A Snowflake in the Blizzardby lillytheomegawolfChaptersChapter one: StormChapter two: CrashChapter three: CanterlotChapter one: StormAn athletic bright pink filly glides through the breeze. Her snowy mane with ice blue tips, constantly obscures her vision as the filly wings her way toward the majestic sight of Canterlot in the distance. The teenage pony gazes down at the landscape far below herself, enjoying the view as she glides along. Tiny dots traverse the winter landscape far below. She grins cheekily down at them, enjoying her role as an observer on high. Long minutes drift by. Eventually Snowflake turns her gaze back to her goal, her dream, the home of the Princess. Even before she could fly, she always dreamed of Canterlot. Now with flight to grace her, the young pegasus was on a mammoth journey and nothing was going to stop her from reaching her goal. Halfway there, she checks her tiring wings, noting black clouds migrating towards her. Scrunching up her face in determination she plunges toward them like a weather pegasi on the attack. Nothing will stop her from reaching her own goal. A wild grin engulfs her face, "I love this kind of weather!" she calls out, challenging the rainclouds. The massive wall of black swallows up the speeding tiny pink and white speck. A flash is seen and the filly’s heart skips a beat, 'lightning?' Accepting the challenge, her face lights up with the grin of a mad pony. Adrenaline fills her system, mingling with her fear and elation at caught up in such a crazy act. She plows onwards, swerving between thunderclouds, loving the feel of the freezing cold rain on her coat and the elation at dodging the occasional thunderbolt. Her mind fills with the thoughts of the surprised ponies she wants to meet once she has arrived at her destination. Tilt, swerve, dive, bank. Black clouds were coming after each other one by one and she feels her wings straining. She feels like a wonderbolt running through an epic routine. The sounds of rain and thunder provide her with a roaring audience, their cheers drowning out the rest of the world. She can feel herself pressing down towards the ground far below as the chilling gales sweep over her young body, flicking her sodden mane continually into her cyan eyes. She squints and presses on into the gale while doing her best to ignore her aching wings. Her breath comes in ragged gasps and she begins to realise that her sense of direction has gone. 'Typical stupid me, I never should have accepted that dare.' Memory of the challenge enters her mind, filling her with fresh desire to press on. ‘Those two are so gonna get it when I make it back to Cloudsdale!’ A flash of lightning arcs past her, fighting the filly out of her own thoughts. She freezes in the air for few seconds, utter terror washing over her like a tidal wave. Snowflake realises that she is falling and forces her stone dead wings to open. Tiny snowy pink wings propel their own wasted owner onwards in a desperate bid to endure against the harsh assault of the elements. Remaining mindful of the dangers around her, the light pink pegasus forces herself back into combat mode, plunging through dark clouds and hoping to not get hit by stray thunder as the storm continues to play for its audience of one. Her remaining sense of time and direction vanishes leaving the young mare totally lost in the freezing gale. Alone with the storm. Panic sets in, complete and utter panic. Her slick moves become erratic as wings flutter and muscles clench. Her brain works at the speed of a sonic rainboom, desperately looking for a way out of hostile territory. Bam! Her world explodes in a flash of light and the universe becomes black. Chapter two: CrashOne cyan eye opens, noticing the strange new surroundings as the young pegasus groggily begins to re-enter the world. Snowflake felt pain, lots of pain. It lances through her small frame, causing her to writhe in agony. She felt like she had been fried. She runs a hoof tenderly through her mane and the world stops as realisation floods her system. Her wonderful mane of icy goodness is missing, replaced by a strange frizzly thing. She withdraws her hoof in horror, unbelieving the situation. "It's nice to see you awake, dear." Snowflake jumps at the alien voice. She lies there on the bed trying to appear asleep, cracking an eye open to catch a glimpse at the intruder of her small realm. A careworn green earth pony stands in the doorway of her humbly clad room. Like the careworn room, the mare's well groomed brown mane hangs from her aging shoulders like roots from a tree, carefully woven together. Her muted mahogany eyes gaze at the startled filly with motherly care. "I was starting to fear my efforts were going to end in vain. It's not every day I am privileged with having a fried filly crash land in my humble abode." Snowflake does her best to hide behind her frizzly mane. "Um… Where am I? W-what happened?" "My poor dear." The mare carefully makes her way up to the nervous filly. "I am Leaf. You have been my unexpected visitor for the last few days." Brown eyes check over the young mare who does her best to hide the emerging pain as the drug of sleep fades. "As for what happened… I guess you didn't fare too well in that mighty storm your elder pegasi put on for us." Snowflake’s eyes light up in horror, she didn’t know anything of a planned storm. She never even paid any attention to what the silly weather pegasus ponies were doing anyway. She sighs, 'I gotta pay more attention to those weather warnings'. She sits up, barbs of pain eat at her skin, itching in unbearable ways. 'What has happened to me? I feel like I've been hit by lighting or something.' Leaf notices the the obvious pain of the poor creature. The green earth pony puts a caring hoof on her shoulder, gently pressing her back down into bed. "You don't have to get up. I have come to treat your injuries. Please, lie back down and allow me to continue… sorry, what was your name dear?" Without moving, the pink filly responds slowly. "Snowflake. Um…" she trails off, too stranger-shy to continue. Leaf grabs some strange looking cloth that fills the room with a pungent aroma, causing the pink teenage pegasus to gag. Cyan eyes open wide as Snowflake backs up, unwilling to allow herself to come into contact with the stranger’s rags. "Look, either sit there in pain or lie down and let me help you. I know it smells bad, but it will make the pain go away." "It's not the smell," cuts back Snowflake, her smart mouth talking for her brain as she eyes the soaked rags with a nervous look. "Come here." The earth pony moves in wearing a motherly look on her face that tells the young mare she needs to obey. Little eyes close in submission and Snowflake complies, hoping the mare is right in her claims. She lets out a sigh of relief as the strange concoction seeps into her, calming the painful tingles. "And I must say, I've never seen a cutie mark like yours before." Cream pink ears perk up. "Huh? My what?" "Don't you know what a cutie mark is dear? Oh, what do they teach you fillies these days?” “Um... yes...” A small pink head turns and cyan eyes widen as she gets her first glance at a snowflake with a lighting bolt running through it. The cutie mark stands out against the light pink of her flank. 'Years of trying dumb stuff... and I get it like this?' She poses the question to herself unbelievingly. “Try to stay still with that healer.” Leaf observed the wound, smiling at the effectiveness of her brew. “You’ll be up and at it soon enough. But I don’t want to catch you near lightning again!” “But I wouldn’t have my cutie mark,” Snowflake argues, a smart look entering her young features. “Maybe this happened for a reason?” “Oh, I’m sure it did. But, I wouldn’t take second chances with lightning strikes. Especially ones that leave a young lady in pain.” Snowflake nods in agreement, turning her attention away from the mare. “Are you hungry? Why don’t I whip you up something?” “Are you sure? You don’t have to...” Snowflake diverted back to her normal persona. “I didn’t have to take you in, heal you several times, and pretty much welcome you into my house. Do you think making a meal seems too far-fetched after what happened? Don’t worry dear! I can make you something.” “How about lasagne?” “Sure! That healer should be done here in a couple minutes. You can relax. Where are you from?” “... Cloudsdale...” comes the faint reply. The kind healer nods in understanding. A few moments of quiet pass. The teenage pony builds up the courage to continue “I... I was looking for Canterlot. Actually… I've really wanted to see it ever since I was a young filly. To see the Princess for real. Guess that didn’t go as planned, huh?” “You know something dear? I always look on the bright side of life. I’m sure you will have quite the story for the Princess.” “I don’t know. After this, should I really still go? I mean, look at how much trouble I’ve already gotten myself into,” Snowflake frowns. “Besides, she’s the mighty princess. Why would she want to see some lighting baked filly?” “Oh horseapples! Go for your dreams! You already have your cutie mark! I’d say you are on the right path!” Chills of confidence send the pegasus to her legs. “You’re right! I’m going to do it!” The young mare storms a few steps with the confidence of a Wonderbolt. Snowflake’s wound proves a quick reminder her of the consequences of resuming her Canterlot quest. “Hold on,” Leaf trots over to aid Snowflake. “I love your spirit, but maybe you should rest a couple days.” “Yes... another time. That lasagne is starting to sound really good.” Snowflake allows herself to be led back to her bed with the help of the kind earth pony. "Okay. Now I'm just in the next room if you ever need me." “Thanks.” The whisper of a reply is almost inaudible against the sound of receding hooves. ‘This … sucks.’ She casts one last glance around her plain makeshift room then rests her head in her forehooves, unleashing a sigh. A few dull moments of boredom give way to wild ideas and her mind temporarily abandons her pained body. Jumping with fright, she remembers something imperative to her latest idea. Casting a paranid glance back across her fried flank, she confirms the presence of her long awaited cutie mark. ‘I wonder what I could get that rainbow and her fillyfriend to do. I am master of the storm now Dash.’ A high pitched squeal of a laugh escapes as she entertains her new mischievous thoughts with immature delight. A few days pass peacefully. Snowflake enjoys every moment, especially when she is allowed outside to play in the snow. All the while she continues to dream up wild fantasies involving thunder and awe-struck ponies. Although she knows control of the elements is an impossible feat for a pegasus, she allows her imagination to run rampant. The silly ideas please the ground-bound pegasus, allowing time to slip easily by. A pink form charges through the snow, throwing wild shouts of joy into the wind. Her small white tipped wings brush the snow sending electrifying jolts of cold through her system energising the excited filly. Launching herself into the air, she tests her precious wings. The feathery appendages carry their owner through the air with ease. As her first day of flight outside she is determined to make the most of playtime before resuming her quest. Landing in an ungainly fashion, she proceeds to charge into the nearby trees, gazing in wonder at their bare forms, the way naked branches form a snow covered network. It is something new to the filly who had previously only seen blobs of green from her lofty dwelling in the sky. Grinning to herself she flaps her wings, testing her frosty appendages, propelling herself into the nearest tree, tangling herself in the branches where she hangs, buzzing ecstatically. "Lunch time dear!" The faint call of her caretaker brings her back to reality. "Coming," she calls quietly back, knowing there is no way Leaf heard her reply. She extracts herself from the clutches of the tree and wings her way back to the cottage. The humble dwelling sits comfortably on the ground, the snow covering it merges the establishment with the peaceful surrounds giving it a totally serene air. It looks for all the world like a tiny little mound of snow on the ground. The young pegasus lands in a few paces in front of the house and is met by her caretaker. “Ready for lunch Snowflake?” “I sure am.” She smiles back at the old mare, happy to have somepony providing for her out in wild. Leaf turns and walks back inside trailed by the keen teenage pegasus who wears a smile of anticipation upon her face the whole way. Snowflake ignores the building butterflies in her tummy and presses on, doing her best to articulate her plan. “So I was thinking... since I can fly again I’d like to give flying to Canterlot another go.” “Aren’t you still a bit sore dear?” “I’ll be fine. Just please let me go.” “Well, I would never hold another pony against their will. But I still encourage you to give due consideration to this as there is quite a distance between here and Canterlot. It has only been one week and you’re not fully healed,” she cautions the youngster. “I’ll be fine. Please.” Snowflake smiles in the most appealing manner she can muster. “Well I guess I can let you go after you’ve finished your lunch.” “Yay. Thanks!” The pink bundle of joy jumps on the spot, happy to have her own way. After a few moments she remembers what she had come inside to do and re-seats herself digging into her winter salad with gusto. ‘Next stop, Canterlot.’ Chapter three: CanterlotA slightly fried young mare files along, enjoying the breeze rippling along her healing body. She fills her lungs with crisp winter air, enjoying the cooling chill that accompanies it. Looking down once more she checks her progress, spotting the solo road that leads toward her final destination. The icebound world below looks so peaceful and calm, it fills the young pegasus and she closes her eyes, relishing the moment. But soon, minutes of nothing but the flapping of tiny wings drives the young filly to search for something to keep herself entertained. She spots upcoming clouds, stark white against the cold blue sky. 'Okay, this pace is boring. Let’s test these frosty things out!' She starts with a loose loop, then begins ducking and diving between fluffy clouds, colliding clumsily with them, as her wings start to strain because of their first serious use since the storm. She allows her wild imagination to take over, continuing to push herself, showing off to the sky as if she were in a competition back home. Home. Rogue thoughts invade her consciousness and a grin fills her face. 'I can't wait to see the look on those two fillies’ faces when I get back and show them my cutie mark! This cutie mark is really awesome. I’ve got a cutie mark, I’ve got a cutie mark!' She enters into a corkscrew dive, plummeting toward the path below as glorious thoughts of victory run through her head. Her right wing buckles under the strain and she spins out of control. "Eeeeeeeeee!" The petrified cry of the frosty filly rings out as she fights for control over gravity. Wind tears at her folded wing, forcing it to remain pressed up against her body as she spins in a tight circle towards certain death below. A look of annoyance crosses her strained expression. She partially closes her other wing, focusing on her crumpled appendage, trying to gain full control. Hauling one final breath she exerts all her remaining strength, channeling it into her failed wing. The frosty appendage opens, shocking the wing back to life. She zig-zags out of control, clipping the tops of a few trees before finally coming to a shaky stop a short distance from the ground. Her wings give in and the young mare collapses in a heap upon the grass. She gazes at her surroundings, delight filling her as she spots nopony else in the vicinity. 'That tree looks like a great place for a nap. Time to rest these wings. I'll keep going after a short rest.' She plonks herself down in the shade of the tree and allows the serenity of the surrounds to fill her. The ultra cool snow releases the built up tension in her body and she smiles lightly. Expelling a sigh of relief she rests her head between her hooves and allows her eye's to flutter shut. "Mmmm…. What-was-that?" The pink pony springs to her hooves, dusting the intruding snow off her snout. Upon contact with the soft earth, her groggy mind fails to keep her balance and she topples against the tree. 'Where am I? Oh that's right…' Her sleep clouded thoughts disperse as she remembers settling down for a quick nap and then clearly falling asleep. It is at this point, the young mare notices how low the sun is in the sky. "Oh no you don't." She quietly reproaches Celestia's sun. "I'm coming, Canterlot." She quietly announces as she unsteadily takes off into the late afternoon sky. The very shy filly touches down heavily upon the outer road of Canterlot. She lets her tired wings sink to her sides in complete exhaustion. The young mare feels glad she hadn’t flown all the way from the Cloudsdale Colosseum. Long distance flight has left her feeling far more tired than she imagined possible from such a normally fun activity. She runs a hoof through her still frizzy mane and sighs, ‘I want you back, mane of awesomeness...’ The moment is broken by an approaching grey unicorn. His presence startles the young mare but she conceals her alarm, wearing an excited look upon her face. She does her best to ignore him, eyes to the front, mane frizzly and tummy full of butterflies. She paces past the stallion, allowing a passing glance to drift in his direction. 'Oh good, snooty guy's just walking by. For a moment there I thought I had to socialise.' She wanders into the city, sadly gazing around at the sights. Ponies everywhere, bustling about, going about their day wearing aura's of importance about them. Everypony well dressed and ignoring the under dressed newcomer as if she weren't there at all. The teenage mare starts to feel out of place. A small group look down their noses at her, aiding in her growing discontent. 'These ponies are weird. I sure hope its not too far to the Princess’ palace thingie. I gotta check her out.' She ducks her head and does her best to look invisible in the crowd. Her skittish eye's scan ponies as she moves along, hoping to herself that none decide she is worth conversing with. Her courage picks up as the rich ponies continue to pay her no heed and she enters into a gallop, after all, walking is boring. Despite the absence of her big mane, she enjoys the feel of hoof on pavement as she runs along drinking in the sights and sounds of the big city. She breathes deeply, relishing the moment. 'Pity there are so many ponies around. I could almost get used to this.' Her eyes close as she allows herself to fall into the feeling of the moment. 'Now there's nopony around.' This causes a smile to caress her young face and she increases the pace allowing the sound of her hooves on the road to fill her. Clop clop, clop clop. Smack! Head spinning with unwanted stars, Snowflake opens her eyes, finding herself sprawled out upon the ground looking up into the blue eyes of a surprised bright red earth pony. The high-class mare picks herself up off the stunned pink pegasus, dusting off her flowing crimson mane and matching attire. "I say, watch where you're going young filly. You're going to do yourself an injury at this rate." "I've already done that," her smart mouth speaks before her brain has time to react. Realising her position, the snowy pony shrinks back behind the remnants of her charred mane, blushing. "Hmph… commoner." The high society equine storms off in a huff. 'Okay. She has problems.' Snowflake sits herself up on her haunches watching the receding swish of her crash buddies tail as it disappears into the crowd. 'Celestia. Here I come.' The sun is sinking below the horizon as a lost filly wanders the streets of Equestria's capital city. She feels no closer to achieving her objective than she had hours ago. Despite reaching her goal of Canterlot, part two still eludes her. 'Oh wait, silly me. I have these!' She extends her wings feeling annoyance at her foolish self for missing the obvious. A few flaps of her feathery appendages sends the big silly to a comfortable altitude over the posh cityscape. She quickly spots the palace and pushes her still worn out wings into action. The beautiful structure glistens in the evening sun. Like an amazing dream it beckons to her and she answers its call with haste. She smiles to herself as the wind whips through her damaged mane, flicking it into her eyes. She passes over the guards below donating them a cheeky grin. 'Now, nopony will stop me.' The trespasser continues past the wall, easily gracing the inner boundaries with her presence. She grins to herself. Getting to meet the princess is now in easy hoofs reach. She swoops down into the rear courtyard and prepares to land with all the grace of- Thump, tumble, Crash! "Hey!" Snowflake finds herself pinned underneath a pair of stunning violet orbs. The other teenaged mare extracts herself from the younger Snowflake. She takes a dazed moment, regaining herself. The lavender unicorn is busy retrieving her books from where they lay scattered across the pathway with her magic. A baby purple dragon rushes to the unicorns side. "Twilight! Are you alright?" "I'm fine thanks, Spike." The cute unicorn replies to the lighter purple dragon "S-sorry," mutters Snowflake, backing away and attempting to blend in the the pathway. Remembering the intruders presence, the older pony turns to Snowflake, a searching look upon her face. "Who are you, and what are you doing inside palace grounds?" At the accusations, the frizzly pegasus tries to make herself even smaller again. "Um… I'm… J-just here to s-see the princess." The pink filly doesn't meet the older ponies gaze. "Okay. Well why didn't you just try the front door? I'm trying to study for an important exam here." "Sorry." Offering a final apology, Snowflake gallops clumsy off leaving the young unicorn behind in stunned silence. Twilight summons her study material out of her bag once more. "Um, Twilight? Shouldn't we try and stop her?" "Oh I'm sure the guards will stop her…" The studious filly falls into her own world becoming ensnared by her reading material once more. Her charge sighs to himself and reigns to following faithfully once more as she wanders along. "Hey. Stop there!" cries out one of the royal guard, blocking the path of the young intruder. The light pink plush ball soars over his head wearing an impudent look upon her face. She crashes to the ground, hooves skittering over the polished floor in desperate search for traction. The young mare finds her footing as the guards turn on her spotting burned snow-white tail vanishing around the corner. In a blind panic, the direction blind filly charges around. Her eyes are wide with both fear and admiration as she seeks to take in the marvellous sights while evading capture. At the sound of hooves gaining on her, the sacred youngster pushes herself to greater speeds, taking wing. Feathers brush against priceless ornaments as she flies berserkly round, hoping to find the royal Alicorn. She dives into a room that looks important and cannons face first into a white unicorn stallion. The impact throws the pair onto the well polished floor below. The stranger recovers first and Snowflake feels her body levitating. She freaks out, and begins kicking and squirming, attempting to free herself from the magical bonds. "Ah, Shining. It's good to see you've caught our intruder!" The voice of one of her pursuers rings out along the hallway as the guards slow to a stop, meeting their captain and his captive.
Chapter one: StormAn athletic bright pink filly glides through the breeze. Her snowy mane with ice blue tips, constantly obscures her vision as the filly wings her way toward the majestic sight of Canterlot in the distance. The teenage pony gazes down at the landscape far below herself, enjoying the view as she glides along. Tiny dots traverse the winter landscape far below. She grins cheekily down at them, enjoying her role as an observer on high. Long minutes drift by. Eventually Snowflake turns her gaze back to her goal, her dream, the home of the Princess. Even before she could fly, she always dreamed of Canterlot. Now with flight to grace her, the young pegasus was on a mammoth journey and nothing was going to stop her from reaching her goal. Halfway there, she checks her tiring wings, noting black clouds migrating towards her. Scrunching up her face in determination she plunges toward them like a weather pegasi on the attack. Nothing will stop her from reaching her own goal. A wild grin engulfs her face, "I love this kind of weather!" she calls out, challenging the rainclouds. The massive wall of black swallows up the speeding tiny pink and white speck. A flash is seen and the filly’s heart skips a beat, 'lightning?' Accepting the challenge, her face lights up with the grin of a mad pony. Adrenaline fills her system, mingling with her fear and elation at caught up in such a crazy act. She plows onwards, swerving between thunderclouds, loving the feel of the freezing cold rain on her coat and the elation at dodging the occasional thunderbolt. Her mind fills with the thoughts of the surprised ponies she wants to meet once she has arrived at her destination. Tilt, swerve, dive, bank. Black clouds were coming after each other one by one and she feels her wings straining. She feels like a wonderbolt running through an epic routine. The sounds of rain and thunder provide her with a roaring audience, their cheers drowning out the rest of the world. She can feel herself pressing down towards the ground far below as the chilling gales sweep over her young body, flicking her sodden mane continually into her cyan eyes. She squints and presses on into the gale while doing her best to ignore her aching wings. Her breath comes in ragged gasps and she begins to realise that her sense of direction has gone. 'Typical stupid me, I never should have accepted that dare.' Memory of the challenge enters her mind, filling her with fresh desire to press on. ‘Those two are so gonna get it when I make it back to Cloudsdale!’ A flash of lightning arcs past her, fighting the filly out of her own thoughts. She freezes in the air for few seconds, utter terror washing over her like a tidal wave. Snowflake realises that she is falling and forces her stone dead wings to open. Tiny snowy pink wings propel their own wasted owner onwards in a desperate bid to endure against the harsh assault of the elements. Remaining mindful of the dangers around her, the light pink pegasus forces herself back into combat mode, plunging through dark clouds and hoping to not get hit by stray thunder as the storm continues to play for its audience of one. Her remaining sense of time and direction vanishes leaving the young mare totally lost in the freezing gale. Alone with the storm. Panic sets in, complete and utter panic. Her slick moves become erratic as wings flutter and muscles clench. Her brain works at the speed of a sonic rainboom, desperately looking for a way out of hostile territory. Bam! Her world explodes in a flash of light and the universe becomes black.
Chapter two: CrashOne cyan eye opens, noticing the strange new surroundings as the young pegasus groggily begins to re-enter the world. Snowflake felt pain, lots of pain. It lances through her small frame, causing her to writhe in agony. She felt like she had been fried. She runs a hoof tenderly through her mane and the world stops as realisation floods her system. Her wonderful mane of icy goodness is missing, replaced by a strange frizzly thing. She withdraws her hoof in horror, unbelieving the situation. "It's nice to see you awake, dear." Snowflake jumps at the alien voice. She lies there on the bed trying to appear asleep, cracking an eye open to catch a glimpse at the intruder of her small realm. A careworn green earth pony stands in the doorway of her humbly clad room. Like the careworn room, the mare's well groomed brown mane hangs from her aging shoulders like roots from a tree, carefully woven together. Her muted mahogany eyes gaze at the startled filly with motherly care. "I was starting to fear my efforts were going to end in vain. It's not every day I am privileged with having a fried filly crash land in my humble abode." Snowflake does her best to hide behind her frizzly mane. "Um… Where am I? W-what happened?" "My poor dear." The mare carefully makes her way up to the nervous filly. "I am Leaf. You have been my unexpected visitor for the last few days." Brown eyes check over the young mare who does her best to hide the emerging pain as the drug of sleep fades. "As for what happened… I guess you didn't fare too well in that mighty storm your elder pegasi put on for us." Snowflake’s eyes light up in horror, she didn’t know anything of a planned storm. She never even paid any attention to what the silly weather pegasus ponies were doing anyway. She sighs, 'I gotta pay more attention to those weather warnings'. She sits up, barbs of pain eat at her skin, itching in unbearable ways. 'What has happened to me? I feel like I've been hit by lighting or something.' Leaf notices the the obvious pain of the poor creature. The green earth pony puts a caring hoof on her shoulder, gently pressing her back down into bed. "You don't have to get up. I have come to treat your injuries. Please, lie back down and allow me to continue… sorry, what was your name dear?" Without moving, the pink filly responds slowly. "Snowflake. Um…" she trails off, too stranger-shy to continue. Leaf grabs some strange looking cloth that fills the room with a pungent aroma, causing the pink teenage pegasus to gag. Cyan eyes open wide as Snowflake backs up, unwilling to allow herself to come into contact with the stranger’s rags. "Look, either sit there in pain or lie down and let me help you. I know it smells bad, but it will make the pain go away." "It's not the smell," cuts back Snowflake, her smart mouth talking for her brain as she eyes the soaked rags with a nervous look. "Come here." The earth pony moves in wearing a motherly look on her face that tells the young mare she needs to obey. Little eyes close in submission and Snowflake complies, hoping the mare is right in her claims. She lets out a sigh of relief as the strange concoction seeps into her, calming the painful tingles. "And I must say, I've never seen a cutie mark like yours before." Cream pink ears perk up. "Huh? My what?" "Don't you know what a cutie mark is dear? Oh, what do they teach you fillies these days?” “Um... yes...” A small pink head turns and cyan eyes widen as she gets her first glance at a snowflake with a lighting bolt running through it. The cutie mark stands out against the light pink of her flank. 'Years of trying dumb stuff... and I get it like this?' She poses the question to herself unbelievingly. “Try to stay still with that healer.” Leaf observed the wound, smiling at the effectiveness of her brew. “You’ll be up and at it soon enough. But I don’t want to catch you near lightning again!” “But I wouldn’t have my cutie mark,” Snowflake argues, a smart look entering her young features. “Maybe this happened for a reason?” “Oh, I’m sure it did. But, I wouldn’t take second chances with lightning strikes. Especially ones that leave a young lady in pain.” Snowflake nods in agreement, turning her attention away from the mare. “Are you hungry? Why don’t I whip you up something?” “Are you sure? You don’t have to...” Snowflake diverted back to her normal persona. “I didn’t have to take you in, heal you several times, and pretty much welcome you into my house. Do you think making a meal seems too far-fetched after what happened? Don’t worry dear! I can make you something.” “How about lasagne?” “Sure! That healer should be done here in a couple minutes. You can relax. Where are you from?” “... Cloudsdale...” comes the faint reply. The kind healer nods in understanding. A few moments of quiet pass. The teenage pony builds up the courage to continue “I... I was looking for Canterlot. Actually… I've really wanted to see it ever since I was a young filly. To see the Princess for real. Guess that didn’t go as planned, huh?” “You know something dear? I always look on the bright side of life. I’m sure you will have quite the story for the Princess.” “I don’t know. After this, should I really still go? I mean, look at how much trouble I’ve already gotten myself into,” Snowflake frowns. “Besides, she’s the mighty princess. Why would she want to see some lighting baked filly?” “Oh horseapples! Go for your dreams! You already have your cutie mark! I’d say you are on the right path!” Chills of confidence send the pegasus to her legs. “You’re right! I’m going to do it!” The young mare storms a few steps with the confidence of a Wonderbolt. Snowflake’s wound proves a quick reminder her of the consequences of resuming her Canterlot quest. “Hold on,” Leaf trots over to aid Snowflake. “I love your spirit, but maybe you should rest a couple days.” “Yes... another time. That lasagne is starting to sound really good.” Snowflake allows herself to be led back to her bed with the help of the kind earth pony. "Okay. Now I'm just in the next room if you ever need me." “Thanks.” The whisper of a reply is almost inaudible against the sound of receding hooves. ‘This … sucks.’ She casts one last glance around her plain makeshift room then rests her head in her forehooves, unleashing a sigh. A few dull moments of boredom give way to wild ideas and her mind temporarily abandons her pained body. Jumping with fright, she remembers something imperative to her latest idea. Casting a paranid glance back across her fried flank, she confirms the presence of her long awaited cutie mark. ‘I wonder what I could get that rainbow and her fillyfriend to do. I am master of the storm now Dash.’ A high pitched squeal of a laugh escapes as she entertains her new mischievous thoughts with immature delight. A few days pass peacefully. Snowflake enjoys every moment, especially when she is allowed outside to play in the snow. All the while she continues to dream up wild fantasies involving thunder and awe-struck ponies. Although she knows control of the elements is an impossible feat for a pegasus, she allows her imagination to run rampant. The silly ideas please the ground-bound pegasus, allowing time to slip easily by. A pink form charges through the snow, throwing wild shouts of joy into the wind. Her small white tipped wings brush the snow sending electrifying jolts of cold through her system energising the excited filly. Launching herself into the air, she tests her precious wings. The feathery appendages carry their owner through the air with ease. As her first day of flight outside she is determined to make the most of playtime before resuming her quest. Landing in an ungainly fashion, she proceeds to charge into the nearby trees, gazing in wonder at their bare forms, the way naked branches form a snow covered network. It is something new to the filly who had previously only seen blobs of green from her lofty dwelling in the sky. Grinning to herself she flaps her wings, testing her frosty appendages, propelling herself into the nearest tree, tangling herself in the branches where she hangs, buzzing ecstatically. "Lunch time dear!" The faint call of her caretaker brings her back to reality. "Coming," she calls quietly back, knowing there is no way Leaf heard her reply. She extracts herself from the clutches of the tree and wings her way back to the cottage. The humble dwelling sits comfortably on the ground, the snow covering it merges the establishment with the peaceful surrounds giving it a totally serene air. It looks for all the world like a tiny little mound of snow on the ground. The young pegasus lands in a few paces in front of the house and is met by her caretaker. “Ready for lunch Snowflake?” “I sure am.” She smiles back at the old mare, happy to have somepony providing for her out in wild. Leaf turns and walks back inside trailed by the keen teenage pegasus who wears a smile of anticipation upon her face the whole way. Snowflake ignores the building butterflies in her tummy and presses on, doing her best to articulate her plan. “So I was thinking... since I can fly again I’d like to give flying to Canterlot another go.” “Aren’t you still a bit sore dear?” “I’ll be fine. Just please let me go.” “Well, I would never hold another pony against their will. But I still encourage you to give due consideration to this as there is quite a distance between here and Canterlot. It has only been one week and you’re not fully healed,” she cautions the youngster. “I’ll be fine. Please.” Snowflake smiles in the most appealing manner she can muster. “Well I guess I can let you go after you’ve finished your lunch.” “Yay. Thanks!” The pink bundle of joy jumps on the spot, happy to have her own way. After a few moments she remembers what she had come inside to do and re-seats herself digging into her winter salad with gusto. ‘Next stop, Canterlot.’
Chapter three: CanterlotA slightly fried young mare files along, enjoying the breeze rippling along her healing body. She fills her lungs with crisp winter air, enjoying the cooling chill that accompanies it. Looking down once more she checks her progress, spotting the solo road that leads toward her final destination. The icebound world below looks so peaceful and calm, it fills the young pegasus and she closes her eyes, relishing the moment. But soon, minutes of nothing but the flapping of tiny wings drives the young filly to search for something to keep herself entertained. She spots upcoming clouds, stark white against the cold blue sky. 'Okay, this pace is boring. Let’s test these frosty things out!' She starts with a loose loop, then begins ducking and diving between fluffy clouds, colliding clumsily with them, as her wings start to strain because of their first serious use since the storm. She allows her wild imagination to take over, continuing to push herself, showing off to the sky as if she were in a competition back home. Home. Rogue thoughts invade her consciousness and a grin fills her face. 'I can't wait to see the look on those two fillies’ faces when I get back and show them my cutie mark! This cutie mark is really awesome. I’ve got a cutie mark, I’ve got a cutie mark!' She enters into a corkscrew dive, plummeting toward the path below as glorious thoughts of victory run through her head. Her right wing buckles under the strain and she spins out of control. "Eeeeeeeeee!" The petrified cry of the frosty filly rings out as she fights for control over gravity. Wind tears at her folded wing, forcing it to remain pressed up against her body as she spins in a tight circle towards certain death below. A look of annoyance crosses her strained expression. She partially closes her other wing, focusing on her crumpled appendage, trying to gain full control. Hauling one final breath she exerts all her remaining strength, channeling it into her failed wing. The frosty appendage opens, shocking the wing back to life. She zig-zags out of control, clipping the tops of a few trees before finally coming to a shaky stop a short distance from the ground. Her wings give in and the young mare collapses in a heap upon the grass. She gazes at her surroundings, delight filling her as she spots nopony else in the vicinity. 'That tree looks like a great place for a nap. Time to rest these wings. I'll keep going after a short rest.' She plonks herself down in the shade of the tree and allows the serenity of the surrounds to fill her. The ultra cool snow releases the built up tension in her body and she smiles lightly. Expelling a sigh of relief she rests her head between her hooves and allows her eye's to flutter shut. "Mmmm…. What-was-that?" The pink pony springs to her hooves, dusting the intruding snow off her snout. Upon contact with the soft earth, her groggy mind fails to keep her balance and she topples against the tree. 'Where am I? Oh that's right…' Her sleep clouded thoughts disperse as she remembers settling down for a quick nap and then clearly falling asleep. It is at this point, the young mare notices how low the sun is in the sky. "Oh no you don't." She quietly reproaches Celestia's sun. "I'm coming, Canterlot." She quietly announces as she unsteadily takes off into the late afternoon sky. The very shy filly touches down heavily upon the outer road of Canterlot. She lets her tired wings sink to her sides in complete exhaustion. The young mare feels glad she hadn’t flown all the way from the Cloudsdale Colosseum. Long distance flight has left her feeling far more tired than she imagined possible from such a normally fun activity. She runs a hoof through her still frizzy mane and sighs, ‘I want you back, mane of awesomeness...’ The moment is broken by an approaching grey unicorn. His presence startles the young mare but she conceals her alarm, wearing an excited look upon her face. She does her best to ignore him, eyes to the front, mane frizzly and tummy full of butterflies. She paces past the stallion, allowing a passing glance to drift in his direction. 'Oh good, snooty guy's just walking by. For a moment there I thought I had to socialise.' She wanders into the city, sadly gazing around at the sights. Ponies everywhere, bustling about, going about their day wearing aura's of importance about them. Everypony well dressed and ignoring the under dressed newcomer as if she weren't there at all. The teenage mare starts to feel out of place. A small group look down their noses at her, aiding in her growing discontent. 'These ponies are weird. I sure hope its not too far to the Princess’ palace thingie. I gotta check her out.' She ducks her head and does her best to look invisible in the crowd. Her skittish eye's scan ponies as she moves along, hoping to herself that none decide she is worth conversing with. Her courage picks up as the rich ponies continue to pay her no heed and she enters into a gallop, after all, walking is boring. Despite the absence of her big mane, she enjoys the feel of hoof on pavement as she runs along drinking in the sights and sounds of the big city. She breathes deeply, relishing the moment. 'Pity there are so many ponies around. I could almost get used to this.' Her eyes close as she allows herself to fall into the feeling of the moment. 'Now there's nopony around.' This causes a smile to caress her young face and she increases the pace allowing the sound of her hooves on the road to fill her. Clop clop, clop clop. Smack! Head spinning with unwanted stars, Snowflake opens her eyes, finding herself sprawled out upon the ground looking up into the blue eyes of a surprised bright red earth pony. The high-class mare picks herself up off the stunned pink pegasus, dusting off her flowing crimson mane and matching attire. "I say, watch where you're going young filly. You're going to do yourself an injury at this rate." "I've already done that," her smart mouth speaks before her brain has time to react. Realising her position, the snowy pony shrinks back behind the remnants of her charred mane, blushing. "Hmph… commoner." The high society equine storms off in a huff. 'Okay. She has problems.' Snowflake sits herself up on her haunches watching the receding swish of her crash buddies tail as it disappears into the crowd. 'Celestia. Here I come.' The sun is sinking below the horizon as a lost filly wanders the streets of Equestria's capital city. She feels no closer to achieving her objective than she had hours ago. Despite reaching her goal of Canterlot, part two still eludes her. 'Oh wait, silly me. I have these!' She extends her wings feeling annoyance at her foolish self for missing the obvious. A few flaps of her feathery appendages sends the big silly to a comfortable altitude over the posh cityscape. She quickly spots the palace and pushes her still worn out wings into action. The beautiful structure glistens in the evening sun. Like an amazing dream it beckons to her and she answers its call with haste. She smiles to herself as the wind whips through her damaged mane, flicking it into her eyes. She passes over the guards below donating them a cheeky grin. 'Now, nopony will stop me.' The trespasser continues past the wall, easily gracing the inner boundaries with her presence. She grins to herself. Getting to meet the princess is now in easy hoofs reach. She swoops down into the rear courtyard and prepares to land with all the grace of- Thump, tumble, Crash! "Hey!" Snowflake finds herself pinned underneath a pair of stunning violet orbs. The other teenaged mare extracts herself from the younger Snowflake. She takes a dazed moment, regaining herself. The lavender unicorn is busy retrieving her books from where they lay scattered across the pathway with her magic. A baby purple dragon rushes to the unicorns side. "Twilight! Are you alright?" "I'm fine thanks, Spike." The cute unicorn replies to the lighter purple dragon "S-sorry," mutters Snowflake, backing away and attempting to blend in the the pathway. Remembering the intruders presence, the older pony turns to Snowflake, a searching look upon her face. "Who are you, and what are you doing inside palace grounds?" At the accusations, the frizzly pegasus tries to make herself even smaller again. "Um… I'm… J-just here to s-see the princess." The pink filly doesn't meet the older ponies gaze. "Okay. Well why didn't you just try the front door? I'm trying to study for an important exam here." "Sorry." Offering a final apology, Snowflake gallops clumsy off leaving the young unicorn behind in stunned silence. Twilight summons her study material out of her bag once more. "Um, Twilight? Shouldn't we try and stop her?" "Oh I'm sure the guards will stop her…" The studious filly falls into her own world becoming ensnared by her reading material once more. Her charge sighs to himself and reigns to following faithfully once more as she wanders along. "Hey. Stop there!" cries out one of the royal guard, blocking the path of the young intruder. The light pink plush ball soars over his head wearing an impudent look upon her face. She crashes to the ground, hooves skittering over the polished floor in desperate search for traction. The young mare finds her footing as the guards turn on her spotting burned snow-white tail vanishing around the corner. In a blind panic, the direction blind filly charges around. Her eyes are wide with both fear and admiration as she seeks to take in the marvellous sights while evading capture. At the sound of hooves gaining on her, the sacred youngster pushes herself to greater speeds, taking wing. Feathers brush against priceless ornaments as she flies berserkly round, hoping to find the royal Alicorn. She dives into a room that looks important and cannons face first into a white unicorn stallion. The impact throws the pair onto the well polished floor below. The stranger recovers first and Snowflake feels her body levitating. She freaks out, and begins kicking and squirming, attempting to free herself from the magical bonds. "Ah, Shining. It's good to see you've caught our intruder!" The voice of one of her pursuers rings out along the hallway as the guards slow to a stop, meeting their captain and his captive.
