The Weight of a Feather

Her hooves bounced against each patch of cloud as she hopped from one part of the obstacle course to another. Once she reached the end of the obstacle course, the pale-colored Pegasus took off into the sky and returned to the starting point for another attempt. A few weeks had passed since Midnight Lavender had taught Feather Wisp how to use flight magic. The pale-colored pony’s speed and control had improved. She could now travel through the air at a similar pace to some of the best flyers in her school. The studious Unicorn below jotted information into her notebook. Her radiant eyes scanned the sky as they tracked the magical trail that followed Feather Wisp. As the pale-colored Pegasus developed her flight skills, the trail of orange and white magic behind her became more opaque.

“Almost there. I can do this,” Feather Wisp said.

The pale-colored Pegasus focused on the triad of cloud hoops in front of her. Each hoop was put into formation as close to the exam’s official layout as possible. If I can nail this, I’ll pass the exam for sure, Feather Wisp thought. She passed through the first hoop with ease. Approaching the second hoop, she adjusted her speed, preparing for a more intricate maneuver. As she passed through the hoop, a trail of magical energy connected her to its surface. Swiftly tilting her body upward, she executed a seamless loop around the top portion, propelled like a slingshot. Once again, she glided through the second hoop before progressing to the final obstacle.

The third hoop presented a different configuration, angled horizontally and pointing downward toward the backyard. Feather Wisp angled her body upwards before diving through the hoop toward the ground below. Her wings strained against the gravitational pull, causing fatigue to set in. Sensing the need for adjustment, she reversed the magical force acting upon her wings, slowing her descent. Landing on the soft, billowy ground, she stumbled momentarily, struggling to regain her balance.

Midnight Lavender approached Feather Wisp with a satisfied smile. The purple magical aura enveloping her eyes flickered and dissipated as she closed the notepad she had been levitating, gently placing it on the ground beside her.

“Good job, Feather Wisp. Your control over your speed is improving, but your landings still need some refinement,” Midnight Lavender said.

Feather Wisp grabbed a nearby bucket of water, drinking half of it in only a few gulps. Setting the bucket down, she wiped her mouth and let out a small burp.

“Excuse me! Ugh, I know. I keep misjudging the speed during my dives. Any tips to help with that?” Feather Wisp asked.

Midnight Lavender tapped her hoof thoughtfully against her chin, observing the distance between the third hoop and the ground.

“Perhaps try flattening your body slightly more during the descent. While your wings can't do all the work, the rest of you can still contribute.”

Feather Wisp extended her wings and stretched her legs.

“I’ll give it a shot once I’ve rested a bit.”

Midnight Lavender noticed that Feather Wisp’s stern expression had persisted throughout their training session.

“Are you still thinking about Cloud Glider?” Midnight Lavender asked.

Feather Wisp nodded her head.

“Yeah… I know you said I should just focus on passing the exam, but I really do want to beat her time in the race. I think that will finally put a stop to her relentless bullying.”

Midnight Lavender let out a sigh, her head shaking in subtle disapproval.

“Feather Wisp, you don't need any form of validation from her. You've shown remarkable progress in these past few weeks.”

Undeterred, Feather Wisp walked past Midnight Lavender, making her way toward the center of the backyard.

“It isn’t about validation. It’s about proving a point to her,” Feather Wisp said.

Curiosity flickered in Midnight Lavender's eyes as she tilted her head.

“A point?”

Feather Wisp paused, gathering her thoughts before responding. “She’s always called me weak and useless because of my condition. If I simply pass, then she’ll continue to say I’m weaker than she is. I want to beat her at what she’s good at. I think that’s the only way to make her stop. Who knows, maybe she’ll change her rude ways after that.”

“Do you think her opinion of you will truly matter after you graduate?” Midnight Lavender asked.

“The way I see it, if she recognizes me as capable, then all the other ponies and creatures in my class will too.”

Midnight Lavender nodded in comprehension.

“I see. You want everypony’s opinion to change, not just hers.”

“Exactly,” Feather Wisp said.

Midnight Lavender ransacked her mind, searching for any knowledge that could offer Feather Wisp an advantage over Cloud Glider. However, she realized that she had already imparted all her wisdom on flight magic to Feather Wisp. Cloud Glider seemed to possess innate talent in every aspect. Hailing from a renowned lineage with superior flight genetics and an insatiable thirst for victory, Cloud Glider appeared to be a formidable rival for the pale-colored Pegasus.

“I've taught you everything I know, Feather Wisp. If I were in your hooves, I would concentrate on giving my best to pass the exam. Once you've accomplished that, you can dedicate as much time as you need to master more advanced flight skills. Filly steps, remember?”

Feather Wisp let out a sigh, her frustration evident.

“Yeah, I know, filly steps,” Feather Wisp said.

Their conversation was interrupted by a voice calling out to them. Both mares turned their attention toward the backyard porch, where Feather Wisp's mother stood, accompanied by a distinguished older stallion with a beard. An unsettling feeling crept over Midnight Lavender as suspicion grew within her.

“Midnight Lavender! This well-dressed stallion said he was sent by your father,” Feather Wisp’s mother said.

A surprised expression covered Midnight Lavender’s face. The well-dressed Unicorn descended the porch stairs and approached Midnight Lavender. Without uttering a word, he levitated a letter in front of him. Midnight Lavender took the letter with her hoof, tearing it open anxiously. As her eyes scanned the contents, a profound sadness etched itself onto her features.

“My father says that the construction project in Cloudsdale is finished, and that we are going back to Canterlot… tonight.”

Feather Wisp's eyes widened in shock.

“Tonight? But my exam is in two days!”

Midnight Lavender glanced toward the butler and abruptly gave him the letter. Taking a deep breath, she turned her gaze back to Feather Wisp, her expression filled with regret.

“I’m sorry, Feather Wisp,” Midnight Lavender said as she bowed her head.

“Wait, can’t you convince him to stay a couple more days?” Feather Wisp asked. Desperation filled her voice.

Midnight Lavender shook her head, her face a mix of sympathy and helplessness.

“Trust me, I have tried convincing him to change his mind in the past. He doesn’t like last-minute changes to his schedule.”

“But how will you know if I pass or not? You've put so much effort into helping me improve my flying skills!”

Midnight Lavender raised her head and levitated her notebook with her magic. She quickly jotted down an address on a blank sheet of paper, tearing it out from the notebook before giving it to Feather Wisp.

“Here, take this. You can write to me once you pass your exam.”

Feather Wisp studied the address on the notebook paper.

“You say that like I’m guaranteed to pass it,” Feather Wisp said.

Midnight Lavender offered Feather Wisp a faint smile.

“That’s because you will pass it. You’re one of the hardest-working ponies I’ve ever met. If anypony will ace the exam, it’s you.”

Feather Wisp returned a smile.

“Thank you, for everything you’ve done. I don’t know how I’ll ever pay you back for your help.”

“Just remember to keep in touch. Who knows, perhaps we'll cross paths again soon,” Midnight Lavender said, a touch of hope in her voice.

Feather Wisp nodded, trying to hold back a tear that threatened to escape.

“I’ll remember, I promise.”

The pale-colored Pegasus embraced Midnight Lavender tightly, seeking solace in their final embrace. Midnight Lavender reciprocated the hug, gently patting Feather Wisp on the back. Eventually, she released her grip and followed the butler, their steps leading them toward the backdoor of the Wisp residence. As she passed Feather Wisp's mother, Midnight Lavender bowed her head respectfully.

“Thank you for allowing me to spend time with your daughter, Mrs. Wisp. You’ve raised a very kind, hard-working pony.”

Aurora Wisp nodded, a bittersweet smile gracing her lips.

“Thank you, Midnight. Please, take care of yourself.”

Before the butler could close the door behind her, Midnight Lavender stole one last glance at her Pegasus friend. Feather Wisp stood focused, her determined expression fixed on the obstacle course above. The Unicorn's smile conveyed warmth and encouragement as the backdoor of the Wisp residence shut with a resounding thud.

***

Her hooves echoed with a rhythmic click against the polished spruce floorboards as she walked through the grand hallway. Adorned with cherished family heirlooms, ornate portraits, and elegant crests, the walls of the mansion's interior exuded a sense of historical significance. Sunlight flooded through the expansive windows, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. The diligent groundskeeper ponies could be seen outside, meticulously tending to the neatly trimmed hedgerows of the impeccably maintained landscape.

Midnight Lavender ascended the graceful wooden staircase, moving into another corridor. She stood before her father's office, steeling herself with a deep breath. The words "Orchid Lavender, CEO of Lavish Architects Inc." were stamped onto a golden plate of metal on the door. Familiar voices echoed from within the room, one clear and distinct, while the other, faint and distorted, seemed to emanate from a small speaker. Raising her right front hoof, she gently knocked on the inlaid door.

A solid object collided with force within the confines of the office, followed by approaching hoofsteps that grew nearer to the door. The inlaid door groaned open, revealing a smartly dressed blue stallion with a dark mustache and slicked-back mane standing in the doorway. His voice dripped with disdain as he prepared himself for their forthcoming conversation.

“Yes, Midnight?”

“May I enter, Father?” Midnight Lavender asked. Her voice carried a hint of trepidation.

Midnight Lavender's father offered a subtle nod, stepping aside to make way for her entry. With a mix of apprehension and determination, the Unicorn crossed the threshold into her father's office. Dominating the room's center was an imposing decorative desk, its surface strewn with a disarray of papers. Adjacent to the scattered documents, a telephone rested upon a small stand. A gentle hum emanated from a dainty lamp, casting a soft, warm glow upon the left side of the desk. The side walls were adorned with framed excerpts from renowned business magazines and books, serving as a constant source of inspiration. On the back wall, portraits of her father's ancestors commanded attention, while a modest section was dedicated to showcasing her father's master's degree from the prestigious Manehattan School of Economics and Business. The office exuded a unique chateau-inspired aesthetic, reflecting her father's refined taste.

Seated in a plush leather chair, Midnight Lavender's father sighed wearily, his ocher eyes fatigued. Running a hoof through his slicked-back mane, he adjusted the nameplate on his desk, contemplating the words he would choose.

"Let me guess... this is about returning to Cloudsdale, isn't it?"

His tone was tinged with a hint of annoyance.

“Father, please, you must understand… I have to- “

“-We don't have time for you to form friendships with random Pegasi, Midnight. I've been trying to teach you how to run the family business, and instead, you deceived me for three weeks while you frolicked with some no-name filly.”

Midnight Lavender recoiled, her eyes widening in shock at her father's harsh words.

“She is not a no-name filly. She’s my friend,” Midnight Lavender said.

“While I understand that, darling, you have more important matters to attend to. What can this filly offer you that your family cannot?”

"Somepony I can rely on, somepony who genuinely cares about me for who I am, not for my wealth or status," Midnight Lavender said.

Her father's tone softened slightly as he posed another question.

"And do you think your own family doesn't care about you? Can't you rely on us?"

Orchid Lavender sat upright in his chair. He leaned forward, resting his front legs on the desk’s surface.

“Everything I do for the family business, I do for you, your siblings, and your mother. If I didn't concern myself with it, we wouldn't have the lifestyle we enjoy, the food we eat, or the events we attend.”

Midnight Lavender's frustration grew, and she stomped her front hooves on the floor.

“Those are all things that YOU care about. What about my magic studies? Where is the support for that?”

Her father scoffed dismissively, casting doubt on the importance of her magical pursuits.

“Magic isn’t going to keep the lights on, Midnight. Equestria’s changed. If you want to succeed in this world, you need to acquire practical skills.”

“And what, magic isn’t a practical skill? Have you forgotten who the Princess of Equestria is, Father?”

Orchid Lavender rose from his chair and walked toward a nearby window. He peered through the blinds, his gaze fixed on the royal palace. The grounds were enveloped in a shimmering aura of purple and pink magic that pulsated in a rhythmic pattern.

“Things are not as they once were, Midnight. You can no longer achieve fame and wealth solely through magic,” her father said, turning to face her.

“Our family business, the one we have painstakingly built, will require our influence as the world evolves. I fear that tensions between the three tribes will only intensify, and I want to ensure the safety and security of our family,” he continued, his tone laden with concern.

Orchid Lavender's gaze shifted to a grand portrait of an older pony dressed in a resplendent suit.

"My grandfather worked tirelessly to establish our family business, and I refuse to let his legacy go to waste. The frivolities and distractions you are indulging in with this 'friend' of yours are nothing but a futile waste of time, Midnight.”

"A waste of time? How can you say that? She is the first true friend I have had in a long time," Midnight Lavender said. Her voice tinged with sadness.

Orchid Lavender returned to his desk and retrieved a small folder. With a fluid motion, he tossed the folder onto the other side of the desk. The cover of the folder bore the inscription "Ponyville Branch," with Midnight Lavender's name written beneath it. As Midnight Lavender approached the folder, a sense of apprehension crept across her face.

“What is this?”

“Your next lesson,” her father said.

“I-I don’t understand…” Midnight Lavender said, her confusion deepening.

Orchid Lavender settled back into his chair and struck a match against a rough patch on the desk. He then lit a small smoking pipe that sat on the desk's surface. He placed the small end of the pipe against his lips, before taking a few puffs and releasing transparent vapor into the air.

“You need to experience what it truly means to run an operation on your own. You're eighteen now, an adult mare. It's time for you to mature and move beyond frivolous pursuits. You'll be leaving tomorrow morning. My associates are already preparing a setup at the outskirts of Ponyville,” her father said, his voice firm.

Midnight Lavender instinctively stepped back.

“Father, don’t I have a say in this matter?”

Orchid Lavender shook his head, his gaze unwavering.

“If our family is going to thrive in this ever-changing, competitive environment, we must adapt. Soon, you will grasp a fraction of the sacrifices I've made to ensure our family's success. Now, go to your room and start packing your suitcase. You leave at six o'clock tomorrow morning."

Midnight Lavender’s tears tapped against the wooden floor of the office.

“But I… I don’t want to go to Ponyville. I want to be in Cloudsdale. I want to cheer on my friend as she passes her exam. Father, please..."

Orchid Lavender sternly pointed his hoof toward the office door.

“Go, Midnight. This conversation is over.”

Midnight Lavender obediently bowed her head to her father's command. With a heavy heart, she turned away from the desk and made her way toward the open doorframe. As she slowly closed the door behind her, her eyes were drawn to the radiant sunlight streaming through the window on the staircase. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the scenery. In the distance, a cluster of clouds floated lazily in the sky. Her gaze shifted to the landing strip at the edge of her family's property. Nestled next to their grand air yacht was a small air balloon, its weathered rope tethered to a nearby pole. Determination replaced the tears on Midnight Lavender's face as she wiped her eyes and descended the majestic wooden staircase.

***

Midnight Lavender sealed her suitcase with a zip, her gaze fixed upon its dark purple exterior. She turned her head away, directing her attention toward the window overlooking the landing strip. The groundskeeper ponies had retired for the night, and the moon's gentle glow blanketed the ground in a pale luminescence. Midnight Lavender carefully crafted a note, leaving it atop the neatly arranged sheets of her bed. She levitated her suitcase, enveloping it in a purple aura, and switched off the bedside lamp.

Silently, she navigated the long, dimly lit hallways of her family's grand mansion, avoiding detection from the security ponies who patrolled the premises. Evading a few vigilant guards, she made her way toward the landing strip. Casting a final glance at her ancestral home, she gently placed her suitcase into the basket of the small air balloon. Climbing into the basket herself, she employed her magic to ignite the flames that would fuel the balloon's ascent. After a couple of minutes, the balloon began to rise. Carefully, she released the old rope from the nearby pole, tucking it securely within the basket. The air balloon ascended into the night sky, gently drifting toward Cloudsdale.

As the stars twinkled above, Midnight Lavender felt their presence, as if they whispered among themselves about her daring venture. Yet, she no longer concerned herself with the potential consequences of her actions. Her sole desire was to witness her friend's success. Opening her suitcase, she retrieved a small black satchel concealed within a side compartment. Counting the bits she had taken from one of the safes in her family's mansion, she ensured she had enough for an extended stay at the hotel. She gazed out onto the moonlit landscape of Equestria. The many streams and lakes below reflected the vibrant stars above. Each cloud that drifted past the air balloon was another step closer to her destination. Soon, she would be by her new friend’s side once again.

***

Feather Wisp's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself gazing at the ceiling of her bedroom. Moonlight filtered through her window, casting ethereal patterns on the floor. Rubbing her eye sockets, she shifted her attention to the alarm clock beside her bed. The digital numbers displayed “2:35 a.m.” A yawn escaped her as she covered her mouth with a hoof. With a gentle motion, she pulled back the covers and planted her hooves on the wooden floor.

Opening her bedroom door, Feather Wisp moved wearily into the space that connected the living room and the kitchen. Her eyes wandered over the assortment of family photos adorning the nearby wall. Most of the pictures captured different stages of her life, with a few featuring her father. Many of these images were taken during the Cloudsdale derby when Feather Wisp was just a young filly. However, a more recent addition hung near the kitchen—a snapshot of Feather Wisp on her second day of flight, after Midnight Lavender had taught her the intricacies of flight magic. The pure excitement of her mother had compelled her to capture the moment in a picture.

Contemplating the new photograph, Feather Wisp's thoughts drifted to her father. She wondered if he had received news of her newfound ability. Being on the distant side of Equestria, she anticipated that it would take some time before she and her mother would receive a letter from him. The sound of approaching hoofsteps startled her, causing her to spin around and face the intruder. Aurora Wisp emitted a soft giggle at Feather Wisp's startled reaction. With a serene smile, she walked toward the wall adorned with cherished memories.

“Having trouble staying asleep, Fisp?”

Feather Wisp nodded, her expression mirroring her restlessness.

“Can you blame me?” Feather Wisp asked.

Aurora Wisp drew Feather Wisp into a comforting embrace.

“I know you’re nervous, but you shouldn’t worry. You’re going to do great.”

Feather Wisp smiled, finding solace in her mother's words.

“You always say that.”

“That’s because you always do,” her mother said. Her voice held a gentle reassurance.

Feather Wisp's gaze turned wistful.

“I wish Midnight Lavender could be here for my exam.”

Feather Wisp's mother tenderly ran a hoof through her daughter's mane.

“Me too, Fisp. But I know that wherever she is, she’s cheering you on. Now, go get some sleep. A fancy flyer like you needs all the energy she can get before a big test.”

Feather Wisp chuckled softly.

“Fancy flyer? I don’t know if I’d call it that. Besides, even if I try to go back to bed, I doubt I'll be able to fall asleep. I’ve got way too much on my mind.”

“Do you want to sleep in my room tonight, like you used to when you were younger?” Aurora Wisp asked.

Feather Wisp shook her head.

“I haven’t done that since I was like, eight years old.”

“You stopped when you were thirteen, Fisp.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’ll be fine, I promise,” Feather Wisp said, pulling her mother into a heartfelt hug.

“Love you, Mom.”

Aurora Wisp returned the embrace, her smile filled with warmth.

“Love you, too, Fisp.”

Feather Wisp released her mother and made her way back into her bedroom. Letting out a yawn, she covered her mouth with a hoof before closing the door behind her. Moments later, the sound of her jumping onto the bed reached her mother's ears. Within minutes, Feather Wisp's gentle snores filled the room. Aurora Wisp turned her attention to the most recent photo of Feather Wisp, noticing that the picture frame was slightly crooked. With a gentle touch, she straightened it until it aligned perfectly with the others. A surge of pride and love filled Aurora Wisp's heart as she admired the wall that chronicled her daughter's growth. A smile graced her face, knowing that soon she would have even more precious pictures to add to the collection.