Clouds

You’ll never amount to anything. Just as worthless as his grandfather. You are a stain on the family name. What can you do nothing that’s what, Pathetic that’s what you are.

NO!!!! Sketch screamed as he shot straight up in his bed, he shook his head realizing it was just another dream and not a good one sketch brushed it off as he slowly got out of bed, he trotted to the bathroom being a simple pony, with a simple lifestyle, he began the usual routine brush teeth, wash face, and get to work. Sketch sighed as he swept back his bronze mane, today just felt like it was going to be one of those days. As Sketch started to make his way to his “office” he looked up on the living room wall, on the wall were several photos of his family mostly his brothers and grandfather. The thing is Sketch comes from a family that ever since the forming of Equestria had been in the royal guard, His Great, great, great, great, great great…..GREAT grandfather, Arius Cirrus was one of lieutenants to the famous Commander Hurricane, ever since him, the Cirrus family had followed a long proud military tradition all married only to pegasi, and only had pegasi children. Until his grandfather, Lucullus Cirrus married a unicorn, even though his grandfather had many foals none of them were unicorns, none of them got that gene but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there. The unicorn gene had passed on to Lucullus’ first sons, third born. Sketch. Sketch wasn’t his real name though at birth he was named Caius, but Sketch never liked that name. Now not only was Sketch the first Unicorn to be born with the Cirrus name, but he also didn’t have that urge to serve and protect , and join the guard like the rest of his family had.

Sketch seemed to take to the arts more, and often instead of playing sports, competing or leading some club, Sketch could almost always be found drawing something in the shade under his favorite willow tree on the family estate. Seeing him as a misfit and a stain on the family name most of the family elders disapproved of Sketch and ridiculed him, the only people who truly seemed to care for Sketch was his grandparents , his mother, and his father, But most of all his brothers. Sketch’s brothers always stood up for him, his older brothers,Caesar, and Marcus, always supported young sketch and defended him when the family elders berated, and belittled the young Caius. From the day they were born to the day they signed up for Equestria’ s Royal Army, Caesar and Marcus were always there for Caius. But once they left for training, Caius was alone. Tired of hearing his name being spat on all the time, Caius took on the name Sketch for the sake of cutie mark which he received when he won first place in a big art competition in Canterlot, for which he drew a large picture of the city of Canterlot and the mountain it sat upon all in pencil, with amazing attention to detail and smooth, All were amazed by his artistic talents for such a young colt, except his family (other than his brother parents and grand’s).

Sketch smiled a little as he ran his hoof along the frame of a picture of him and his brother at a party the day before they left for training. Sketch sighed as he continued on through his house walking slowing, sulking a little as he slowly walked down stairs into the basement where he worked, Sketch whe n reached the bottom he used his magic to levitate a pencil to himself and he pulled up a drawing board, a cushion to sit on and all the other necessities for creating art. But today was a little off, it seemed that nothing would come together, he just couldn’t seem to do anything right, He felt as though all the inspiration had been drained from him and he just couldn’t figure out what to draw.

“Oh well, I needed to the store today anyway”. He said to himself as he put down his utensils and trotted upstairs.

Sketch put on his saddle bags and briskly walked out the door. Fortunately it was sunny out sunny days always got Sketch happy as a smile started to form on his face. Soon Sketch was in the Canterlot market he looked at the list he wrote, celery, bread, daffodils, lettuce, milk, apples, erasers, and charcoal pencils. He started making his way around the market stalls.

Morning let out a long sigh as she realized Starlight was gone again, Starlight always got distracted whenever she saw a stand selling some sort of toys or antiquities. Morning looked around and noticed that Starlight wasn’t anywhere to be found, this got Morning worried, she quickly jumped in the air and began to hover over the crowd looking for her daughter. She soon found her once again staring at a large geode full of shiny gems, and the stand owner explained to star how the gems were made inside the rock. With a little coaxing Morning finally got Starlight to move on , after another 3 distractions and some trouble getting through the crowd, They finally made it to the place they needed to go a small house with a sign that said in bold letters “ Mix and Match’s Hobby store. For all your interests needs” . Morning exhaled in relief hoping that things would slow down a little, but sadly Star who was unable to contain herself bolted for the door trying to get inside as quick as possible. Morning could roll her eyes as she watched the little filly scramble through the door. Morning chuckled and followed her inside. Sketch had now bought all his groceries , not without some struggle as one of the lettuce stand owners tried to rip him off. Sketch thinking that 20 bits for a head of lettuce was absolutely insane, argued with the shop owner until they finally agreed on 15, which in sketch’s mind was still overpriced a more fitting price would’ve been 10 or 8 bits. Now Sketch had to get the needed art supplies from the hobby store down the street, he had just walked in the store when he saw her, Sketch couldn’t help but shrink a little as the mare of his dreams walked through the store with her daughter. He loved her long flowing Indigo mane, and her golden eyes. He quickly came back to reality when he suddenly heard a high pitched giddy shriek of happiness come form the little filly. He couldn’t help but watch as the little filly ran up to a box that had a picture of a large complex looking telescope on it. Then the blue mare turned to the filly

Sweetie I need to go get some groceries real quick if you want you can stay her and look around I won’t be gone long

The little filly nodded in approval and continued to stare at the telescope with awe. Sketch quickly withdrew behind a shelf as Morning left the store, as she walked out the door, Sketch snuck one last peak to him she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. After getting all the supplies he needed, Sketch made his way to the counter to make his purchase , there he found the little filly counting her bits she needed to purchase the telescope.

“Alright young miss, that’ll be 20 bits”. At that moment the little filly’s expression changed dramatically from excitement to panic as she realized she only had 15 bits. Sketch couldn’t help it, seeing the look on her face, he could just tell she really wanted that telescope, he let out a brief sigh worked up a smile as he approached the counter.

Sketch pulled out the last 5 pieces of coin needed, and placed them on the counter.

“20 Bits good sir” Sketch looked down at the filly who looke at him with a face showing confusion, and gratitude. Sketch levitated the box next to the filly who still couldn’t quite seem to put together what just happened.

“ Would you like me to help you get this outside?”

“ Yes please” the filly replied with a quiet soft voice.

Sketch the lifted the box higher and and proceeded to bring It outside he had almost reached the door and he was rounding a corner when he noticed the box just impacted into something, “Ouch” correction some PONY more like. He moved the box to the side to see who he hit; he nearly went into shock when he saw who he ran into. On the ground sittin on her hind legs sat the blue mare, Sketch immediately put down the box and walked over to her.

“ Oh gosh, I am so sorry, I sincerely apologize for that” Sketch began to apologize, only to be silnced by a hoof. Morning got up a smiled “no harm done” she replied as she regained her posture.

“MOMMY, MOMMY HE HELPED ME BUY THE TELESCOPE” Star shouted as she bounced all over in front of the mare who was now once again puzzled.

“Slow down sweetie what are talking about?”

“Well I was buying the telescope and I found out I was 5 bits short, but then mister…uh..sorry what’s your name again sir” Star looked back at Sketch, whose face was turning red from all the attention.

“I’m sorry I guess I didn’t introduce myself. My name is Sketch”

“As I was saying Mr. Sketch here he was sooo nice and he gave me the last five bits I needed”

Morning looked at Star as she gave a big bright, gleaming smile as she bounced rapidly up and down in place.
Well that certainly was extremely generous of him, what should you say to Mr. Sketch now dearie”
Star, looked back with her beautiful smile” Thank you mister sketch for helping me pay for the telescope”

“It was no trouble at all” He said letting out a smile

“Oh please let me pay you back” Morning said reaching into her into her bags, but Sketch would have none of that he lifted a hoof.

“Ma’am please I cant accept that” Seriousness now grew on his expression

Morning could tell there was no convincing him she slipped the pouch back into her bags.

“Well Sketch its been a pleasure meeting you, but me and little Star here need to be headed home she has a big day tomorrow.”

“TOMORROWS MY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL” The little filly said with another small jump

“Yes and that’s why we need to go home and get you ready. goodbye”

“Bye Mister”

Sketch waved as he watched the two walk off, a feeling of pride filling his gut for what he just accomplished. He spoke to the mare of his dreams, and did a good deed. The first part was enough to put a huge grin on Sketches face as he trotted on home.