Dragon Spiritby Midnight FoxChaptersPersistence is KeyMidnight Takes a ShowerHousewarming? I Guess You Could Say That...RevelationPersistence is Key A nightly dark purple mare galloped intensely through a vast moorland, eyes glittering with pain and exhaustion. The sun hovered above the horizon ahead of her, taunting her, that night would soon come. She had lived in a tribe of ponies who were driven out of their home in the mountains by a pack of timber wolves. She actually hadn't had any parents in her small community, and no pony knew who they may have been. They simply found her as a newborn foal in an empty cave that still hung with the acrid smell of dragon smoke. Now, every pony in the small village has been either driven away or killed. The teen was given her name from her dark, nightly purple coat and fox looking tail. She had large wings and a brown mane that was in a pixie cut style. Her evidently blank flank was strange for her mature age, as she was apparently lacking in the cutie mark department. The dark mare was fourteen now; definitely old enough to take care of herself, according to her tribe's traditions. The teen was supposed to get married to a colt named Fire Shade, but she didn't like him one bit. On the first attack from the wolves, he'd hidden behind the mare and pushed her toward the pack. He'd died just before she left; he was torn apart by wolves because he refused to let her carry him to fly away; he was an earth pony, while she had large feathered wings, but he simply galloped on and wouldn't let her save him out of his own pride. Tears stung her eyes as she remembered her only friend, Flare, devoured by the timber wolves as he'd protected her when she couldn't fly away. The purple mare shook her head violently, small salty droplets scattering behind her, causing her stride to falter. She fell with a yelp and hit the ground with a crunch of springy grass, and a crackle of her wounded wing becoming more intensely damaged. The teen mare let out a cry of pain. She staggered to her hooves again, whimpering quietly. It's not safe yet! They'll hunt me down! They'll kill me! Just like they did with Flare, and Fire, and everypony else.. She lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No! I have to avenge my tribe!" She half sobbed, half snarled into the howling wind, lifting her head to glare at the vastness of the land ahead of her. "I have to avenge Flare!" The teen pushed into a full gallop. Her hooves thrummed on the cold grassy ground, thudding endlessly through the hours of the night. It wasn't like she hadn't already run for two days without a minute's rest, not a bit of food or water. Her ribs poked out of her dark coat, which was dulled and matted. Ahead of her, a town came into view from behind a hill. The sun was rising behind her, making her a silhouette on the top of the hill as she whinnied with triumph, churning her front hooves through the air ahead of her as she was held up on strong hind legs. Below her, a thick forest was the only thing that stood between the desperate mare and civilization. She staggered a moment and dropped back onto four hooves, charging into the trees with a hopeful glint in her dark green eyes. The dark pony slowed as massive oaks loomed above her, menacing and seeming to reach at her with outstretched branches. She heard a distant cry of a blackbird, and a booming roar from some sort of creature. That sounds too close for comfort.. The mare finally looked up into a small opening in the high canopy, and flared out her massive wings. She let out a cry as pain pierced her left wing, aching through to her shoulder blade and throbbing at the fractured bones. I'm not gonna die in here! No way in Luna's moon! She beat her wings twice and hard, sending jolts of pain as she lifted upwards. She beat twice with her right for every one time with her left wing, cringing with the intense pain as she elevated passed the canopy to the point where she hovered above the treetops. The mare nose dived to catch the air, expertly gliding up again while barely flapping. She dived, just rustling the leaves and sending some chasing her, then caught the wind again and glided on the current. With every slight movement, she felt her wing jolt into worse condition, fracturing more, almost breaking. She finally soared above the first sign of civilization she's come in contact with; a huge field of rows and rows of apple trees, a couple of buildings scattered about. The pony landed harshly, as she couldn't flap to soften the landing, next to the nearest apple tree. She staggered up to the trunk, putting her fore hooves on the tree and craning her neck to take a round, shining crimson apple. She dropped onto four legs again to eat her first food in three days now. The apple dropped to the grass with a small thud, bouncing slightly. The mare's dark green eyes rolled slowly to the back of her head. She let out a groan of pain, and collapsed with a thunk, eyes closed and breathing quick and shallow. Thunder Lane and Rainbow dash were all helping Big Macintosh and Apple Jack buck apples next to the barn. Thunder sighed inwardly, looking up at the setting sun. Trotting away, he had a sense that he had something to find. He plotted in between the rows of apple trees, eyes dull with boredom. He skirted the edge of the rows next to the Everfree forest to see a dark purple mound in the grass, about the size of another pony. He inhaled sharply, cantering swiftly toward to night-colored lump. He tripped on an apple that had somehow fallen from the trees, floundering forward with a yelp. He landed with a thump on top of what he assumed was another pony, and he quickly scrambled to the point where he had a hoof on each side of the purple... Pegasus...? he pondered as he saw a twisted feathered bundle that looked like it could be a wing. The night colored mare let out a groan as she felt something heavy land on her. Her pupils flicked from side to side until she lifted her face from the grass, foggy green eyes dragging open groggily. She saw two hind legs among.. other things in front of her, though her vision was blurry and unclear. The mare rolled onto her back and looked up into the golden eyes of a confused-looking stallion, the dappled light under the tree above them piercing her eyes so that she should barely see. His face was upside down her hers, and he looked shocked to see her face. She squinted with a murmur "Flare, is that you...? I thought you were killed by the timber.. wolv-" She was cut off by the pony over her tumbling away to the side. Thunder Lane rolled off of the mare, hoping so desperately his first impression wouldn't be "a sick pervert." I didn't know that was a mare! Oh crap, crap, crap! What's she gonna say? He craned his neck to look at the mare as he lay on his flank, and he nervously pushed back into a standing position. "Guys!" Thunder called, cautiously nudging the mare to her hooves and dipping his head beneath her belly as she staggered about. He lifted his head and pushed her back onto his back, using his wings to support her weight. "Guys! Guys, come here!" The stallion called again, breaking into a gallop back toward the barn. When he looked over his shoulder at the dark colored pony, naturally narrowed, almost cat-like eyes gazed at him, glittering with pain, anguish, exhaustion and something else... Like seeing an old friend you never expected to see again. She had a twisted wing, feathers stained with dried blood along with the coat around it. Her mane was brown and short, and her tail reminded Thunder Lane of a fox. The dark green eyes were tired and confused, the mare's dark coat was dulled and matted, her ribs poked out at her skin. Her face was foreign looking, as if she was from somewhere far from Ponyville. "Why are you alive, Flare? I thought you were killed by timberwolves... Have I died? Was I not able to avenge you?" Her expression grew from confused to pained, grief and resentment croaking in her voice. "Why am I so hungry? So tired, when I have died like you?" Shocked, Thunder replied; "Wha... What are you talking about? I don't know who this Flare is, but it's not me. I found you unconscious by a tree.." When there was no reply, Thunder looked back again to see the night colored mare unconscious again, muscles tensed and clutching. Thunder Lane sighed indignantly, turning back to the barn which was not too far ahead. "Guys! Guys, come see this!" He cast his gaze about until he spotted Big Mac. "Macintosh!" Thunder called, cantering up to him. The crimson pony turned to face him, raising a brow when he saw the mare on his back. "Kidnapped y'all self a marefriend, have ya?" He grunted, nodding to her. Thunder Lane's cheeks grew hot and he flattened his ears. "I found her over by the Everfree. She was unconscious; at first, I thought she was dead." "Sure seems dead. Y'all sure she ain't?" "She was awake for a while, but she kept calling me Flare and saying I was supposed to be dead." "She looks like she ain't eaten in days; get her inside and see if y'all can clean up that wing. Ah'll try to get everyone together. Meanwhile, try to get her to tell you what's goin' on." Thunder Lane nodded and trotted into the Apple family house, taking the strange pony into the bathroom. He set her with her flank on the toilet, and her head drooped. He gathered a bucket of water and a wash cloth, then lifted up her left foreleg. This won't work... Thunder Lane moved her to the living room and laid her on her side on the floor, taking the rag and cleaning her wing carefully. Careful not to do.. that.. He thought awkwardly as he washed her wing, knowing how... sensitive Pegasus wings were. When Thunder lifted the mare's gnarled wing, a groan of pain escaped her. He cringed, then reached forward to clean her blood-stained coat. Midnight Takes a Shower Thunder Lane listened carefully to the mare's accented voice. She was talking about how she got to Ponyville, and that she had a friend named Flare that resembled himself. He inhaled sharply, pushing out a question. "What's your name?" The dark mare turned to face him, with Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Big Macintosh leaning in to listen. "I'm Midnight Fox." She replied with a smile. Her ribs barely showed anymore, as she'd been given plenty of food, and her coat was no longer dull. "What was your name, all of you, actually?" "This is Big Macintosh," came Apple Jack's reply. "I'm Apple Jack, this is Thunder Lane and-" "Rainbow Dash!" The cyan Pegasus chimed in. "I'm sure you've heard of me." "Eh.. no.. I haven't." Midnight replied. Rainbow's ears went limp. "Sh'may not've heard of Princess Celestia, she lives so darn far off!" Apple Jack reminded her. "Actually, there's a reason I came to Ponyville.." Midnight chipped in. Everypony looked at her. "I need training from Princess Celestia so that I can avenge my Tribe." "You don't need that old Princess Trollestia! You have me!" Rainbow Dash said. "Actually, I do." She replied. "I need training in combat and ma-" she stopped. "What?" "Combat flight." Midnight said, smiling nervously. "You're a show-flier." "Well, let's get our minds off o'that, Midnight." Apple Jack chirped. "Y'all've been livin' in the wild y'all whole life and runnin' for three days. What you need, sugarcube, is a shower." "A... show-er?" Midnight arched an eyebrow. "Like your own private rain to get clean and feel good and dandy. We take them all the time. Now, shoo! I'll show ya how everything works in a minute. Just go in the bathroom." Apple Jack ushered the mare away, and returned with a worried look. "She'd be in the eighth grade in civilization, now how's she gonna kill a pack of timberwolves all by herself?" "I have no idea." Thunder Lane shook his head. * * * Midnight fiddled with the strange object Apple Jack had called "shampoo." She opened it with a snap and flinched at the sound, then sniffed it. It smelled delicious! It smelled like something she would eat back at home. Why was she supposed to put this in her mane? The mare set the shampoo down and looked at the weird thing that she was told gave her water. She poked it. Nothing. She pushed it with a hoof, causing it to move to the left, and a hissing sound came from the walls as the water began to flow. "AAH! POISONOUS SNAKES!" Water showered down on top of her, soaking her mane. Midnight sputtered and coughed, the icy droplets just about cold enough to give hypothermia. She reached desperately with a hoof, turning the handle to the other side. That was what changed it, right? The water hissed over the mare, getting warmer and warmer. Soon, it steamed off of the walls and her coat, causing it to glisten. "Hm. Not bad." Midnight looked at the shampoo "bottle." She reached out and opened it, pouring a glop of it onto one hoof. It smells like food.. She sniffed it again. Maybe just one little taste... She stuck her tongue out and slipped a small portion of the glop into her mouth. "AAH! IT'S HORRIBLE!" She squealed, throwing the rest onto the ceramic floor of the tub. Bubbles foamed at her mouth, and she tried to get water into her jaws to wash out the putrid taste. It didn't work. She whipped open the pelts that covered the shower, scrambled out, and hunched over a bowl on a wooden thing that Apple Jack called a "sink." She sputtered and spat, turning the knobs furiously in an attempt to get a flow of water. She babbled as water poured into her mouth. She rinsed and rinsed, spitting and swallowing, but the taste still lingered bitterly on her tongue. Midnight Fox smacked her mouth bitterly, eyes narrowed at the putrid taste compared to the flowery smell of the shampoo. She scowled, stepping back into the shower. "Ok so I put this in my mane.." She held it above her head with her hooves and squeezed, the sweet-smelling glop weighing down her mane. It rolled down over her face, stinging her eyes. It poured down her neck and slopped on the floor. Maybe that's a bit much... Midnight wrapped it up after conditioner and body wash, and stepped carefully out of the shower. She got a towel and dried her mane, then the rest of her general self. She opened the door and plotted out of the bathroom, her head low, met with the appearance of two new ponies. "What in the.." A white mare turned from talking to Apple Jack. "Oh, darling! Just look at your hair, it's a mess! You simply must allow me to fix it for you!" "M-my mane? No, no, nonononoo, please, just leave it how it is, it's fine I just need to let it dry, and and uh-" "Rarity, do you do that with every pony you meet? When we first met, you practically dyed my coat a different color!" A lavender allicorn spoke up, plotting up to Rarity's side. "Twilight, darling, I was only trying to help you look your best!" "Just leave the poor filly alone." Twilight replied with an amused tone, "I'm sure she didn't come all this way just to get a makeover." Midnight nodded. "I'm here to receive training from Princess Celestia." She said. "Oh.. Uh, darling.. Don't you think Celestia would be a bit busy to tend to a pupil of your.. age?" "HEY!" Twilight exclaimed. "I was a foal when Celestia took me in!" "Hey, I am not a foal!" Midnight Fox gasped. "I am fourteen years old. I am a teenager! No, I am a grown mare!" "'Grown mare?'" Rainbow Dash was holding back a burst of laughter, snorting with a hoof to her mouth. "You should be a school filly!" She let the laughing flow freely for a few seconds, ignoring the malicious glare from the slightly younger mare. "Well, technically-" Rarity began gently before being cut off. "I am a grown mare old enough to take care of myself! I lived by myself in my tribe. I ran for three days. I took care of myself in the Everfree forest!--" "You said you flew over it." Dash pointed out, her laughter fading. "--I am not a FILLY!" "Alright, sugarcube, alright. We get it; you are a grown mare according to your traditions. But 'round here, you're not aloud to live in your own house, or stay out too late at your age." Apple Jack explained. Seething, Midnight took a deep breath. "Alright, then, who am I gonna live with?" Rarity scuffed a hoof over the wood floor when Midnight made eye contact. When she looked at Twilight, she took a pace backward. "I-I already have Spike to worry about.." "We already have to many ponies here on the farm.." Big Mac nodded in agreement with his sister. "Eeyup." Midnight's gaze reached Rainbow Dash. "I've already taken Scootaloo under my wing." Midnight skipped Thunder Lane completely. She wouldn't live with a stallion, not in Luna's moon. "Maybe Fluttershy can help, sugarcube?" Apple Jack said. "Fluttershy?" "Or Pinkie." Twilight put in. "Pinkie?" "Oh, yeah, Pinkie." AJ said. "She'll be so excited when she finds out there's a new pony!" "But with the baby Cakes, it's probably pretty crowded down there." Rarity pointed out. "Well, that leaves Fluttershy." the apple farmer concluded. "Let's get over there." * * * "Oh, no no. I'm sorry, Midnight, I don't mean to be rude, but.. Oh, Angel just hates other ponies staying over. Imagine if I take in some pony to live with me! He may even run away." The butter colored mare was hiding behind her door after they all explained the situation. "Well, that didn't work." RD said with a sigh. "Maybe I should go ask Pinkie." "Maybe she should meet her potential roommate?" Twilight suggested lightly. "Do ya think you could fly with me, kid?" Midnight glanced at her straightened, but not healed wing. "Um.. yeah. Totally." She smiled nervously. When she stretched out her wing, the mare resisted a cringe. "How far away is this Pinkie Pie?" "Did someone say my name?" A voice came from the bushes. A pink mare with a fuchsia mane popped out, leaves trailing behind her. "Are you new? You're new! I know you're new because I know every pony in Ponyville. I like your coat! You remind me of nighttime! What's your name? Nightie Night Time? I'd better get a party ready! A big huge welcome party, and I'll invite every pony in Ponyville!" A party cannon blasted out of nowhere and she smiled broadly, nose to nose with Midnight. "I.. uh.." Midnight babbled. "This is Midnight," AJ said. "She has a situation.." After a while of the farm pony explaining everything, she ended with; "and the poor filly needs a place to live because she's only fourteen." "I am a GROWN MARE!" Midnight grumbled, plopping on her rump and glaring at Apple Jack. I need to get to Canterlot before these ponies drive me crazy! "Oh, I can't. Gummy needs a lot of attention, and the baby cakes are a lot to handle." She said, disappointed by her own reasons to not live with another pony. "I wish though. A roommate would be so fun! What about Fluttershy?" Everypony shook their heads. "Twilight?" After a negative, she squeaked, "AJ? RD?" "No and no." Apple Jack said. "Rarity?" They shook their heads again. Pinkie looked as distraught as if it were her own situation. She looked over the group of seven ponies, then peered over Big Macintosh's back. "What about him?" She pointed at Thunder Lane. Housewarming? I Guess You Could Say That... "What? Me? B-but she's a mare! A-and I'm not, and and.. that's not right!" Thunder Lane scrambled backwards, shocked. Pinkie pie shrugged. "Think about all the fun things you can do with the two of you?" Thunder Lane backed up another pace, trying to get away from the pink menace in front of him. "Just WHAT are you implying?!" "You could play all kinds of games and everything, like a long-lasting sleepover party!" "Where I come from, that probably does not mean the same thing as it does here!" Midnight almost shrieked. "He lives alone, he's only a couple years older than you so you guys would be able to be friends without it being like babysitting, and there's really no reason why not." Pinkie Pie said, shrugging. "Who cares what it means?" Is she serious? Thunder looked at her broad smile and honest helpfulness in her blue eyes. This crazy feather-brain is really serious! What is she, the pink party matchmaker? "I don't think you understand what I'm trying to say." Midnight squeaked, face-hoofing. "I think it's a good idea!" Twilight Sparkle chimed in, obviously not understanding the social references. "There's really nothing wrong with it." Oh, great. The socially awkward purple pony. "Oooh, me too!" Rarity added. "I think it's a wonderful idea." Her eyes sparkled like they do when reading a romance novel. Crap! A sane one agrees. Fluttershy had retreated into her house, probably avoiding an awkward situation, and Rainbow Dash was holding back laughter. "I think you should, Thunder Lane. It'd be a nice experience for you." He glared at her. That little troll! AJ made a moment of eye contact with the cyan Pegasus, then nodded with an amused smile. "I agree." "I don't get a say in this, do I?" Midnight echoed Thunder Lane's thoughts in a grumble. The six ponies watched him expectantly, their own unique interests in the situation in each of their eyes. "Alright, alright. I'll let her live in my house." Thunder muttered, scowling. "Then it's settled! Midnight will live at Thunder Lane's house until further notice!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear at her "good deed." * * * Thunder Lane plotted down the road with an awe-struck mare trailing behind him, gazing at the buildings around them. He stopped on his porch with an exasperated sigh, and opened the door. "There's a couch. There's a TV. Bathroom. Kitchen. My room, and your new room." the Pegasus pointed unenthusiastically at all the rooms and things in his home. Midnight Fox inspected each room carefully, dark green eyes wide and alert. "My room?" She echoed, peering past him with a gasp. "A whole room? In the tribe, I had a tiny little hut thing!" "Well, this isn't the tribe." She shuffled past him and nuzzled the bed. "Wow! It's so soft! And big, it's reeeaally big!" She cantered into the bathroom door, which connected the two bedrooms. At the sight of the shower, she cringed for some reason. Bad shower? came Thunder's amused thought. Midnight went back to her bed and pulled the covers back. "Do I sleep under these? Wow!" She nuzzled her head under the blankets and climbed into the bed, turning around and popping her head back out. "it's so comfortable.." The mare nuzzled her head into the pillow. "It's five o'clock.. a bit early for bed, wouldn't ya think?" Thunder Lane reminded her. "Oh, right." Midnight clambered out of the bed and leaned forward, reaching to pull the covers back over the bed. She had to stretch to reach all the way. Thunder Lane watched with an amused snort, and his eyes darted toward the clock on the wall. He looked at the mare again, who was sniffing a lamp. "That's a lamp." He said. "Here." Thunder trotted up next to her and pulled the small string of beads, the light flashing on. Midnight's eyes widened, and she blinked against the light. "Why do you light a fire in here? Isn't that dangerous?" A wave of realization hit the dark pony's eyes before Thunder could explain. "It's not fire, it's--" "Electricity, I know. I'm not that primitive, you know; I've heard of electricity. I just.. forgot up to now." She smiled, amused at herself. Thunder Lane rubbed a hoof over his neck. "Yeah..." She plotted out of the room, toward the living room. "It's about time for dinner, I can make some if you're hungry." "No, thanks." Midnight replied. "I can make my own dinner. I lived by myself, remember? Do you think other ponies came to my house every night to make me supper?" Thunder Lane followed her. "Oh, right." "Do you want some, too?" "Sure." He shrugged. "Everything's in the kit... chen..." Midnight Fox had gone out the door and was picking plants from his yard. "Are you planning on eating lawn grass?" "No, there are herbs out here." She picked a small purple plant. "Here's lavender. I can use this in our food." "But there's a ton of stuff to cook with in the kitchen." As Midnight bent over her neck to pick another hard-to-spot stalk of herbs, her mane fell forward into her face. The sweet smell of what she had in her mouth drifted into Thunder Lane's nostrils as she straightened up and looked at him. "I see you know what you're doing, but just take a look in the kitchen." "Alright, alright." She muttered, gathering her bundle of plants and plotting into the house again. Thunder Lane followed her until the couch, and plopped down, taking the remote in a wing and clicking rhythmically in search of what to watch. * * * Thunder twitched his nose as a sweet aroma drifted past. He opened his eyes from his apparent doze after a minute of savoring the smell to see Midnight sitting in front of him with a bowl in her hooves. "Here, I finished." she murmured, as if conscious of his drowsiness. He sat up and stretched. "Thanks, Midnight.." he muttered groggily, suddenly aware of his growling belly. He took it in his hoof and looked at it. There were plants and herbs floating in a thick, caramel-golden, sweet-smelling broth. Chunks of other things he couldn't guess were bobbing in the bowl, and it all just looked delicious. "Wow.." Thunder Lane murmured. "What's in this?" "Daffodils, chrysanthemum, herbs like lavender, apple slices, dragon fruit, purple yam, a mixture of herbal tea and a few other things for a thick sweet broth, um... " Midnight listed off the ingredients, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling. "Where'd you learn to make this?" Thunder Lane was thoroughly astonished. She shrugged. "I developed it with trial and error for .. as long as I can remember." Midnight looked back at him. "Would you stop staring at it and eat the stuff?" "A-alright.." He tipped his head back and the hot, thick broth rolled sweetly over his tongue, warming his throat as he swallowed the sweet substance. He set the bowl down and smiled. "It's awesome! You could be Celestia's personal cook." A pink twinged Midnight's cheeks. "I wouldn't go that far.." "You should eat too, shouldn't you?" "I guess." * * * With a full belly and an empty cooking pot, Thunder Lane put the dishes in the sink. "Ok, we should go to bed now." He said, a stuffed Midnight cleaning the pot next to him. "Ok." She said cheerily. This was probably the first meal she had in three days. Earlier, she'd eaten five apples when she first arrived, but that wasn't necessarily a meal. Thunder Lane plotted to his bedroom and slid into his bed. He let sleep drag at his eyes until he slumbered soundly in its warmth. Revelation Thunder Lane blinked open his eyes. He felt so... contented. Every night he usually had a sandwich or canned soup, but his full-fed belly felt so good even after waking up in the morning. He slid his hind legs out from the bed and pulled the blankets away. He yawned, blinking away the sleep, and crept down the hallway. He opened the door to Midnight Fox's room to see her sprawled on her back with one wing stretched in the oddest position, and the other wrapped in cast. Thunder held a hoof to his mouth, fending off laughter, and carefully plodded to stand next to the bed. "Midnight." He breathed, poking her forehoof which was hanging off of the bed. "Midnight!" He whispered more loudly. "Huh..?" She curled up in the bed and turned on one side, facing him. Her eyes pulled open and blinked slowly. Midnight sat up, rubbing an eye with her hoof. Thats... Thunder Lane thought, golden eyes widened slightly. "Adorable.." he breathed. "Watchya say?" Midnight yawned, blinking at him. "N-nothing." Midnight shrugged, and hopped down from her bed. "Well, let's go." she said briskly, as if she'd been awake all day. "Where?" "Where else? We're going to Canterlot." She brushed past him and toward the door. "Canterlot!?" "Canterlot." Midnight confirmed, exiting the room. Thunder Lane watched with wide eyes, then trotted after her. "We can't just saunter on into Canterlot and say; 'Oh, hey Celestia! Train me, wouldya?'" "It's not like that." "Well, what is it like, then?" Midnight spun around, suddenly nose to nose with him. "I don't know, alright?!" She barked, tears brimming in her eyes. "I just.. don't know." She lowered her head, not letting any tears fall by wiping them away. Thunder Lane blinked awkwardly, then poked her cheek with his muzzle. "We'll figure it out." He decided with a whisper. Midnight nodded solemnly, then looked up with a spark of determination. "Let's get going then." She whipped around and started walking. "But you can't fly!" "I can't," She looked at her broken wing. "But you can." "Wha..?" "You'll need to fly for both of us." "Oh, horseshoes.." Thunder Lane kicked the ground. "Fine.." * * * Wind whipped through Midnight's mane as Thunder Lane sped through the open air toward Canterlot. She tightened her grip on his neck and closed her eyes. Her indigo coat stung with the wind's violent thrashing. Canterlot's magnificent buildings towered a ways away. As they arrived, Midnight dropped from her vehicle's back and stared at the castle doors before her. As Midnight made her way toward the door, an orange-coated guard and a white one stood in her way. "This is royal property of the princesses. Only with permission from Princess Celestia or Princess Luna may you enter." each said in unison, a routine in their voice. Thunder Lane pursed his lips. "Well, that was fun, let's go. Twilight can figure something out later." He put a hoof on her shoulder to get her to move from her statue-still position. The orange-coated guard's eyes widened slightly. "Princess.. Twilight?" his voice seemed nostalgic. Midnight raised a brow. "Princess? I thought she was just an allicorn." "Allicorns are Princesses." Thunder Lane explained. "And there are only four. That's Luna, Celestia, Cadence, and Twilight." "Only four, huh? Then explain to me why.." she stopped for a moment, and changed the subject. "Well we know a princess then. Can't they let us in now?" "I wish I could," the orange guard explained, clearly softened by the mention of the lavender allicorn. "But for you to get in, you'd have to-" "Tell me what it is you need, Midnight Fox." Midnight turned with wonder to see the dark colored allicorn named Luna. "I-I need training from-" "Need? Do you really need training from my sister, or merely want it?" meanwhile, the guards were agape in astonishment. She opened her mouth to reply, and then thought for a minute. "I do need training if I want to avenge my tribe." "My sister and I are already aware of your situation." she replied. "Come inside, Midnight Fox. We've been expecting you for a long time." She and Thunder Lane followed the princess, the latter of the two astonished at the her appearance. The pristine interior of the castle outdid its outside walls. Paintings hung proudly and statues stood tall. When they reached the throne room, the three ponies stopped in front of a white allicorn. "Princess Celestia." Midnight breathed, bowing. "I request training from you in order to increase my chances of-" "Defeating the leader of the timber wolves, I am aware." The princes smiled warmly. "But.. but how-" The allicorn dismissed the question with a wave of her hoof. "I am aware of your need for training, but I am not the one you seek." "Wha-?" Midnight finally rose from her bow. "You are the most powerful allicorn in Equestria.. Who else is more suited?" "I will assign you trainers who will be better suited for you than me." Celestia gestured for Midnight to follow her. "Come." As Thunder Lane tried to follow, Luna kept him back and shook her head. "Tia and your friend need a private discussion." * * * A gloomy, dark room with a few ancient bookshelves closed around the two ponies. "I need you to go to Cloudsdale to meet your combat in flight and maneuver specialist. His name is Copper Feather." She directed the young mare. Midnight was disappointed, but she nodded obediently. "This will of course be in two months when that wing is healed and your body is in the condition for such intense training." This time she gasped. "B-but I'm ready fo-" The look Celestia gave her was that of a mother telling a child not to argue. After a moment, the princess continued. "After he says that you have completed your training with him, you will come back here and take directions to Star Bright, your unicorn trainer-" "I'm not a unicorn! You can quite clearly see the wings on my back, can't you-" Celestia reached forward with a hoof and pushed the mare's mane up, out of the way. "You don't have to hide it. I know." A pearly white horn revealed itself beneath Midnight's brown mane.
Persistence is Key A nightly dark purple mare galloped intensely through a vast moorland, eyes glittering with pain and exhaustion. The sun hovered above the horizon ahead of her, taunting her, that night would soon come. She had lived in a tribe of ponies who were driven out of their home in the mountains by a pack of timber wolves. She actually hadn't had any parents in her small community, and no pony knew who they may have been. They simply found her as a newborn foal in an empty cave that still hung with the acrid smell of dragon smoke. Now, every pony in the small village has been either driven away or killed. The teen was given her name from her dark, nightly purple coat and fox looking tail. She had large wings and a brown mane that was in a pixie cut style. Her evidently blank flank was strange for her mature age, as she was apparently lacking in the cutie mark department. The dark mare was fourteen now; definitely old enough to take care of herself, according to her tribe's traditions. The teen was supposed to get married to a colt named Fire Shade, but she didn't like him one bit. On the first attack from the wolves, he'd hidden behind the mare and pushed her toward the pack. He'd died just before she left; he was torn apart by wolves because he refused to let her carry him to fly away; he was an earth pony, while she had large feathered wings, but he simply galloped on and wouldn't let her save him out of his own pride. Tears stung her eyes as she remembered her only friend, Flare, devoured by the timber wolves as he'd protected her when she couldn't fly away. The purple mare shook her head violently, small salty droplets scattering behind her, causing her stride to falter. She fell with a yelp and hit the ground with a crunch of springy grass, and a crackle of her wounded wing becoming more intensely damaged. The teen mare let out a cry of pain. She staggered to her hooves again, whimpering quietly. It's not safe yet! They'll hunt me down! They'll kill me! Just like they did with Flare, and Fire, and everypony else.. She lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No! I have to avenge my tribe!" She half sobbed, half snarled into the howling wind, lifting her head to glare at the vastness of the land ahead of her. "I have to avenge Flare!" The teen pushed into a full gallop. Her hooves thrummed on the cold grassy ground, thudding endlessly through the hours of the night. It wasn't like she hadn't already run for two days without a minute's rest, not a bit of food or water. Her ribs poked out of her dark coat, which was dulled and matted. Ahead of her, a town came into view from behind a hill. The sun was rising behind her, making her a silhouette on the top of the hill as she whinnied with triumph, churning her front hooves through the air ahead of her as she was held up on strong hind legs. Below her, a thick forest was the only thing that stood between the desperate mare and civilization. She staggered a moment and dropped back onto four hooves, charging into the trees with a hopeful glint in her dark green eyes. The dark pony slowed as massive oaks loomed above her, menacing and seeming to reach at her with outstretched branches. She heard a distant cry of a blackbird, and a booming roar from some sort of creature. That sounds too close for comfort.. The mare finally looked up into a small opening in the high canopy, and flared out her massive wings. She let out a cry as pain pierced her left wing, aching through to her shoulder blade and throbbing at the fractured bones. I'm not gonna die in here! No way in Luna's moon! She beat her wings twice and hard, sending jolts of pain as she lifted upwards. She beat twice with her right for every one time with her left wing, cringing with the intense pain as she elevated passed the canopy to the point where she hovered above the treetops. The mare nose dived to catch the air, expertly gliding up again while barely flapping. She dived, just rustling the leaves and sending some chasing her, then caught the wind again and glided on the current. With every slight movement, she felt her wing jolt into worse condition, fracturing more, almost breaking. She finally soared above the first sign of civilization she's come in contact with; a huge field of rows and rows of apple trees, a couple of buildings scattered about. The pony landed harshly, as she couldn't flap to soften the landing, next to the nearest apple tree. She staggered up to the trunk, putting her fore hooves on the tree and craning her neck to take a round, shining crimson apple. She dropped onto four legs again to eat her first food in three days now. The apple dropped to the grass with a small thud, bouncing slightly. The mare's dark green eyes rolled slowly to the back of her head. She let out a groan of pain, and collapsed with a thunk, eyes closed and breathing quick and shallow. Thunder Lane and Rainbow dash were all helping Big Macintosh and Apple Jack buck apples next to the barn. Thunder sighed inwardly, looking up at the setting sun. Trotting away, he had a sense that he had something to find. He plotted in between the rows of apple trees, eyes dull with boredom. He skirted the edge of the rows next to the Everfree forest to see a dark purple mound in the grass, about the size of another pony. He inhaled sharply, cantering swiftly toward to night-colored lump. He tripped on an apple that had somehow fallen from the trees, floundering forward with a yelp. He landed with a thump on top of what he assumed was another pony, and he quickly scrambled to the point where he had a hoof on each side of the purple... Pegasus...? he pondered as he saw a twisted feathered bundle that looked like it could be a wing. The night colored mare let out a groan as she felt something heavy land on her. Her pupils flicked from side to side until she lifted her face from the grass, foggy green eyes dragging open groggily. She saw two hind legs among.. other things in front of her, though her vision was blurry and unclear. The mare rolled onto her back and looked up into the golden eyes of a confused-looking stallion, the dappled light under the tree above them piercing her eyes so that she should barely see. His face was upside down her hers, and he looked shocked to see her face. She squinted with a murmur "Flare, is that you...? I thought you were killed by the timber.. wolv-" She was cut off by the pony over her tumbling away to the side. Thunder Lane rolled off of the mare, hoping so desperately his first impression wouldn't be "a sick pervert." I didn't know that was a mare! Oh crap, crap, crap! What's she gonna say? He craned his neck to look at the mare as he lay on his flank, and he nervously pushed back into a standing position. "Guys!" Thunder called, cautiously nudging the mare to her hooves and dipping his head beneath her belly as she staggered about. He lifted his head and pushed her back onto his back, using his wings to support her weight. "Guys! Guys, come here!" The stallion called again, breaking into a gallop back toward the barn. When he looked over his shoulder at the dark colored pony, naturally narrowed, almost cat-like eyes gazed at him, glittering with pain, anguish, exhaustion and something else... Like seeing an old friend you never expected to see again. She had a twisted wing, feathers stained with dried blood along with the coat around it. Her mane was brown and short, and her tail reminded Thunder Lane of a fox. The dark green eyes were tired and confused, the mare's dark coat was dulled and matted, her ribs poked out at her skin. Her face was foreign looking, as if she was from somewhere far from Ponyville. "Why are you alive, Flare? I thought you were killed by timberwolves... Have I died? Was I not able to avenge you?" Her expression grew from confused to pained, grief and resentment croaking in her voice. "Why am I so hungry? So tired, when I have died like you?" Shocked, Thunder replied; "Wha... What are you talking about? I don't know who this Flare is, but it's not me. I found you unconscious by a tree.." When there was no reply, Thunder looked back again to see the night colored mare unconscious again, muscles tensed and clutching. Thunder Lane sighed indignantly, turning back to the barn which was not too far ahead. "Guys! Guys, come see this!" He cast his gaze about until he spotted Big Mac. "Macintosh!" Thunder called, cantering up to him. The crimson pony turned to face him, raising a brow when he saw the mare on his back. "Kidnapped y'all self a marefriend, have ya?" He grunted, nodding to her. Thunder Lane's cheeks grew hot and he flattened his ears. "I found her over by the Everfree. She was unconscious; at first, I thought she was dead." "Sure seems dead. Y'all sure she ain't?" "She was awake for a while, but she kept calling me Flare and saying I was supposed to be dead." "She looks like she ain't eaten in days; get her inside and see if y'all can clean up that wing. Ah'll try to get everyone together. Meanwhile, try to get her to tell you what's goin' on." Thunder Lane nodded and trotted into the Apple family house, taking the strange pony into the bathroom. He set her with her flank on the toilet, and her head drooped. He gathered a bucket of water and a wash cloth, then lifted up her left foreleg. This won't work... Thunder Lane moved her to the living room and laid her on her side on the floor, taking the rag and cleaning her wing carefully. Careful not to do.. that.. He thought awkwardly as he washed her wing, knowing how... sensitive Pegasus wings were. When Thunder lifted the mare's gnarled wing, a groan of pain escaped her. He cringed, then reached forward to clean her blood-stained coat.
Midnight Takes a Shower Thunder Lane listened carefully to the mare's accented voice. She was talking about how she got to Ponyville, and that she had a friend named Flare that resembled himself. He inhaled sharply, pushing out a question. "What's your name?" The dark mare turned to face him, with Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack and Big Macintosh leaning in to listen. "I'm Midnight Fox." She replied with a smile. Her ribs barely showed anymore, as she'd been given plenty of food, and her coat was no longer dull. "What was your name, all of you, actually?" "This is Big Macintosh," came Apple Jack's reply. "I'm Apple Jack, this is Thunder Lane and-" "Rainbow Dash!" The cyan Pegasus chimed in. "I'm sure you've heard of me." "Eh.. no.. I haven't." Midnight replied. Rainbow's ears went limp. "Sh'may not've heard of Princess Celestia, she lives so darn far off!" Apple Jack reminded her. "Actually, there's a reason I came to Ponyville.." Midnight chipped in. Everypony looked at her. "I need training from Princess Celestia so that I can avenge my Tribe." "You don't need that old Princess Trollestia! You have me!" Rainbow Dash said. "Actually, I do." She replied. "I need training in combat and ma-" she stopped. "What?" "Combat flight." Midnight said, smiling nervously. "You're a show-flier." "Well, let's get our minds off o'that, Midnight." Apple Jack chirped. "Y'all've been livin' in the wild y'all whole life and runnin' for three days. What you need, sugarcube, is a shower." "A... show-er?" Midnight arched an eyebrow. "Like your own private rain to get clean and feel good and dandy. We take them all the time. Now, shoo! I'll show ya how everything works in a minute. Just go in the bathroom." Apple Jack ushered the mare away, and returned with a worried look. "She'd be in the eighth grade in civilization, now how's she gonna kill a pack of timberwolves all by herself?" "I have no idea." Thunder Lane shook his head. * * * Midnight fiddled with the strange object Apple Jack had called "shampoo." She opened it with a snap and flinched at the sound, then sniffed it. It smelled delicious! It smelled like something she would eat back at home. Why was she supposed to put this in her mane? The mare set the shampoo down and looked at the weird thing that she was told gave her water. She poked it. Nothing. She pushed it with a hoof, causing it to move to the left, and a hissing sound came from the walls as the water began to flow. "AAH! POISONOUS SNAKES!" Water showered down on top of her, soaking her mane. Midnight sputtered and coughed, the icy droplets just about cold enough to give hypothermia. She reached desperately with a hoof, turning the handle to the other side. That was what changed it, right? The water hissed over the mare, getting warmer and warmer. Soon, it steamed off of the walls and her coat, causing it to glisten. "Hm. Not bad." Midnight looked at the shampoo "bottle." She reached out and opened it, pouring a glop of it onto one hoof. It smells like food.. She sniffed it again. Maybe just one little taste... She stuck her tongue out and slipped a small portion of the glop into her mouth. "AAH! IT'S HORRIBLE!" She squealed, throwing the rest onto the ceramic floor of the tub. Bubbles foamed at her mouth, and she tried to get water into her jaws to wash out the putrid taste. It didn't work. She whipped open the pelts that covered the shower, scrambled out, and hunched over a bowl on a wooden thing that Apple Jack called a "sink." She sputtered and spat, turning the knobs furiously in an attempt to get a flow of water. She babbled as water poured into her mouth. She rinsed and rinsed, spitting and swallowing, but the taste still lingered bitterly on her tongue. Midnight Fox smacked her mouth bitterly, eyes narrowed at the putrid taste compared to the flowery smell of the shampoo. She scowled, stepping back into the shower. "Ok so I put this in my mane.." She held it above her head with her hooves and squeezed, the sweet-smelling glop weighing down her mane. It rolled down over her face, stinging her eyes. It poured down her neck and slopped on the floor. Maybe that's a bit much... Midnight wrapped it up after conditioner and body wash, and stepped carefully out of the shower. She got a towel and dried her mane, then the rest of her general self. She opened the door and plotted out of the bathroom, her head low, met with the appearance of two new ponies. "What in the.." A white mare turned from talking to Apple Jack. "Oh, darling! Just look at your hair, it's a mess! You simply must allow me to fix it for you!" "M-my mane? No, no, nonononoo, please, just leave it how it is, it's fine I just need to let it dry, and and uh-" "Rarity, do you do that with every pony you meet? When we first met, you practically dyed my coat a different color!" A lavender allicorn spoke up, plotting up to Rarity's side. "Twilight, darling, I was only trying to help you look your best!" "Just leave the poor filly alone." Twilight replied with an amused tone, "I'm sure she didn't come all this way just to get a makeover." Midnight nodded. "I'm here to receive training from Princess Celestia." She said. "Oh.. Uh, darling.. Don't you think Celestia would be a bit busy to tend to a pupil of your.. age?" "HEY!" Twilight exclaimed. "I was a foal when Celestia took me in!" "Hey, I am not a foal!" Midnight Fox gasped. "I am fourteen years old. I am a teenager! No, I am a grown mare!" "'Grown mare?'" Rainbow Dash was holding back a burst of laughter, snorting with a hoof to her mouth. "You should be a school filly!" She let the laughing flow freely for a few seconds, ignoring the malicious glare from the slightly younger mare. "Well, technically-" Rarity began gently before being cut off. "I am a grown mare old enough to take care of myself! I lived by myself in my tribe. I ran for three days. I took care of myself in the Everfree forest!--" "You said you flew over it." Dash pointed out, her laughter fading. "--I am not a FILLY!" "Alright, sugarcube, alright. We get it; you are a grown mare according to your traditions. But 'round here, you're not aloud to live in your own house, or stay out too late at your age." Apple Jack explained. Seething, Midnight took a deep breath. "Alright, then, who am I gonna live with?" Rarity scuffed a hoof over the wood floor when Midnight made eye contact. When she looked at Twilight, she took a pace backward. "I-I already have Spike to worry about.." "We already have to many ponies here on the farm.." Big Mac nodded in agreement with his sister. "Eeyup." Midnight's gaze reached Rainbow Dash. "I've already taken Scootaloo under my wing." Midnight skipped Thunder Lane completely. She wouldn't live with a stallion, not in Luna's moon. "Maybe Fluttershy can help, sugarcube?" Apple Jack said. "Fluttershy?" "Or Pinkie." Twilight put in. "Pinkie?" "Oh, yeah, Pinkie." AJ said. "She'll be so excited when she finds out there's a new pony!" "But with the baby Cakes, it's probably pretty crowded down there." Rarity pointed out. "Well, that leaves Fluttershy." the apple farmer concluded. "Let's get over there." * * * "Oh, no no. I'm sorry, Midnight, I don't mean to be rude, but.. Oh, Angel just hates other ponies staying over. Imagine if I take in some pony to live with me! He may even run away." The butter colored mare was hiding behind her door after they all explained the situation. "Well, that didn't work." RD said with a sigh. "Maybe I should go ask Pinkie." "Maybe she should meet her potential roommate?" Twilight suggested lightly. "Do ya think you could fly with me, kid?" Midnight glanced at her straightened, but not healed wing. "Um.. yeah. Totally." She smiled nervously. When she stretched out her wing, the mare resisted a cringe. "How far away is this Pinkie Pie?" "Did someone say my name?" A voice came from the bushes. A pink mare with a fuchsia mane popped out, leaves trailing behind her. "Are you new? You're new! I know you're new because I know every pony in Ponyville. I like your coat! You remind me of nighttime! What's your name? Nightie Night Time? I'd better get a party ready! A big huge welcome party, and I'll invite every pony in Ponyville!" A party cannon blasted out of nowhere and she smiled broadly, nose to nose with Midnight. "I.. uh.." Midnight babbled. "This is Midnight," AJ said. "She has a situation.." After a while of the farm pony explaining everything, she ended with; "and the poor filly needs a place to live because she's only fourteen." "I am a GROWN MARE!" Midnight grumbled, plopping on her rump and glaring at Apple Jack. I need to get to Canterlot before these ponies drive me crazy! "Oh, I can't. Gummy needs a lot of attention, and the baby cakes are a lot to handle." She said, disappointed by her own reasons to not live with another pony. "I wish though. A roommate would be so fun! What about Fluttershy?" Everypony shook their heads. "Twilight?" After a negative, she squeaked, "AJ? RD?" "No and no." Apple Jack said. "Rarity?" They shook their heads again. Pinkie looked as distraught as if it were her own situation. She looked over the group of seven ponies, then peered over Big Macintosh's back. "What about him?" She pointed at Thunder Lane.
Housewarming? I Guess You Could Say That... "What? Me? B-but she's a mare! A-and I'm not, and and.. that's not right!" Thunder Lane scrambled backwards, shocked. Pinkie pie shrugged. "Think about all the fun things you can do with the two of you?" Thunder Lane backed up another pace, trying to get away from the pink menace in front of him. "Just WHAT are you implying?!" "You could play all kinds of games and everything, like a long-lasting sleepover party!" "Where I come from, that probably does not mean the same thing as it does here!" Midnight almost shrieked. "He lives alone, he's only a couple years older than you so you guys would be able to be friends without it being like babysitting, and there's really no reason why not." Pinkie Pie said, shrugging. "Who cares what it means?" Is she serious? Thunder looked at her broad smile and honest helpfulness in her blue eyes. This crazy feather-brain is really serious! What is she, the pink party matchmaker? "I don't think you understand what I'm trying to say." Midnight squeaked, face-hoofing. "I think it's a good idea!" Twilight Sparkle chimed in, obviously not understanding the social references. "There's really nothing wrong with it." Oh, great. The socially awkward purple pony. "Oooh, me too!" Rarity added. "I think it's a wonderful idea." Her eyes sparkled like they do when reading a romance novel. Crap! A sane one agrees. Fluttershy had retreated into her house, probably avoiding an awkward situation, and Rainbow Dash was holding back laughter. "I think you should, Thunder Lane. It'd be a nice experience for you." He glared at her. That little troll! AJ made a moment of eye contact with the cyan Pegasus, then nodded with an amused smile. "I agree." "I don't get a say in this, do I?" Midnight echoed Thunder Lane's thoughts in a grumble. The six ponies watched him expectantly, their own unique interests in the situation in each of their eyes. "Alright, alright. I'll let her live in my house." Thunder muttered, scowling. "Then it's settled! Midnight will live at Thunder Lane's house until further notice!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear at her "good deed." * * * Thunder Lane plotted down the road with an awe-struck mare trailing behind him, gazing at the buildings around them. He stopped on his porch with an exasperated sigh, and opened the door. "There's a couch. There's a TV. Bathroom. Kitchen. My room, and your new room." the Pegasus pointed unenthusiastically at all the rooms and things in his home. Midnight Fox inspected each room carefully, dark green eyes wide and alert. "My room?" She echoed, peering past him with a gasp. "A whole room? In the tribe, I had a tiny little hut thing!" "Well, this isn't the tribe." She shuffled past him and nuzzled the bed. "Wow! It's so soft! And big, it's reeeaally big!" She cantered into the bathroom door, which connected the two bedrooms. At the sight of the shower, she cringed for some reason. Bad shower? came Thunder's amused thought. Midnight went back to her bed and pulled the covers back. "Do I sleep under these? Wow!" She nuzzled her head under the blankets and climbed into the bed, turning around and popping her head back out. "it's so comfortable.." The mare nuzzled her head into the pillow. "It's five o'clock.. a bit early for bed, wouldn't ya think?" Thunder Lane reminded her. "Oh, right." Midnight clambered out of the bed and leaned forward, reaching to pull the covers back over the bed. She had to stretch to reach all the way. Thunder Lane watched with an amused snort, and his eyes darted toward the clock on the wall. He looked at the mare again, who was sniffing a lamp. "That's a lamp." He said. "Here." Thunder trotted up next to her and pulled the small string of beads, the light flashing on. Midnight's eyes widened, and she blinked against the light. "Why do you light a fire in here? Isn't that dangerous?" A wave of realization hit the dark pony's eyes before Thunder could explain. "It's not fire, it's--" "Electricity, I know. I'm not that primitive, you know; I've heard of electricity. I just.. forgot up to now." She smiled, amused at herself. Thunder Lane rubbed a hoof over his neck. "Yeah..." She plotted out of the room, toward the living room. "It's about time for dinner, I can make some if you're hungry." "No, thanks." Midnight replied. "I can make my own dinner. I lived by myself, remember? Do you think other ponies came to my house every night to make me supper?" Thunder Lane followed her. "Oh, right." "Do you want some, too?" "Sure." He shrugged. "Everything's in the kit... chen..." Midnight Fox had gone out the door and was picking plants from his yard. "Are you planning on eating lawn grass?" "No, there are herbs out here." She picked a small purple plant. "Here's lavender. I can use this in our food." "But there's a ton of stuff to cook with in the kitchen." As Midnight bent over her neck to pick another hard-to-spot stalk of herbs, her mane fell forward into her face. The sweet smell of what she had in her mouth drifted into Thunder Lane's nostrils as she straightened up and looked at him. "I see you know what you're doing, but just take a look in the kitchen." "Alright, alright." She muttered, gathering her bundle of plants and plotting into the house again. Thunder Lane followed her until the couch, and plopped down, taking the remote in a wing and clicking rhythmically in search of what to watch. * * * Thunder twitched his nose as a sweet aroma drifted past. He opened his eyes from his apparent doze after a minute of savoring the smell to see Midnight sitting in front of him with a bowl in her hooves. "Here, I finished." she murmured, as if conscious of his drowsiness. He sat up and stretched. "Thanks, Midnight.." he muttered groggily, suddenly aware of his growling belly. He took it in his hoof and looked at it. There were plants and herbs floating in a thick, caramel-golden, sweet-smelling broth. Chunks of other things he couldn't guess were bobbing in the bowl, and it all just looked delicious. "Wow.." Thunder Lane murmured. "What's in this?" "Daffodils, chrysanthemum, herbs like lavender, apple slices, dragon fruit, purple yam, a mixture of herbal tea and a few other things for a thick sweet broth, um... " Midnight listed off the ingredients, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling. "Where'd you learn to make this?" Thunder Lane was thoroughly astonished. She shrugged. "I developed it with trial and error for .. as long as I can remember." Midnight looked back at him. "Would you stop staring at it and eat the stuff?" "A-alright.." He tipped his head back and the hot, thick broth rolled sweetly over his tongue, warming his throat as he swallowed the sweet substance. He set the bowl down and smiled. "It's awesome! You could be Celestia's personal cook." A pink twinged Midnight's cheeks. "I wouldn't go that far.." "You should eat too, shouldn't you?" "I guess." * * * With a full belly and an empty cooking pot, Thunder Lane put the dishes in the sink. "Ok, we should go to bed now." He said, a stuffed Midnight cleaning the pot next to him. "Ok." She said cheerily. This was probably the first meal she had in three days. Earlier, she'd eaten five apples when she first arrived, but that wasn't necessarily a meal. Thunder Lane plotted to his bedroom and slid into his bed. He let sleep drag at his eyes until he slumbered soundly in its warmth.
Revelation Thunder Lane blinked open his eyes. He felt so... contented. Every night he usually had a sandwich or canned soup, but his full-fed belly felt so good even after waking up in the morning. He slid his hind legs out from the bed and pulled the blankets away. He yawned, blinking away the sleep, and crept down the hallway. He opened the door to Midnight Fox's room to see her sprawled on her back with one wing stretched in the oddest position, and the other wrapped in cast. Thunder held a hoof to his mouth, fending off laughter, and carefully plodded to stand next to the bed. "Midnight." He breathed, poking her forehoof which was hanging off of the bed. "Midnight!" He whispered more loudly. "Huh..?" She curled up in the bed and turned on one side, facing him. Her eyes pulled open and blinked slowly. Midnight sat up, rubbing an eye with her hoof. Thats... Thunder Lane thought, golden eyes widened slightly. "Adorable.." he breathed. "Watchya say?" Midnight yawned, blinking at him. "N-nothing." Midnight shrugged, and hopped down from her bed. "Well, let's go." she said briskly, as if she'd been awake all day. "Where?" "Where else? We're going to Canterlot." She brushed past him and toward the door. "Canterlot!?" "Canterlot." Midnight confirmed, exiting the room. Thunder Lane watched with wide eyes, then trotted after her. "We can't just saunter on into Canterlot and say; 'Oh, hey Celestia! Train me, wouldya?'" "It's not like that." "Well, what is it like, then?" Midnight spun around, suddenly nose to nose with him. "I don't know, alright?!" She barked, tears brimming in her eyes. "I just.. don't know." She lowered her head, not letting any tears fall by wiping them away. Thunder Lane blinked awkwardly, then poked her cheek with his muzzle. "We'll figure it out." He decided with a whisper. Midnight nodded solemnly, then looked up with a spark of determination. "Let's get going then." She whipped around and started walking. "But you can't fly!" "I can't," She looked at her broken wing. "But you can." "Wha..?" "You'll need to fly for both of us." "Oh, horseshoes.." Thunder Lane kicked the ground. "Fine.." * * * Wind whipped through Midnight's mane as Thunder Lane sped through the open air toward Canterlot. She tightened her grip on his neck and closed her eyes. Her indigo coat stung with the wind's violent thrashing. Canterlot's magnificent buildings towered a ways away. As they arrived, Midnight dropped from her vehicle's back and stared at the castle doors before her. As Midnight made her way toward the door, an orange-coated guard and a white one stood in her way. "This is royal property of the princesses. Only with permission from Princess Celestia or Princess Luna may you enter." each said in unison, a routine in their voice. Thunder Lane pursed his lips. "Well, that was fun, let's go. Twilight can figure something out later." He put a hoof on her shoulder to get her to move from her statue-still position. The orange-coated guard's eyes widened slightly. "Princess.. Twilight?" his voice seemed nostalgic. Midnight raised a brow. "Princess? I thought she was just an allicorn." "Allicorns are Princesses." Thunder Lane explained. "And there are only four. That's Luna, Celestia, Cadence, and Twilight." "Only four, huh? Then explain to me why.." she stopped for a moment, and changed the subject. "Well we know a princess then. Can't they let us in now?" "I wish I could," the orange guard explained, clearly softened by the mention of the lavender allicorn. "But for you to get in, you'd have to-" "Tell me what it is you need, Midnight Fox." Midnight turned with wonder to see the dark colored allicorn named Luna. "I-I need training from-" "Need? Do you really need training from my sister, or merely want it?" meanwhile, the guards were agape in astonishment. She opened her mouth to reply, and then thought for a minute. "I do need training if I want to avenge my tribe." "My sister and I are already aware of your situation." she replied. "Come inside, Midnight Fox. We've been expecting you for a long time." She and Thunder Lane followed the princess, the latter of the two astonished at the her appearance. The pristine interior of the castle outdid its outside walls. Paintings hung proudly and statues stood tall. When they reached the throne room, the three ponies stopped in front of a white allicorn. "Princess Celestia." Midnight breathed, bowing. "I request training from you in order to increase my chances of-" "Defeating the leader of the timber wolves, I am aware." The princes smiled warmly. "But.. but how-" The allicorn dismissed the question with a wave of her hoof. "I am aware of your need for training, but I am not the one you seek." "Wha-?" Midnight finally rose from her bow. "You are the most powerful allicorn in Equestria.. Who else is more suited?" "I will assign you trainers who will be better suited for you than me." Celestia gestured for Midnight to follow her. "Come." As Thunder Lane tried to follow, Luna kept him back and shook her head. "Tia and your friend need a private discussion." * * * A gloomy, dark room with a few ancient bookshelves closed around the two ponies. "I need you to go to Cloudsdale to meet your combat in flight and maneuver specialist. His name is Copper Feather." She directed the young mare. Midnight was disappointed, but she nodded obediently. "This will of course be in two months when that wing is healed and your body is in the condition for such intense training." This time she gasped. "B-but I'm ready fo-" The look Celestia gave her was that of a mother telling a child not to argue. After a moment, the princess continued. "After he says that you have completed your training with him, you will come back here and take directions to Star Bright, your unicorn trainer-" "I'm not a unicorn! You can quite clearly see the wings on my back, can't you-" Celestia reached forward with a hoof and pushed the mare's mane up, out of the way. "You don't have to hide it. I know." A pearly white horn revealed itself beneath Midnight's brown mane.
