better already.” Sand Blast said staring at his reflection in the marble.

“Mirage finally proposed to Applejack, but you were there weren’t you? I wish you could have seen it they are so happy together.” Sand Blast couldn’t stand it anymore he knelt down and bawled into the dirt at the base of the statue, but he knew it would be alright.

As miserable as he felt after digging up the memories of Crazy Wing he knew it was something he had to face. He needed to keep Crazy Wing’s memory fresh in his heart or he would bury it with the cold stoicism he needed to be a Dusty Bolt.

Once he got ahold of himself he sputtered out, “I…. I, gulp, finally found, sniff… I finally found a… special somepony. You’d, sniff,… You’d like her.”

Once Sand Blast’s breathing had normalized and his eyes had cleared he gave one last look at his friend, “Sorry, I got to go, you know how it is Dusty Bolts always got to stay busy.”

Sand Blast knew he had to leave but he didn’t want to, he felt as though Crazy Wing would step down off his marble pedestal and the Dusty Bolts could go back to life as normal.

“Reality check Sand Blast this is no time to turn schizophrenic.” Wait, that voice sounded familiar,

“I know Crazy Wing, there’s no way you can hear what I’m saying to you. It just feels good to say it anyways.”

“I never left you.” Crazy Wing said standing beside Sand Blast.

Sand Blast knew that he should have been spooked but he wasn’t, he missed Crazy Wing too much, who cared if he indulged a little insanity? Sand Blast’s vision filled with stars and he heard a ringing in his ears, when it cleared Crazy Wing was still with him.

“Hey slacker, I’ve been looking everywhere for you! We’ve got to find the source of this cold front before we head to Cloudsdale for the selection screening.” Sand Blast shook his head frantically, what was he doing?

“I don’t know who your waiting on I’ve been ready to go.” Crazy Wing said trotting in place,

“You’re not real.” Sand Blast said passing his hoof through Crazy Wing’s body,

“It doesn’t matter, Mirage needs us to find the source of this cold front, we won’t find it with you standing there looking at me like I’ve got a wing growing out of my forehead.”

Sand Blast clenched his eyes trying to shut out the intruding apparition, he had heard about these sorts of things before; pony’s being locked up in institutions for committing crimes the “voices told them to do.” Then again what if he was legitimately haunted? He had never heard of a spirit being so vivid but he wouldn’t know he’d never seen one before. The hair on his coat stood on end, either way he was bucked, if he was haunted nopony would believe him and he’d wind up in an asylum anyways.

“Sand Blast, you alright? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.” It didn’t matter if Sand Blast closed his eyes he could still hear Crazy Wing as clear as if he were in the flesh.

“Crazy Wing you’re not alive.”

“I know, this is all in your head, I’m here because you can’t let me go.”

“I’m keeping you from your rest?” Sand Blast was surprised, if there was one thing he respected it was his team mates rest time

“Yeah kind of, I don’t mind though a Dusty Bolt never leaves a job unfinished. I’m sticking with you until you can come to terms with my death. Hey do you want to see something cool?” Crazy Wing took his head off and gave Sand Blast a road apple smile, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”

Yep that was Crazy Wing alright still the same goofy old pegasus even after death, just like nothing had changed, “Come on let’s go find where this frost is coming from.”

What could it hurt? It wasn’t as if Crazy Wing was telling him to murder Silver Lining for being sweet on Brayburn after his death that would just be bucked up. Crazy Wing was flying circles around Sand Blast impatient to get going, “Jeez Sand Blast I always knew you were slow but I didn’t think you were this slow, you really let yourself go after I left.”

“Crazy Wing you may be a ghost but I’ll still kick your flank.”

“Just try it; you’ll have to catch me first.” Crazy Wing taunted spitting raspberries at him,

Sand Blast reared and bolted pell-mell after Crazy Wing, “Your tongues going to be sticking out with my hooves around your neck!”

Sand Blast flew after Crazy Wing until he thought his wings would burst into flames and he had to slow down, Crazy Wing pulled up beside him, “Toldja.”

Sand Blast could hardly speak past his heaving breaths but he gasped out, “Wheeze wheeze, Crazy Wing, wheeze wheeze, shut up wheeze dead wheeze wheeze wheeze dead ponies wheeze wheeze aren’t supposed to speak.”

After that they flew on in silence scanning the skies and ground for any sign of the source of the frost, then Crazy Wing started whistling and Sand Blast joined in slowly they started singing one of their favorite songs, Sand Blast thought it was ominously ironic but he was well past second guessing himself so he sang with gusto, “Yippieio yippieiay ghost riders in the sky.”

Once they were finished singing something caught Sand Blast’s eye, “Hey Crazy Wing did you see that?”

“I can’t see anything I’m dead, remember?” Crazy Wing smiled as he flickered out like a candle,

“Sand Blast what are you doing? This is my patrolling sector.” A scowling Silver Lining flew through where Crazy Wing had been,

Sand Blast looked around searching for the movement that he had seen, “I think I saw something.”

Silver’s scowl turned to a look of concern as she asked, “Are you alright Sand Blast? It sounded like you were talking to Crazy Wing.”

Sand Blast couldn’t tell Silver she’d think he lost it, “Crazy Wing is dead, dead ponies don’t talk.”

“Yeah.” Silver said giving him a doubtful stare,

Sand Blast saw the movement again, “There it is!” he pointed excitedly.

This time Silver saw it, “Let’s go get a closer look.” She said diving after it,

Whatever it was they were chasing led them down a canyon they hadn’t flown before. If they didn’t keep catching glimpses of it they would have sworn they were chasing the wind. Sand Blast and Silver almost crashed into the canyon wall when they tore around a sharp bend and pulled up almost face to face with a cornered Windigo. It looked frantically from side to side then realizing it had nowhere to go sized them up, snorted, and started pawing the air causing miniature ice storms to crackle to the canyon below.

“Hey Silver I think we found the source of the cold front.” Sand Blast joked morbidly,

Silver looked at Sand Blast with her straightest poker face, “Sand Blast move your flank.”

“Agreed.”

Time seemed to slow as the two scrambled to get out of the path of the stampeding Windigo they briefly felt a stab of cold run up their legs to their elbows and stifles before losing feeling completely, fortunately that was as far as the ice went and they were able knock the ice off and beat feeling back into their legs with their wings which brought another stab of pain as their circulation returned. Turning to find the maverick Windigo Sand Blast suggested, “We should probably show the poor guy out of town.”

“Be careful you almost got a one way ticket to see me.”

Without thinking Sand Blast responded, “It’s not like I was trying to kill myself.”

Silver shot him a questioning look, “Who are you talking to?”

Sand Blast facehooved there was no hiding it now, “Silver I think I’m being haunted by Crazy Wing.”

Crazy Wing’s head sprouted out of Sand Blast’s shoulder and glared at him, “No you don’t think you’re being haunted you are being haunted.”

Sand Blast rolled his eyes, “Ok, ok, I AM being haunted by Crazy Wing.”

“Should I be worried?” Silver asked in what sounded more like a threat than a question,

Sand Blast shrugged, “I don’t know I’ve never been haunted before but I do know if we don’t go after this Windigo it may decide to trample Appaloosa into a hockey rink.”

Crazy Wing flew upside down in front of Sand Blast with his hooves on his hips, “I go to all the trouble of showing you where this thing is and you just hoover around shooting the breeze?”

“We’re going, we’re going!” Sand Blast said indignantly flying after the Windigo,

“Wait I don’t understand, so you’re haunted by Crazy Wing?” Silver Lining asked sprinting after him to keep up,

“That’s what he said.” Crazy Wing crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out in a bucktoothed smile, “I think she’s even prettier than when I was alive, Brayburn that lucky mule.”

Sand Blast tried to shut out Crazy Wing’s voice so he could respond like a sane pony, “He says he misses you.”

Silver had to wipe her eyes and pull her goggles down as she gritted her teeth, “Then he shouldn’t have thrown his life away.”

Then something happened that completely surprised Sand Blast, as cold as it was and as high up as they were the largest and bluest butterfly he had seen fluttered in and landed on Silver’s nose. “Please don’t say that Silver, you’re making me homesick.” Crazy Wing grieved gently brushing her mane out of her goggles.

This made Silver break up even more and she had to pull up her bandana to keep snot from dripping down her face, “Celestia, Crazy Wing, if you can hear me, I loved you. I probably should have told your nervous flank when you were still with us, maybe you wouldn’t have decided to fly into that sand storm like you did.”

Crazy Wing tried to hug Silver but fell through, he looked straight at Sand Blast and through ghostly tears choked out, “Tell her my only regret in death was that I never told her how I felt about her.”

Sand Blast was a hard pony being with the Dusty Bolts had made him that way but seeing his friend so shattered and not being able to tell Silver himself broke him, “Cough cough, uhhhh, Crazy Wing says his only regret was not confessing his love before he died.”

Silver snorted and laughed bitterly, “Great now that we’re all sobbing like little fillies let’s chase down this Windigo.”

Sand Blast quickly got ahold of himself and gave a determined smile, “Buck yeah, that’s the only way to do it!”

Bucking New Ponies

“Luna’s Stars, it’s Cloudsdale!” Silver Lining squealed as the city came into view,

“Don’t forget why we’re here Silver.” Mirage cautioned,

“I know I won’t forget why I’m here.” Tumble Weed said nuzzling Apple Bumpkin in their open air carriage.

He had been talked into riding to Cloudsdale instead of flying like any pegasus would due to the condition of his eye which was still very raw. Doc Hollineigh had strongly protested but had admitted that Tumble Weed couldn’t hurt himself any more than he had by taking the trip.

Mirage ignored Tumble Weed’s obvious lack of focus, then he noticed Filly the Kid looked unusually thoughtful, “Is something wrong Kid?”

Avoiding his gaze she flew ahead to where Sand Blast and Silver were, “It’s nothing boss.” She answered coldly.

Mirage racked his brain for some reason that Kid would act this way, then it hit him, St. Hurricane’s Orphanage. The screening was taking her unwillingly back to the place she hated, he’d have to keep an eye on her. If his instinct hadn’t completely failed him, he was willing to bet she’d pay a visit to the orphanage to find closure for what she had been avoiding ever since she had shown up in Appaloosa. Kid had grown up and it gave Mirage pride knowing he had been a part of guiding her on the way.

What about the rest of his team? Sand Blast had been really wound up lately; he was talking to himself right now in fact. Silver, well Silver was just hard to read but she had given no indication that anything was wrong. She did seem excited about seeing Cloudsdale for her first time, and Mirage already knew what Tumble Weed was thinking about, she was sitting in the carriage with him.

It might be a problem if Kid and Sand Blast couldn’t get their heads right, this wasn’t just another sandstorm drive or even like the battle they had just survived, they were choosing the pegasi who would be taking over for them. His Dusties had to be above scrutiny, he would give them the benefit of the doubt for now they had pulled off some amazing jobs in worse condition.

Tumble Weed wouldn’t be much of a problem, he was more of the Dusty Bolts mascot than First Stallion now with his eye the way it was there wasn’t much else he could do. Still a good pegasus, just not fit for weather duty in Appaloosa, it would be good for the candidates to see Tumble Weed with his eye patch get them to think about whether being one of his Dusties was what they really wanted.

The team pulled up on the hotel where they would be staying, the Cloud 9. Checking in quickly and tossing their luggage in their rooms they met up in the lobby for the flight to the Cloud Coliseum for their selection screening, “Remember we represent Appaloosa while we’re here, DON’T embarrass me, are we ready for this?” Mirage asked

“Ready to rock boss, let me at em’!” Kid said head banging causing a halo of dust to form around her,

Mirage couldn’t help but smile, some days he really loved his job this was one of those days. “Alright let’s do this, for Crazy Wing.” He said lowering his Rainbow Bans and his Dusties did the same, Mirage couldn’t remember the last time his Dusties had been this excited. Flying towards the stadium the anticipation increased tenfold,

The Dusty Bolts launched themselves one hundred feet above the Cloud Coliseum and wingtip to wingtip they rocketed in for a pass over the mob of candidates, buzzing their heads they pulled up and while they were still climbing they rolled as a team until they stalled and burst in to a pierced heart maneuver before diving in and landing on the platform that had been set up for them in perfect formation.

Tumble Weed trotted out from the platform and glared menacingly at the cheering candidates. “SHUT YOUR MOUTHS AND GET IN A PONY BOX!”

The candidates looked at each other in confusion and shuffled aimlessly, “HURRY UP!” Tumble Weed screamed his face turning red, this got the candidates to move faster but they still couldn’t decide what they wanted to do.

“LOOK THIS ISN’T THAT HARD!” Tumble Weed was a pony bowling ball shoving candidates out of the way and grabbing a dumbstruck pegasus he bodily picked him up and set him down in front of the candidates and then grabbed three others and put them behind him. “FALL IN ON THEM AND KEEP YOUR MOUTHS SHUT!”

The candidates silently obeyed and once they were finished Tumble Weed paced back and forth in front of them like a dragon eyeing a gem and the Dusty Bolts watched silently behind their sunglasses as Tumble Weed shredded the candidates, “Well we’re off to a bad start already, my name is Tumble Weed and these pegasi behind me are the Dusty Bolts, our Team Captain is Mirage von Stäube, to his right is Sand Blast, next is Silver Lining, and our youngest wing mate is Filly the Kid. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, until you wear this bandana you will address all of us as boss, is that understood?”

“YES BOSS!” The candidates shouted in unison,

“Alright, it better be it’s the only time I’m going to say it. If I catch any of you mouthing off to Kid over there, once she’s finished with you, you’ll have to answer to me.” He gave them a good look at his eye patch for emphasis, the candidates just stood frozen in terror. “YES BOSS OR SOMETHING BUCKING ACKNOWLEDGE ME!”

“YES BOSS!”

“YOU ARE NOTHING BUT HORSESHOES TO ME UNTIL YOU CAN PROVE YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO EARN THIS DUST DEVIL AND CROSS BOLTS!”

“YES BOSS!”

“Right, Dusty Bolts their all yours.” Tumble Weed said stalking off out of the Cloud Coliseum.

What followed after that was a blurred mess of screaming and pounding wings, Sand Blast wasn’t even screaming words he was just screaming and it took every ounce of concentration he had to keep from smiling as he watched the candidates nearly mess themselves.

Kid had rounded up half of the mares and was flying them laps around the Cloud Coliseum flying circles around them, “HELLO FLYING, WE ARE FLYING!”

Silver who looked too delicate to knock heads together and hadn’t even yelled in the battle of Rainbow Hot Springs was smoke checking her half of the mare candidates with wing ups.

Mirage’s candidates were already begging for somepony to put them out of their misery, “So you don’t want to do the exercise together? Good to go, on your hooves, on your wings, on your hooves, on your flanks, HURRY UP!”

Tumble Weed had gathered thick rainclouds above the miserable gathering and crow hopped until they were pouring on the candidates, “It’s ok you can cry for your Mommies now, we won’t know.”

After half an hour of straight hazing Mirage assembled the candidates again and made sure they could all hear what he had to say next, “Right now you need to think about what you really want, I have to say from what I’ve seen none of you will make it as Dusty Bolts, this is your opportunity to leave while you can! I guarantee nopony will look down on you for it; the life of a Dusty Bolt is not for everypony, so if you’re finished leave now, or stay and the pain will resume in five minutes! For those that decide to stay this is your time to drink and rest, so relax!”

A quarter of the candidates galloped limped or flew for the Cloud Coliseum exit and Mirage’s heart sunk, to be honest he hadn’t expected much from the candidates they wouldn’t be used to this kind of stress but he knew that all of them had potential for so much more. Even the ponies who were leaving now had seen the challenge for the Dusty Bolts and thought to themselves, “I can do that, I want to do that.” and they gave up on themselves. What he had said was true he didn’t look down on them, but he was disappointed to see them go without giving their best.

“For those of you that stayed you have my gratitude, having said that it is only going to get harder from here on out, consider yourselves warned!”

Down in a Blaze of Glory

Filly the Kid had worked herself into a frenzy whipping the horseshoes into shape, what frustrated her most was their lack of guts to challenge themselves. She scowled at them from behind her Rainbow Bans, “This is disappointing, I thought you all came here for a Dusty Bolts screening. Maybe you got lost on the way because I don’t see anypony here that wants this bandana; GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF YOUR FLANKS!”

“YES BOSS!” the candidates that were left shouted in unison, they looked like Tartarus and it had only been four hours

Kid sighed and rubbed her forehead, “Ok I’m going to make this really simple for you, it’s not going to get any easier, you want this bandana then come get it, Molon Labe!” She hoped the ancient pegasus challenge from the Battle of Thermopony Pass would help them get the lead out

The formation of candidates just stared at her, an evil smile crossed her face as she let out a blood chilling laugh, “You can end this all now, or if you want we can do some more touch and go drills!”

“NO BOSS!” they begged pathetically, what were they looking at? Ok, one of the candidates was unaccounted for.

Kid’s wing jerked reflexively and she heard a grunt of pain, looking down beside her she saw a shifty looking pegasus, High Roller if she remembered correctly. She watched him roll around in agony and shrugged, at least he had the guts to try and if his wing mates had helped him he might have gotten the bandana.

High Roller was a long way from being a Dusty Bolt but he had taken his first step, “Get back with the other candidates High Roller, I’ll be watching you. In fact I think I’ll make you class captain.”

High Roller groaned and limped back to the formation of candidates, “Yes boss, buck you boss, something!”

“YES BOSS!” High Roller shouted glaring at the Cloud Coliseum bleachers,

Kid got in High Roller’s face, “That’s more like it, you’re looking froggy, you look like you want to give those bleachers a piece of your mind.”

“YES BOSS!”

“Tell you what, why don’t you lead the class on bleacher drills, if you can keep them together and run not fly then you can go to lunch.”

That put a fire in his flank, “YOU HEARD THE BOSS ATTACK THOSE BLEACHERS!” and the class galloped screaming for the bleachers

Tumble Weed landed beside Kid laughing, “Heh heh, you really put the fear of Celestia in them I didn’t think they’d take you seriously.”

“They learn quickly.” Kid said laughing with Tumble Weed,

“Are you sure about that?” Tumble Weed said pointing out some of the candidates, who had decided to take the easy route and glide down the steps,

A scowl quickly returned to Kid’s face, “Come on High Roller keep them in line.” Kid breathed a sigh when she saw High Roller tackle one of the offenders back to the stairs which quickly grounded the rest of the slackers. “I told you they learn quickly.”

Tumble Weed smiled arrogantly, “Impressive, you should have put money on it.”

“I’m not that confident in them yet.”

“Then it wouldn’t be a gamble young Dusty.” Tumble Weed said patting her on the head,

Kid just scowled, Tumble Weed was bewildered Kid always had something derisive to say, “Are you alright Kid?”

“Sure, can you have Sand Blast or Silver take over after lunch? I need some time to myself.”

“No problem, that’s part of why we’re here, Take as much time as you need.” Tumble Weed watched the candidates in silence for a minute, “You made a good choice making High Roller the class Captain.”

“I know.” Kid said detachedly

Tumble Weed wasn’t getting through to Kid so he decided to buck below the barrel just to make sure she wouldn’t do anything she’d regret. “Have you seen the way High Roller looks at you?”

Kid said nothing just clenched her jaw, Tumble Weed was treading on thin clouds, “Do you think he was just trying to end the touch and go drills when he tried to sneak your bandana?”

Kid smacked Tumble Weed under the chin with her wing and flew off leaving him face down on the clouds, “Buck you Tumble Weed.”

Tumble Weed had hit too close to home on that last one, the candidates had finished with their bleacher drills and circled around him, picking himself off the clouds he addressed the candidates as if nothing was wrong, “Alright you have half an hour to yourselves for lunch, get out of here.”

The candidates split without another word eager to get away from the source of their pain, Tumble Weed shook his head, what was wrong with Kid?

“Hey boss?” came a mare’s voice from Tumble Weed’s blindside,

“What do you want candidate?” Turning to see who it was Tumble Weed was surprised to see Starburst,

“Are you alright? You took quite a hit.”

Tumble Weed was shocked that one of these horseshoes would actually care about his wellbeing, “I’ll be fine, I’m more worried about Kid.”

“You’re bleeding.” She said holding a hoof up to his face, Tumble Weed instinctively jerked back.

Wiping his cannon across his muzzle he pulled it away red, “I guess I am, you’re not a vampony are you?”

Starburst giggled stupidly, “No boss.”

“Then I suggest you go get some food or you won’t survive the afternoon.”

“Alright, you should get your lip looked at.”

Hmm, Tumble Weed would have to check with Kid to find out if Starburst could hack it or if she was just sucking up. His first impression was the Dusty Bolts could use pegasi like her and High Roller, Tartarus, High Roller was like a young Mirage. That was a scary thought, and if Starburst was legit she would be Silver’s replacement. Well now that she had sky lined herself Tumble Weed would have Silver work her harder find out how much she could handle. If she really cared about ponies like she just showed then surely looking after the candidates would be second nature for her, time would tell.

Kid didn’t exactly know why she was hiding in an alley across from St. Hurricanes, but then again she did, “I should have apologized to Tumble Weed, he didn’t do anything for me to hit him. Damn it, I can’t do anything right! I thought coming here to make things right would make me feel better, but I’m still the same filly I was back then!”

Pacing and hyperventilating she gritted her teeth and braced for what she had prepared to do, “Well I won’t be able to set things straight standing here.” She started cantering towards the alabaster steps and pillars with the statue of Commander Hurricane carrying a colt in the crook of her cannon. It looked more forbidding than the sandstorm that had killed Crazy Wing.

Reaching into her saddlebag she brought out the bag of bits she had saved for this occasion, without hesitation she opened the door and plunged in. Approaching the empty reception desk she made her way around groups of passing fillies and colts, had she grown that much since she had last been here? She stood at least a hand and a half taller than all of them, looking around for one of the teachers she spotted Somber Feather the kind old janitor as usual in his blue jumpsuit trash bags hanging out of his back pocket and a bottle of cleaner holstered on his belt as he swept his way down the hall just the way she remembered.

Somber Feather would be a good place to start, “Excuse me.”

Somber Feather looked up from his sweeping but Kid was disappointed to see no recognition in his eyes, “Yes little mare what can I do for you?”

“I’m here to see the head mistress, sir.”

Somber Feather’s brow furrowed as if he were trying to remember something important he looked Kid directly in the eyes, “Have I met you before?”

Kid smirked and replied, “Hay janitor you missed a spot!”

The light went on in Somber Feather’s eyes and a big smile crossed his face, “Filly the Kid, I thought I’d never see you again! When you left we thought you had died!” Looking at her bandana and goggles he commented, “Well look at you, already on a weather team, the Dusty Bolts no less, I tell you what, your team is making quite a few waves around these parts.”

Kid chuckled and replied, “We can’t make waves in clouds.”

Somber Feather laughed along with Kid, “You always were a smart flank Kid, it’s good to see you again. Hmm, I suppose since you’re a grown mare you can just head up and speak to the head mistress directly.”

Kid’s heart skipped, Somber Feather had just called her a grown mare, she wasn’t a filly anymore she could take care of herself, he trusted her! Also going straight to the head mistress’ office as one of the students was unheard of and she still felt apprehensive about trotting straight in like she owned the place but if Somber Feather said it would be alright then it would be. “Thank you sir.” Kid said respectfully.

“Don’t mention it.” Somber Feather turned back to his sweeping, whatever the orphanage paid him it wasn’t nearly enough Kid thought trotting in the direction of the head mistresses office catching strange looks from the young fillies and colts.

The head mistress’ office was at the end of an imposing and empty hallway on the top floor of the school section of the orphanage, Kid didn’t even know the mare’s name the students always addressed her as, “head mistress” or “ma’am.” She was considering going back and asking Somber Feather to escort her but then she remembered she couldn’t continue to rely on other ponies especially now she was a grown mare, so taking a few deep breaths and checking to make sure the bits were still in her hoof she approached the door and knocked.

“Enter!” Came the curt voice, Kid silently opened the door and slunk into the office, her eyes had to adjust to the sudden dimness in the room after the plain white halls with a painting every few feet the office was a stark contrast of colors with a wall of books behind a desk with a lamp and small die cast models of Equestrian Guard in full armor. The statues had more personality than the actual guard Kid thought, anything to keep her mind off how nervous she actually was.

“What do you want?” the head mistress asked impatiently, not even looking up from the paperwork she was shuffling through.

Gathering her thoughts Kid replied, “Well ma’am I used to be a student here… I, I just wanted to return… I’m returning some bits I stole when I ran away!”

That got the head mistress’ attention she put down her papers and glared at Kid over her glasses, “Well you couldn’t have been one of our students, we hold them to a higher standard than petty thievery. In fact the last filly that stole from this school and ran away didn’t survive, we had to come up with a reason why she wasn’t in class for the rest of the year.”

That hurt Kid, especially after what Somber Feather had said but it didn’t matter anymore, Kid had done what she came to do there was no reason to stick around especially with this type of reception. Pegasi like the head mistress were the very reason Kid left in the first place, tossing the bits on the desk Kid spat bitterly, “Here are the bits, have a nice life… couhgwhorse.”

The head mistress’ wings shot up in aggravation and Kid saw her reaching for the ruler she had enjoyed using so much when Kid was still a student, “What did you say young mare?”

Wrong choice of words time to make a quick exit, all that training with the Dusty Bolts had really paid off, nopony would be able to catch her. “I’ll call the guard on you!” the head mistress shouted after Kid.

What were they going to do, make her apologize? Kid wouldn’t do it, still she knew that she would only regret what she had said if she left now, so against her better judgment she allowed the head mistress to catch her. Better to be disciplined by the head mistress than another official report with the Royal Guard.

Silver stoically watched High Roller take a head count before the candidates training began again, “EVERYPONIES HERE BOSS!” he shouted out.

Silver nodded and addressed the candidates, “How was your lunch?”

They didn’t say anything they just stood in formation scowling at nothing in particular, that was too bad, they were about to get even more angry. “ANSWER ME HORSESHOES!”

“GOOD BOSS!”

Looking over the crowd of candidates Silver could tell this was going to be long afternoon, they were already getting belligerent, “You will control how difficult this training is! If you put everything you’ve got into it I’ll take it easy on you, if not, heh heh, well just wait and see!”

Silver was about to start the candidates on their afternoon of training when she saw Filly the Kid limping in the shadows on the edge of the Cloud Coliseum head and wings hung low and doing her best to disappear into the bleachers even sinking beneath a few of them. “High Roller stretch them out I’ll be back.”

“YES BOSS!”

Flying over to where Kid was the first thing Silver noticed were several purple and yellow bruises, “Kid, what happened?”

Slowly turning around Silver got a better look at the damage Kid had taken, she had a swollen black eye, with a bloody nose, bruises from head to flank, and a few tweaked feathers. She didn’t say anything she just grimaced in pain it looked like one of her ribs was broken her eyes watered up but never spilled over.

Assuming the worst Silver asked, “Kid did Tumble Weed do this to you? I know you two haven’t been getting along lately but if he…”

“It wasn’t Tumble Weed.” Kid cut Silver off quietly, “He wouldn’t do something this unpony.”

“Whose head do I need to stomp?” Silver asked taking Kid’s face in her hooves and making Kid look her in the eyes.

“I’m a grown mare I can take care of myself.” Kid laughed bitterly snorting blood,

“Kid, you’re not a mare yet even if you’re responsible enough to be one you’re still a filly. Don’t let your fillyhood be ruined for something stupid, now who did this to you?”

Looking down and shuffling her hooves she quietly mumbled, “The head mistress of St. Hurricane’s Orphanage.”

Silver should have known all the signs were there, she needed to let Mirage know, “Kid you know better than this, a problem for you is a problem for the Dusties. You should head over to Cloudsdale General, Tumble Weed will be happy to see you.”

Kid had never seen Silver look this enraged before, it was terrifying, “What are you going to do?” she asked nervously.

“What Dusty Bolts do, take care of their team mates.” Somehow Kid knew the head mistress would be receiving another very unwelcome visit.

Into the Sunset

Mirage sighed as he looked over the remaining five candidates, two weeks, two miserably short yet excruciatingly long weeks and all he got was a five for five replacement. Still it was better than coming away empty hooved which was more what he had been expecting, the Dusty Bolts were now sitting pretty at a flight roster of ten.

Granted his fresh Dusties still needed work, or maybe it was just his bias of being team captain for seven years. For better or worse they were Dusties now, his Dusties and he took pride in reading their names from the graduation roster, “Now graduating Dusty Bolts class zero zero one, High Roller, Hawk Hoof, Starburst, Gale Force, and Viridian Vestige!” Tumble Weed gave a long blast on the Dusty Bolt’s pegasi horn.

One by one they approached the simple podium and accepted their bandanas and goggles smartly, they had been allowed their rest but they had “the look” in their eyes. The same look Mirage saw when he stared at himself in the mirror every day. Their legs and wings shuddered with fatigue as they stood tall before him, the ceremony was small and underrated similar to life as a Dusty Bolt.

It was none the less meaningful, invitations had been sent to the families of the newly graduated Dusties and of course they made time to see their colts and fillies accepted into the little known but distinguished weather team, if only to give them an idea of what their colts and fillies would be doing with the Dusty Bolts.

“Fillies and gentlecolts I take great pride in accepting these exceptional pegasi into the Dusty Bolts, they’ll tell you themselves these past two weeks have been no picnic but they came out on top. I won’t lie to you I’ve told your fillies and colts this more times than they want to hear but life with the Dusty Bolts is hard and there is a chance that they could die but I promise you my team and I will fly like Tartarus to keep that from happening. Thank you all for coming today and to my new Dusties, congratulations you did good.”

Then came the best part, after all the drill that the candidates had been through and how tired they were they unceremoniously galloped into the wings of their families. Mirage mingled among the groups hearing things like, “Wow, Gale Force you lost a lot of weight.” or “Easy on the hoof shake High Roller your about to shake my leg off.”

Making his way over to Viridian Vestige and his family he couldn’t wrap his mind around how the colt had made it through. He was even more reserved and mellow than Sand Blast and if Mirage hadn’t taken a second glance he would have said Viridian was a push over but there was something that separated Viridian from the rest, even though he didn’t rush headlong into things he thought them through and found a better way to do it.

His family asked him what he wanted to do with the two days he had before leaving for Appaloosa and he tiredly replied, “The only thing I want to do is sleep.”

Despite what Mirage had expected of getting rest at Cloudsdale during their time there the Dusties time was dedicated to training their replacements from well before dawn until the moon came up at night every day not including tying up the loose ends of Kid’s mess at St. Hurricanes. The head mistress had plenty of time to think about what she had done after forfeiting her tenure in the resulting investigation.

He was exhausted, it was worse than looking after his original Dusties. He had talked to Tumble Weed about it and they agreed he would have to slowly give captain’s responsibility to High Roller and it couldn’t come soon enough. It was time to leave Appaloosa behind for younger ponies, not that he was going to give up on his career as a weather pegasus but he needed to find a much slower job closer to Sweet Apple Acres.

Flying back to Appaloosa with the new joins was almost painful, High Roller and the others couldn’t stop talking at obnoxious volumes about the training they had just graduated from. Mirage felt a migraine coming on, he let them have their moment they had earned it, but sweet Celestia couldn’t they talk about anything else? It was like they didn’t have a life before the Dusty Bolts.

He almost didn’t notice when Viridian Vestige timidly asked him, “Hey boss tell us a weather story.”

Surprisingly the rest of the new joins shut up and looked eagerly to Mirage to hear what he would say, “A weather story huh? Shoot so there I was on Phoenix Nest Mesa; this was back when it was just Tumble Weed, Crazy Wing and I, we didn’t have enough pegasi to watch the weather twenty-four seven like we do now. Well wouldn’t you know it this dust devil sprouts up out of nowhere and it starts spinning towards town like it’s got a mind of its own. I didn’t have time to fly for help so I had to wrangle the damn thing myself and nearly put my head through the clock tower before I managed to gain enough counter force to dissolve it but by that time it had demolished three of the five buildings, the funny thing is Brayburn still holds it against me.”

If the new joins hadn’t respected him before they did now, funny thing was that wasn’t even his worst story. What did they think the Dusty Bolts were an exhibition team like the Wonderbolts? The training was over, it wasn’t about Mirage breathing down their manes anymore, it was about them making the right decisions. That was something he couldn’t teach them, they would learn he knew but it would be school of hard bucks until they got it.

Returning to Appaloosa the Dusty Bolts were accosted by the Wonderbolts, “Thank Celestia you’re back!” Spitfire babbled on the verge of tears, she didn’t look so good. The Wonderbolts had gone native, it looked as though somepony had antiqued them with dust, they had cut the sleeves off their flight suits to make bandanas, and their faces had been wind chapped in a raccoon pattern from wearing their goggles so often.

The new Dusties just stared slack jawed, Appaloosa had broken the Wonderbolts, the premier flight team in all of Equestria. What did that say about the old Dusties they would be working with?

Actually it wasn’t as bad as Mirage had thought it would be, if there was one thing they had beat into the new joins it was to look out for one another, before he knew it they were in the middle of sandstorm season again.

“Well that doesn’t look good at all.” Mirage said looking down from the Phoenix Nest Mesa scowling through a set of binoculars at a sandstorm barreling down on Appaloosa.

“I’ve got Doc Hollineigh on standby for casualties.” Tumble Weed stated grimly squinting in the blinding copper Appaloosan sunset,

“Well time to get to work.” Hawk Hoof said shaking the dust out of his mane, trotting in place, and stretching out his wings warming up for his first sandstorm drive.

Mirage almost called Hawk Hoof Crazy Wing it was uncanny how much the two looked and acted the same. He knew Crazy Wing had to be laughing his flank off right about now playing his last joke.

“Right so here’s the plan, Kid, Silver, Starburst, High Roller, and Sand Blast you all hit it from this side. Tumble Weed, Hawk Hoof, Gale, Viridian, and I will steer it from the front, we’ll drive it through the orchards. Brayburn may not like it but that’s what he gets for building a town in a canyon that only has one offshoot to channel all the weather through.” Mirage said pulling his goggles down, same road apples different day.

Mirage was about to dive off the mesa when Tumble Weed suddenly started singing, The Parting Glass. Then quietly he was joined by Sand Blast then Silver Lining and finally the whole team.

Mirage realized any one of them could die on this sandstorm drive, but he was ok with that now as long as he had his Dusties he was in good company.

YOU’RE GOING TO CARRY THAT WEIGHT
For Crazy Wing

Author's Note

It's done, it's done, it's done, cider all around! As the last chapter I wanted to get this one right and I think I was able to do it justice, you're probably thinking, "Really The Parting Glass and the last ending from Cowboy Bebop?" Listen I know it's cheesy but it's still B.A. besides this is my story and if you wanted to have a say in it you had your chance, on that note congratulations to Flutterstrucked on getting Viridian Vestige into the Dusty Bolts, see ya'll at my next story. (Edit) Had to take out the song lyrics, to spare the staff a possible lawsuit. Evidently lyrical piracy is frowned upon on a website that promotes love and tolerance. I could always go Lost Boys on the prosecutors, "Kill the lawyer!"