Once Upon a Time in Applaloosaby Pony BonesChaptersBig Saddles to FillThe Good SonMolting ExcellenceBig Saddles to FillHigh Roller didn’t know why but something wasn’t right, he didn’t remember waking up or how he found himself flying down an unfamiliar canyon. The sun was a little brighter than usual and it gave everything a glowing haze, it was a beautiful day but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something horrible was about to happen. In the canyon ahead of him he spotted Filly the Kid just as she darted around a blind corner, High Roller took off after her. Somehow he knew she had seen him, this was affirmed when he heard her laughter bouncing eerily off the canyon walls, it was musical and beautiful but haunting and unnerving at the same time. He called after her, “Kid, wait for me there’s something I want to tell you!” From further down the canyon he heard her voice teasing, “You’ll have to keep up.” Great, he couldn’t keep up with Kid she flew daytrips to Canterlot just for fun, still something told him he should try. High Roller kept catching glimpses of Kid just around the next bend in the canyon, he couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her look so stunning. Then things started getting weird, Kid looked back at him with a feral smile that sent a chill through his bones she started speaking gibberish and shaking her head from side to side so fast it became a blur. “Did you see? No you didn’t, no one will hear, sharp, you’re trash! Shut up you’ll hear, snap trap, don’t yell at me! It’s not like you would know, white as snow, silence, don’t look I’ll hurt you!” High Roller had a sinking feeling in his stomach but he couldn’t turn back he had to find out what was going on. Diving around another corner he just caught a glimpse of her tail and hooves darting down a cave, as he looked into the black depths he knew if he went in he wouldn’t make it back out. Slowly working up his courage he flew down the cave listening, waiting the silence ringing in his ears nothing but darkness before his eyes. He turned around but the light from the entrance was no longer there, then the cave around him erupted with a roaring voice, “You will never be half the leader Mirage was, nothing you do will matter, you are going to die afraid and alone.” High Roller was thankful for the silence, Kid stepped out of the darkness in front of him her eyes were closed, something about her made his mane stand on end. “Kid?” Her eyes snapped open solid black and a look of pure hatred crossed her face as she took his throat in her hooves forcing him to look her in the eyes as she began to strangle him, “Did you think I didn’t know you loved me?” High Roller sat straight up, it was so hot that he had rolled around until the sheets had wrapped themselves around his neck. Gasping for air he threw them off and looked at the clock, Celestia it was 2:30 and he was wide awake. Who was on weather watch tonight, Kid? High Roller didn’t fancy flying out to check on her after his nightmare, but what else was he going to do? “It’s just a nightmare, Kid wouldn’t actually do that and nopony else is going to be awake to talk to. Come on High Roller you’re a grown stallion grow some wings and just talk to her.” High Roller took off without stretching and flew like somepony was after him, so the nightmare had shaken him, it would have shaken anypony nothing to be ashamed of if he was a bit skittish. The moon had set and the only light he had in the cold desert air were the dimming stars. High Roller didn’t have to see where he was flying he knew this route like the backs of his wings it didn’t take High Roller long to memorize the landscape around Appaloosa from his cloud cabin to Phoenix Nest Mesa was a glide in the park so to speak. He didn’t even have to set an alarm anymore he always woke up before it and no matter how much he tried to get back to sleep he couldn’t. He couldn’t stop moving either he always had to be doing something active or he would fall asleep on the job, now he understood why Mirage was the way he was. It made him respect the stallion all the more, Mirage had taken two weeks to show the “horseshoes” the ropes in Appaloosa then he had left for Sweet Apple Acres and he deserved every bit of it, Tartarus he already had a little pegasus colt on the way, Blackjack von Stäube. High Roller couldn’t help but feel unprepared for taking Mirage’s place as Captain especially when Sand Blast, Silver Lining, and Filly the Kid were still on the team. They were patient with him he could tell and he tried to make the best decisions he could but Sand Blast would often step in and take over when he felt that things weren’t going well and it ruffled High Roller’s feathers. It was unacceptable to High Roller that he still couldn’t hack it as a Dusty let alone the Captain, he couldn’t back down now not after how far he’d come, things could only get easier… he hoped. What bugged him most about Sand Blast stepping in and taking over was Sand Blast was tired High Roller could see it Sand Blast should have dropped his saddle bags with Mirage. High Roller wished that Sand Blast would trust him to lead the Dusty Bolts there was no reason for him to work as hard as he did now; he had more than paid his dues. High Roller was afraid he was so afraid that he would screw up so horribly trying to do the right thing that he would be run out of Appaloosa, so he steeled his will and took it a day at a time. Why had he ever wanted to be a Dusty Bolt? No think positive, had to think positive, Filly the Kid! Even though she was an old Dusty she had something he couldn’t put his hoof on, that and it was always funny how she got flustered whenever he did something for her. High Roller knew that Kid could kick his flank if she wanted to but she hadn’t, yet, he knew that he would have to take their relationship seriously one day if he wanted to get anywhere with her but it was just priceless seeing her blush and stammer whenever he brought her an apple on weather watch or whenever he moved a cloud over her on a hot day. High Roller needed sleep it was going to be a long day but he didn’t have to think about it for long as he passed over the Phoenix Nest he spotted Kid preening. It was probably rude to stare but what else was there to look at? Kid was on the ledge of the mesa so High Roller had to pull up behind her off to the left and announce his presence with, “How are things up here?” Even so Kid still jolted at High Roller’s appearance, “High Roller jeez you should hang bells from your wings or something, what are you doing awake?” High Roller trotted up beside Kid and took a seat on the ledge giving the horizon a quick scan, “Couldn’t sleep.” Kid sat down next to him, “Yeah? Things are quiet right now, that’s one thing you’ll learn about this place there’s always no work at all or too much work at once.” “I noticed.” High Roller said swinging his rear legs over the edge of the mesa. “How long were you flying over before you came up here?” Kid said looking straight at him, High Roller had nothing to hide so he decided to tell her, “Long enough.” Kid gave a grunt and looked back to the stars, High Roller knew Kid well enough to tell that when she had nothing to say it was not a good sign so to keep her talking he decided to tell her the reason he had come to check on her, “I had a really bad nightmare.” Kid looked at him with renewed interest, “Oh yeah, what about?” High Roller sighed and ran his hoof through his mane, “Well you killed me.” “Huh” was all Kid had to say but after a while she asked, “Are you alright now?” “Yeah I just can’t get back to sleep.” Kid looked at the stars for a couple minutes before she said something that caught High Roller completely of guard, “Mirage used to have the same problem.” Hope surged through High Roller like a jolt of electricity he had something in common with the former Captain but Kid wasn’t done yet, “You two are similar in more ways than you know. I hate to admit it but Mirage made the right choice making you Captain if it wasn’t for you we would have lost Gale Force.” High Roller cringed at the mention of the catastrophe, “We may have saved him but he still can’t fly anymore.” Kid put a hoof on his shoulder and High Roller’s heart skipped, he was thankful for the darkness his cheeks were burning like coals, “You did what you could, none of us could ask for any more.” The way that Kid had said it High Roller knew she was speaking from experience, of course he had heard the story of Crazy Wing it influenced everything the Dusty Bolts did. Hard to believe that one pegasus could make such an impact on so many ponies and yet he lived on through the team. Kid got up from the mesa ledge and stretched expansively, “You should try and get some sleep boss, I got this.” Getting up and stretching himself High Roller got ready to fly back, “Alright goodnight, road apples, or should I say good morning.” Kid yawned and rubbed her eyes, “Good morning, sleep well.” High Roller flew back to his cloud cabin feeling better than he had since coming to Appaloosa, Kid believed he had what it took to be the Dusty Bolts Captain and that was all he needed. Author's Note Well this is all backwards, I wish my stories didn't have a life of their own so I could write them like a normal person. I know I promised an epilogue for Flying with the Dusty Bolts which is still in progress but this one wrote itself before I could get over my writers blocks for the epilogue. In case you're wondering why I keep putting nightmares in the story, this chapter is based off an actual nightmare I had it scared me half to death, I wish I could sleep in peace, so I write stories instead. The Good SonSand Blast was so excited he thought he might explode right there on his porch, it had been three months since his last visit with his family but with how busy he’d been lately it felt a lot longer. They were busy themselves as charter members of the Royal Astronomers Society and Sand Blast always looked forward to their visits. By now everypony in Appaloosa knew about his “shadow” not that they were afraid of Sand Blast for it, they just didn’t know what to do about it. He just wished that they would treat him normally like they used to, now if only he could shut Crazy Wing up long enough to have a normal conversation it might not be so bad. Pacing impatiently he went over the list of preparations again in his head, he had switched out the clouds in the guest room, living room, and master bedroom, they were getting musty, he had laid out the cloud cots on the roof for himself and his siblings while his parents got his room. He had done the grocery shopping and was ready to feed the Canterlot garrison for a month, he had taken out his trash, washed the dishes… “Hey how long are you going to avoid the fact that your just staying busy to deny the fact you can’t let me go?” His thoughts were interrupted by his ghostly company, at least he had somepony to talk to and take his mind of waiting for his family. Ever since Mirage had left for Sweet Apple Acres and Tumble Weed had moved North to Bumpkin Orchards just outside of Seapple Sand Blast felt like he was alone on the Dusty Bolts. Sure Silver Lining and Filly the Kid were still on the team but there was nopony he could talk stallion stuff except for Crazy Wing. “Crazy Wing if you’re trying to tell me something why can’t you tell it to me straight so I can understand, I told you before I’m fine, I got over your death.” “Then how come you haven’t gone to visit Fluttershy since she came up for my funeral?” Sand Blast felt a stab of guilt, his relationship with Fluttershy had really died off, he still wrote her but even his letters were getting less frequent. “The Dusty Bolts really need me right now.” Crazy Wing sighed and shook his head, “Sand Blast you’re a good pegasus, too good, you need to start thinking about yourself. You always told Mirage how good it was to see him with Applejack, well what about you, when are you going to get yours?” “It can’t take that much longer, I just need to stick around until High Roller can figure out which way is up. Mirage really dumped his saddle on the poor colt.” Crazy Wing replied dismally, “Yeah I guess so, just don’t lose Fluttershy Sand Blast you’ll regret it for the rest of your life, maybe even longer.” Lately Crazy Wing had looked more tired even than Sand Blast he was starting to get the glazed look in his eye, “Crazy Wing why don’t you just rest in peace like you’re supposed to?” Sand Blast had never seen Crazy Wing snap at anypony in his mortal life but now he barked at him in a way that sounded eerily like Mirage, “I will not! Not until you are at peace, I owe it to you, you owe it to yourself.” Sand Blast sighed, what was the point in arguing with a ghost? It wasn’t like he could outlive the argument; he just wasn’t ready to admit he hadn’t gotten over Crazy Wing’s death. Crazy Wing had brought up Fluttershy and for some reason Sand Blast missed her horribly after hearing it from his dead friend. Crazy Wing was right he had not done very well with Fluttershy at all, he would have plenty of catching up to do next time he saw her. He’d have to ask High Roller for some time off so he could go see her, wait no, he couldn’t, High Roller still depended on him. What the hay was that noise? “SAAAANNNND BLLLLLLAAAAAASSSSSST!” Whoops incoming, brace for impact. “Ooff!” It was good to see his brother hadn’t lost any of his enthusiasm, catching his breath Sand Blast returned his little brother’s hug, “Good to see you too Orion, Mom, Dad, Aurora.” His brother had sprouted at least a hand and a half since Sand Blast had last seen him, he still wasn’t as tall as Sand Blast yet but he was still taller than most pegasi. He wasn’t built like Sand Blast either he was cut and leaner than Sand Blast had remembered, “Who are you and what did you do with Orion? You’re not a changeling are you; I heard there was an invasion at Canterlot.” Orion rolled his eyes, “You gotta be pulling my wing bro, I thought you heard I went to Junior Speedsters Camp.” Picking up his family’s bags and carrying them into the living room he replied, “How could I not hear about it? You were only the fastest in the class. Please make yourselves at home, the fridge is stocked so help yourselves whenever you feel hungry.” “It’s good to see you again.” Andromeda said hugging her son, “I missed you all.” Sand Blast said hugging her back, life was perfect. “Can we go out and see the town?” Aurora said crow hopping with anticipation, “It hasn’t changed much since the last time you were here, we have a cemetery now.” That took all the wind out of his sister’s wings as his Dad Star Lifter gave him a worried look, “How are you doing after losing Crazy Wing?” “I’ve gotten over it, the Dusty Bolts have really looked after me.” His Dad gave him the, we’ll talk about this later look, dang it and Sand Blast had been working on his everything is fine face. It worked on the Dusty Bolts which wasn’t saying much. “Ooh, ooh, I have something to tell you!” Orion said cantering in place, “You can tell him at your coming of age party tonight, speaking of which what did you have in mind?” Star Lifter asked. “Nothing too crazy I was just going to take him down to the Salt Lick for some cider you know start a couple hoof fights, pick up some mares, and go swinging from the chandeliers exactly in that order.” Star Lifter raised an eyebrow before he picked up on the sarcasm, “Heh heh, Sand Blast I think you’ve been in the desert too long your sense of humor got warped.” “Yeah, how are things at home?” Sand Blast asked deciding to change the subject. “Dad’s building a new telescope on Ponyville Peak!” his little sister Aurora blurted excitedly. “That sounds like a lot of fun, if I get the chance I’ll have to help you out.” “We could use your help, since the return of Princess Luna the Royal Astronomer’s Society has been flooded with work, this telescope is going to be the biggest in Equestria.” Life was moving on at home without him, and he wanted to be a part of it but he couldn’t give up the life he had made for himself. Maybe just maybe once High Roller had his hooves on the ground he could move to Ponyville help out with the telescope and patch things up with Fluttershy. The afternoon was spent getting his family settled in and then showing them the additions that had been made to the town since they had been there last, which as he had said wasn’t much just the cemetery. Sand Blast was thankful that Crazy Wing respected the time with his family, probably because he knew they’d give him a harder time about letting his death go. Finally the time came to take Orion out for a night on the town, Sand Blast had been looking forward to this for weeks and he wanted to know what his brother had tried to tell him earlier. Flying down to Appaloosa Orion was bouncing off the walls like a colt on a sugar rush. He talked nonstop about his time at junior speedsters camp and how he had bragged to all the other pegasi there about his Dusty Bolt brother. Sand Blast had been away from his family for so long he forgot how good it felt to have his little brother look up to him. Being the firstborn came with a responsibility he had long ago resigned himself to, at least his brother still admired him for what he did. Once Sand Blast, Orion, and their Dad had sat down at the bar and had cold mugs of draft cider in their hooves Sand Blast asked, “Alright what did you want to tell me earlier?” Orion shot gunned his first mug, upended it over his head to show that he had drained it, and belched so Sand Blast added, “If you don’t slow down you’re going to pass out, we got all night might as well take the time to enjoy it.” Orion was already slurring as he answered, “Who’ssss commmmming of ageeeeee is thisssssss? Ohhh yeaaaaahhh IIII en- urp, excusssse me, enlisssted in the Nnnnight Guaaaard.” Sand Blast could feel his eyes crossing, “What?” Sitting as straight as he could his brother tried to focus through the booze, “I enlisted in the Night Guard.” He said with surprising sobriety. Sand Blast wasn’t sure what to think, legally his brother was old enough to make his own decisions after today and Sand Blast knew he’d be fine as a Night Guard. It was just the minor fact that his brother would be putting his life on the line on a daily basis, Sand Blast waved down the bartender, “Bourbon, we need four horses over here.” Bourbon eyed Sand Blast nervously, “Are you sure, you’ve never had one before. They hit harder than you think.” “I’ll look after them.” Star Lifter sighed rolling his eyes, “Who was the one that said, ‘we got all night might as well take the time to enjoy it’?” Sand Blast watched the bartender with growing concern as he put up his bandana and mixed an unhealthy amount of Rainbow Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Gin, and a hot sauce that the Bison called sky fire. “I don’t know the next time I’m going to see my little brother, might as well make the most of our time. Before we start just so I can remember tomorrow, what’s your occupational specialty?” “Airrrr Bornnneee Reconnnaissssanccceee P-P-Pony.” Great his brother had just enlisted into the most dangerous job in the Guard, Night Guard Airborne Reconnaissance’s job consisted of getting as far behind enemy lines as possible look for weaknesses and then soften them up for the main force to come in, their casualty rate was higher than the Dusty Bolts. Burbon put the eight toxic looking shots in front of the brothers, standing on top of the bar Sand Blast raised his glass, “Attention everypony, my brother just enlisted in the Night Guard, I propose a toast! May the stars shine brightly on you and your squadron and may Celestia have mercy on your enemies because I know you won’t!” This drew a raucous cheer from the Appaloosans and as one they raised their glasses and mugs shouting, “Celestia have mercy!” Downing the glass two things happened simultaneously, Sand Blast’s mouth and throat burst into flames as if he had just tried to eat a live phoenix, secondly the room spun underneath him in a way his pegasus reflexes couldn’t control. It might have been a good night after that, Sand Blast really couldn’t remember, he did remember a lot of singing and laughing before he fell asleep. Author's Note Don't try this at home kids. Molting ExcellenceFilly the Kid slammed the door behind her and did an air guitar powerslide into her living room to a face melting solo in her head and a goofy grin. “I’m home!” she shouted to the empty cabin, skipping over to her stereo system, she cranked it to 11, and put on her favorite song of all time Roan Jett and the Black Hearts, Bad Reputation, it was like the soundtrack to her life. Tossing her goggles in a corner, she hurdled her cloud couch and flopped onto its cushions a perfect three point landing. She was off weather watch and weather patrol for a good three days. She could always fly up to Canterlot and chase the breeze with Storm Surge, after their joint training Kid learned first hoof the Wonderbolts had more guts than she gave them credit for. That and it was nice to talk with pegasi that weren’t as abrasive as the Dusty Bolts, even if she was just as abrasive if not more so than any of the Dusties. She could also fly up to Seapple or Sweet Apple Acres to see the old married stallions. She just needed out of Appaloosa to stretch her wings for a bit, but the only thing she felt like doing right now was passing the buck out on her couch. The song changed and the opening chords for I Love Rock and Roll blasted through the speakers, and for whatever Celestia awful reason a picture of High Roller’s ugly mug fixed itself firmly in her mind. She sat up and scowled reaching over to turn off the stereo, the sooner she could get some sleep the sooner she could get out of Appaloosa. Closing her eyes she saw… High Roller reroofing her cloud cabin… with a rose in his teeth, damn. She wasn’t going to get any sleep with her head still full, rolling over onto her barrel and sprawling she flung her head into the couch pillow sighing in annoyance. It was obvious that High Roller had a thing for her, so what, what was she supposed to do? She didn’t trust herself to fall for him she’d probably trip over her tongue worse than Tumble Weed when he first started seeing Apple Bumpkin. Oh she’d never let him live that one down, the first time she had heard it from Apple Bumpkin she had spent a week and a half laughing at the worst possible times just thinking about it. From what Tumble Weed had told Kid what he was trying to use a line he had learned from Crazy Wing, “Hey mare, how much for the diamonds in your eyes?” but what came out was, “Hey eyes how much for the mare in your, DAMNIT, diamonds how much for the diamonds? Uh, you have beautiful eyes.” It was so bad Apple Bumpkin thought he had Tourette’s at first, those two were made for each other. So what was Kid going to do about High Roller? She didn’t want to do anything, her life was too complicated already, and she couldn’t understand how Tumble Weed and Apple Bumpkin could be so happy together. Their life was just as turbulent in Seapple as it was in Appaloosa, so what was it about Apple Bumpkin that brought out the best in Tumble Weed? Filly the Kid didn’t know if she could do that for High Roller, she could hardly get her own life straight. Maybe one day just not now, and Kid was still awake, maybe she should just leave for Canterlot right now. But then she’d have to talk to High Roller, she might be able to let Silver Lining or Sand Blast know, but Silver was in a Flyers Life Saving class at Doc Hollineigh’s and Sand Blast was with his family. Kid didn’t want to bother either of them, if she didn’t know any better she would say that the Dusty Bolts were conspiring to hook her up with High Roller but that would be jumping to conclusions. A knock on the door brought Kid out of her contemplation. Rubbing her eyes with frustration she trotted over to the door and opened it to see High Roller in a suit with his mane styled. He opened his mouth to say something but Kid shut the door in his face took a moment to nip her wing to make sure she was awake. Yep that hurt, so she wasn’t dreaming, she opened up the door again too tired to be embarrassed. “Sorry about that boss, you can come in and have a seat if you want. You look hot in that tux.” High Roller turned crimson and Kid immediately regretted her choice of words, “Actually I think I’ll stay out here, I was just stopping by to find out if you wanted to go to the Frontier Games. I know you just got off weather watch but would you like to go?” The Frontier Games Kid had been so busy with the Dusty Bolts she had completely forgotten. Every year the Townships of Appaloosa and Dodge Junction held a day of competitions the most prestigious of which was the Dodge Junction 500 mile race in which Filly the Kid was a religious participant. It was a three day race through vicious canyon lands in the blistering heat of summer; the winner took home the coveted Golden Pie trophy courtesy of Cherry Jubilee. Looking High Roller over again she raised an eyebrow and asked, “So are you competing for the best dressed award?” High Roller shuffled his wings nervously took a deep breath and said, “No I actually wanted to find out if you wanted to go to the games with me. Filly the Kid will you go to the Frontier Games with me?” So here it was the choice she had been putting off for so long, High Roller made the first move like he should have but was Kid ready? Too late now or never, “Before I say yes did anypony else put you up to this?” High Roller rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof, “Yeah, it was Hawk Hoof.” Kid rolled her eyes same story different ponies; it was like watching Mirage and Crazy Wing when they cruised Mane Street every weekend. “Isn’t he running weather for the games?” High Roller’s head and ears dropped, “Yeah.” Kid frowned, that conniving mule, knowing him he’d probably do a quick patrol to look busy and then spend the rest of the time flirting with Cherry Jubilee. “I’ll go with you but you do realize I’ll be competing in the Dodge 500?” “Speaking of which did you get the chance to train for it?” High Roller asked. Kid gave an exaggerated laugh, “Pfff train? I live the Dodge 500 every day, I’m like Miss Dodge 500, no other pegasi on the frontier is as fast as me.” High Roller gave her a worried look, “You heard they opened the games up to Equestrians this year right? From what I hear there are some experienced competitors.” Kid wasn’t going to back down on her words, “Experienced in what, losing? They’ve never raced out here before, they don’t know the Frontier and they don’t know me.” “Kid, Spitfire is racing.” High Roller said flatly. Kid felt a slight stab of doubt, when it came to performance she was miles ahead of everypony, but as far as skill went Spitfire had her beat. It had been a long time since her last challenge. She knew she could beat Spitfire, but not without a run for her money, this race was going to be interesting. “There’s also supposed to be a mystery flyer that blew your record out of the water at qualifications.” Kid was unconcerned, “Now I know you’re just making stuff up, nopony is as fast as me, if there were I would have met them by now.” “Were you able to make it to quals anyways?” High Roller was starting to sound more like the Father Kid never had than a colt asking her on a date, “Of course, I went to the pre-quals with the Course Clearing Crew otherwise I would have met the ‘mystery flyer.’ I’m calling road apples on somepony breaking my record.” High Roller still didn’t share her confidence, “I don’t know, they can’t come up with a qual time out of thin air, otherwise they would put down whatever time they wanted and nopony would be able to beat it.” Kid was tired of talking shop with her boss, his time as the Dusty Bolts Captain had all but sucked the personality out of him. Mirage was the same way before he met Applejack, too busy worrying about his Dusties, time to find out if High Roller was serious, “You worry too much, anyways you ready to go boss? Or can I call you High Roller now, how about stud?” High Roller chuckled awkwardly, “Stud, I like the sound of that, just not around the rest of the Dusties.” Kid allowed her heart to skip a beat as she smiled, High Roller had finally put down money and rolled, honestly it wasn’t as bad as she though it would be. “Let me grab my goggles and we’ll head out, stud, I hope you’re hungry… For Golden Pie.” Author's Note The wait is over! I'm sorry I really am, I knew it would happen if I let the story sit for too long but I lost the manic inspiration. Either that or I'm trying to write too many chapters at once and can't focus on one long enough to finish it. Actually this chapter was supposed to be after Chapter 3 but it just happened to be finished first. I hate it when that happens, but I digress, let me know what you think. I can't improve my stories unless I hear from my readers, although bear with me on the grammar I know it's atrocious.
Big Saddles to FillHigh Roller didn’t know why but something wasn’t right, he didn’t remember waking up or how he found himself flying down an unfamiliar canyon. The sun was a little brighter than usual and it gave everything a glowing haze, it was a beautiful day but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something horrible was about to happen. In the canyon ahead of him he spotted Filly the Kid just as she darted around a blind corner, High Roller took off after her. Somehow he knew she had seen him, this was affirmed when he heard her laughter bouncing eerily off the canyon walls, it was musical and beautiful but haunting and unnerving at the same time. He called after her, “Kid, wait for me there’s something I want to tell you!” From further down the canyon he heard her voice teasing, “You’ll have to keep up.” Great, he couldn’t keep up with Kid she flew daytrips to Canterlot just for fun, still something told him he should try. High Roller kept catching glimpses of Kid just around the next bend in the canyon, he couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her look so stunning. Then things started getting weird, Kid looked back at him with a feral smile that sent a chill through his bones she started speaking gibberish and shaking her head from side to side so fast it became a blur. “Did you see? No you didn’t, no one will hear, sharp, you’re trash! Shut up you’ll hear, snap trap, don’t yell at me! It’s not like you would know, white as snow, silence, don’t look I’ll hurt you!” High Roller had a sinking feeling in his stomach but he couldn’t turn back he had to find out what was going on. Diving around another corner he just caught a glimpse of her tail and hooves darting down a cave, as he looked into the black depths he knew if he went in he wouldn’t make it back out. Slowly working up his courage he flew down the cave listening, waiting the silence ringing in his ears nothing but darkness before his eyes. He turned around but the light from the entrance was no longer there, then the cave around him erupted with a roaring voice, “You will never be half the leader Mirage was, nothing you do will matter, you are going to die afraid and alone.” High Roller was thankful for the silence, Kid stepped out of the darkness in front of him her eyes were closed, something about her made his mane stand on end. “Kid?” Her eyes snapped open solid black and a look of pure hatred crossed her face as she took his throat in her hooves forcing him to look her in the eyes as she began to strangle him, “Did you think I didn’t know you loved me?” High Roller sat straight up, it was so hot that he had rolled around until the sheets had wrapped themselves around his neck. Gasping for air he threw them off and looked at the clock, Celestia it was 2:30 and he was wide awake. Who was on weather watch tonight, Kid? High Roller didn’t fancy flying out to check on her after his nightmare, but what else was he going to do? “It’s just a nightmare, Kid wouldn’t actually do that and nopony else is going to be awake to talk to. Come on High Roller you’re a grown stallion grow some wings and just talk to her.” High Roller took off without stretching and flew like somepony was after him, so the nightmare had shaken him, it would have shaken anypony nothing to be ashamed of if he was a bit skittish. The moon had set and the only light he had in the cold desert air were the dimming stars. High Roller didn’t have to see where he was flying he knew this route like the backs of his wings it didn’t take High Roller long to memorize the landscape around Appaloosa from his cloud cabin to Phoenix Nest Mesa was a glide in the park so to speak. He didn’t even have to set an alarm anymore he always woke up before it and no matter how much he tried to get back to sleep he couldn’t. He couldn’t stop moving either he always had to be doing something active or he would fall asleep on the job, now he understood why Mirage was the way he was. It made him respect the stallion all the more, Mirage had taken two weeks to show the “horseshoes” the ropes in Appaloosa then he had left for Sweet Apple Acres and he deserved every bit of it, Tartarus he already had a little pegasus colt on the way, Blackjack von Stäube. High Roller couldn’t help but feel unprepared for taking Mirage’s place as Captain especially when Sand Blast, Silver Lining, and Filly the Kid were still on the team. They were patient with him he could tell and he tried to make the best decisions he could but Sand Blast would often step in and take over when he felt that things weren’t going well and it ruffled High Roller’s feathers. It was unacceptable to High Roller that he still couldn’t hack it as a Dusty let alone the Captain, he couldn’t back down now not after how far he’d come, things could only get easier… he hoped. What bugged him most about Sand Blast stepping in and taking over was Sand Blast was tired High Roller could see it Sand Blast should have dropped his saddle bags with Mirage. High Roller wished that Sand Blast would trust him to lead the Dusty Bolts there was no reason for him to work as hard as he did now; he had more than paid his dues. High Roller was afraid he was so afraid that he would screw up so horribly trying to do the right thing that he would be run out of Appaloosa, so he steeled his will and took it a day at a time. Why had he ever wanted to be a Dusty Bolt? No think positive, had to think positive, Filly the Kid! Even though she was an old Dusty she had something he couldn’t put his hoof on, that and it was always funny how she got flustered whenever he did something for her. High Roller knew that Kid could kick his flank if she wanted to but she hadn’t, yet, he knew that he would have to take their relationship seriously one day if he wanted to get anywhere with her but it was just priceless seeing her blush and stammer whenever he brought her an apple on weather watch or whenever he moved a cloud over her on a hot day. High Roller needed sleep it was going to be a long day but he didn’t have to think about it for long as he passed over the Phoenix Nest he spotted Kid preening. It was probably rude to stare but what else was there to look at? Kid was on the ledge of the mesa so High Roller had to pull up behind her off to the left and announce his presence with, “How are things up here?” Even so Kid still jolted at High Roller’s appearance, “High Roller jeez you should hang bells from your wings or something, what are you doing awake?” High Roller trotted up beside Kid and took a seat on the ledge giving the horizon a quick scan, “Couldn’t sleep.” Kid sat down next to him, “Yeah? Things are quiet right now, that’s one thing you’ll learn about this place there’s always no work at all or too much work at once.” “I noticed.” High Roller said swinging his rear legs over the edge of the mesa. “How long were you flying over before you came up here?” Kid said looking straight at him, High Roller had nothing to hide so he decided to tell her, “Long enough.” Kid gave a grunt and looked back to the stars, High Roller knew Kid well enough to tell that when she had nothing to say it was not a good sign so to keep her talking he decided to tell her the reason he had come to check on her, “I had a really bad nightmare.” Kid looked at him with renewed interest, “Oh yeah, what about?” High Roller sighed and ran his hoof through his mane, “Well you killed me.” “Huh” was all Kid had to say but after a while she asked, “Are you alright now?” “Yeah I just can’t get back to sleep.” Kid looked at the stars for a couple minutes before she said something that caught High Roller completely of guard, “Mirage used to have the same problem.” Hope surged through High Roller like a jolt of electricity he had something in common with the former Captain but Kid wasn’t done yet, “You two are similar in more ways than you know. I hate to admit it but Mirage made the right choice making you Captain if it wasn’t for you we would have lost Gale Force.” High Roller cringed at the mention of the catastrophe, “We may have saved him but he still can’t fly anymore.” Kid put a hoof on his shoulder and High Roller’s heart skipped, he was thankful for the darkness his cheeks were burning like coals, “You did what you could, none of us could ask for any more.” The way that Kid had said it High Roller knew she was speaking from experience, of course he had heard the story of Crazy Wing it influenced everything the Dusty Bolts did. Hard to believe that one pegasus could make such an impact on so many ponies and yet he lived on through the team. Kid got up from the mesa ledge and stretched expansively, “You should try and get some sleep boss, I got this.” Getting up and stretching himself High Roller got ready to fly back, “Alright goodnight, road apples, or should I say good morning.” Kid yawned and rubbed her eyes, “Good morning, sleep well.” High Roller flew back to his cloud cabin feeling better than he had since coming to Appaloosa, Kid believed he had what it took to be the Dusty Bolts Captain and that was all he needed. Author's Note Well this is all backwards, I wish my stories didn't have a life of their own so I could write them like a normal person. I know I promised an epilogue for Flying with the Dusty Bolts which is still in progress but this one wrote itself before I could get over my writers blocks for the epilogue. In case you're wondering why I keep putting nightmares in the story, this chapter is based off an actual nightmare I had it scared me half to death, I wish I could sleep in peace, so I write stories instead.
The Good SonSand Blast was so excited he thought he might explode right there on his porch, it had been three months since his last visit with his family but with how busy he’d been lately it felt a lot longer. They were busy themselves as charter members of the Royal Astronomers Society and Sand Blast always looked forward to their visits. By now everypony in Appaloosa knew about his “shadow” not that they were afraid of Sand Blast for it, they just didn’t know what to do about it. He just wished that they would treat him normally like they used to, now if only he could shut Crazy Wing up long enough to have a normal conversation it might not be so bad. Pacing impatiently he went over the list of preparations again in his head, he had switched out the clouds in the guest room, living room, and master bedroom, they were getting musty, he had laid out the cloud cots on the roof for himself and his siblings while his parents got his room. He had done the grocery shopping and was ready to feed the Canterlot garrison for a month, he had taken out his trash, washed the dishes… “Hey how long are you going to avoid the fact that your just staying busy to deny the fact you can’t let me go?” His thoughts were interrupted by his ghostly company, at least he had somepony to talk to and take his mind of waiting for his family. Ever since Mirage had left for Sweet Apple Acres and Tumble Weed had moved North to Bumpkin Orchards just outside of Seapple Sand Blast felt like he was alone on the Dusty Bolts. Sure Silver Lining and Filly the Kid were still on the team but there was nopony he could talk stallion stuff except for Crazy Wing. “Crazy Wing if you’re trying to tell me something why can’t you tell it to me straight so I can understand, I told you before I’m fine, I got over your death.” “Then how come you haven’t gone to visit Fluttershy since she came up for my funeral?” Sand Blast felt a stab of guilt, his relationship with Fluttershy had really died off, he still wrote her but even his letters were getting less frequent. “The Dusty Bolts really need me right now.” Crazy Wing sighed and shook his head, “Sand Blast you’re a good pegasus, too good, you need to start thinking about yourself. You always told Mirage how good it was to see him with Applejack, well what about you, when are you going to get yours?” “It can’t take that much longer, I just need to stick around until High Roller can figure out which way is up. Mirage really dumped his saddle on the poor colt.” Crazy Wing replied dismally, “Yeah I guess so, just don’t lose Fluttershy Sand Blast you’ll regret it for the rest of your life, maybe even longer.” Lately Crazy Wing had looked more tired even than Sand Blast he was starting to get the glazed look in his eye, “Crazy Wing why don’t you just rest in peace like you’re supposed to?” Sand Blast had never seen Crazy Wing snap at anypony in his mortal life but now he barked at him in a way that sounded eerily like Mirage, “I will not! Not until you are at peace, I owe it to you, you owe it to yourself.” Sand Blast sighed, what was the point in arguing with a ghost? It wasn’t like he could outlive the argument; he just wasn’t ready to admit he hadn’t gotten over Crazy Wing’s death. Crazy Wing had brought up Fluttershy and for some reason Sand Blast missed her horribly after hearing it from his dead friend. Crazy Wing was right he had not done very well with Fluttershy at all, he would have plenty of catching up to do next time he saw her. He’d have to ask High Roller for some time off so he could go see her, wait no, he couldn’t, High Roller still depended on him. What the hay was that noise? “SAAAANNNND BLLLLLLAAAAAASSSSSST!” Whoops incoming, brace for impact. “Ooff!” It was good to see his brother hadn’t lost any of his enthusiasm, catching his breath Sand Blast returned his little brother’s hug, “Good to see you too Orion, Mom, Dad, Aurora.” His brother had sprouted at least a hand and a half since Sand Blast had last seen him, he still wasn’t as tall as Sand Blast yet but he was still taller than most pegasi. He wasn’t built like Sand Blast either he was cut and leaner than Sand Blast had remembered, “Who are you and what did you do with Orion? You’re not a changeling are you; I heard there was an invasion at Canterlot.” Orion rolled his eyes, “You gotta be pulling my wing bro, I thought you heard I went to Junior Speedsters Camp.” Picking up his family’s bags and carrying them into the living room he replied, “How could I not hear about it? You were only the fastest in the class. Please make yourselves at home, the fridge is stocked so help yourselves whenever you feel hungry.” “It’s good to see you again.” Andromeda said hugging her son, “I missed you all.” Sand Blast said hugging her back, life was perfect. “Can we go out and see the town?” Aurora said crow hopping with anticipation, “It hasn’t changed much since the last time you were here, we have a cemetery now.” That took all the wind out of his sister’s wings as his Dad Star Lifter gave him a worried look, “How are you doing after losing Crazy Wing?” “I’ve gotten over it, the Dusty Bolts have really looked after me.” His Dad gave him the, we’ll talk about this later look, dang it and Sand Blast had been working on his everything is fine face. It worked on the Dusty Bolts which wasn’t saying much. “Ooh, ooh, I have something to tell you!” Orion said cantering in place, “You can tell him at your coming of age party tonight, speaking of which what did you have in mind?” Star Lifter asked. “Nothing too crazy I was just going to take him down to the Salt Lick for some cider you know start a couple hoof fights, pick up some mares, and go swinging from the chandeliers exactly in that order.” Star Lifter raised an eyebrow before he picked up on the sarcasm, “Heh heh, Sand Blast I think you’ve been in the desert too long your sense of humor got warped.” “Yeah, how are things at home?” Sand Blast asked deciding to change the subject. “Dad’s building a new telescope on Ponyville Peak!” his little sister Aurora blurted excitedly. “That sounds like a lot of fun, if I get the chance I’ll have to help you out.” “We could use your help, since the return of Princess Luna the Royal Astronomer’s Society has been flooded with work, this telescope is going to be the biggest in Equestria.” Life was moving on at home without him, and he wanted to be a part of it but he couldn’t give up the life he had made for himself. Maybe just maybe once High Roller had his hooves on the ground he could move to Ponyville help out with the telescope and patch things up with Fluttershy. The afternoon was spent getting his family settled in and then showing them the additions that had been made to the town since they had been there last, which as he had said wasn’t much just the cemetery. Sand Blast was thankful that Crazy Wing respected the time with his family, probably because he knew they’d give him a harder time about letting his death go. Finally the time came to take Orion out for a night on the town, Sand Blast had been looking forward to this for weeks and he wanted to know what his brother had tried to tell him earlier. Flying down to Appaloosa Orion was bouncing off the walls like a colt on a sugar rush. He talked nonstop about his time at junior speedsters camp and how he had bragged to all the other pegasi there about his Dusty Bolt brother. Sand Blast had been away from his family for so long he forgot how good it felt to have his little brother look up to him. Being the firstborn came with a responsibility he had long ago resigned himself to, at least his brother still admired him for what he did. Once Sand Blast, Orion, and their Dad had sat down at the bar and had cold mugs of draft cider in their hooves Sand Blast asked, “Alright what did you want to tell me earlier?” Orion shot gunned his first mug, upended it over his head to show that he had drained it, and belched so Sand Blast added, “If you don’t slow down you’re going to pass out, we got all night might as well take the time to enjoy it.” Orion was already slurring as he answered, “Who’ssss commmmming of ageeeeee is thisssssss? Ohhh yeaaaaahhh IIII en- urp, excusssse me, enlisssted in the Nnnnight Guaaaard.” Sand Blast could feel his eyes crossing, “What?” Sitting as straight as he could his brother tried to focus through the booze, “I enlisted in the Night Guard.” He said with surprising sobriety. Sand Blast wasn’t sure what to think, legally his brother was old enough to make his own decisions after today and Sand Blast knew he’d be fine as a Night Guard. It was just the minor fact that his brother would be putting his life on the line on a daily basis, Sand Blast waved down the bartender, “Bourbon, we need four horses over here.” Bourbon eyed Sand Blast nervously, “Are you sure, you’ve never had one before. They hit harder than you think.” “I’ll look after them.” Star Lifter sighed rolling his eyes, “Who was the one that said, ‘we got all night might as well take the time to enjoy it’?” Sand Blast watched the bartender with growing concern as he put up his bandana and mixed an unhealthy amount of Rainbow Rum, Tequila, Vodka, Gin, and a hot sauce that the Bison called sky fire. “I don’t know the next time I’m going to see my little brother, might as well make the most of our time. Before we start just so I can remember tomorrow, what’s your occupational specialty?” “Airrrr Bornnneee Reconnnaissssanccceee P-P-Pony.” Great his brother had just enlisted into the most dangerous job in the Guard, Night Guard Airborne Reconnaissance’s job consisted of getting as far behind enemy lines as possible look for weaknesses and then soften them up for the main force to come in, their casualty rate was higher than the Dusty Bolts. Burbon put the eight toxic looking shots in front of the brothers, standing on top of the bar Sand Blast raised his glass, “Attention everypony, my brother just enlisted in the Night Guard, I propose a toast! May the stars shine brightly on you and your squadron and may Celestia have mercy on your enemies because I know you won’t!” This drew a raucous cheer from the Appaloosans and as one they raised their glasses and mugs shouting, “Celestia have mercy!” Downing the glass two things happened simultaneously, Sand Blast’s mouth and throat burst into flames as if he had just tried to eat a live phoenix, secondly the room spun underneath him in a way his pegasus reflexes couldn’t control. It might have been a good night after that, Sand Blast really couldn’t remember, he did remember a lot of singing and laughing before he fell asleep. Author's Note Don't try this at home kids.
Molting ExcellenceFilly the Kid slammed the door behind her and did an air guitar powerslide into her living room to a face melting solo in her head and a goofy grin. “I’m home!” she shouted to the empty cabin, skipping over to her stereo system, she cranked it to 11, and put on her favorite song of all time Roan Jett and the Black Hearts, Bad Reputation, it was like the soundtrack to her life. Tossing her goggles in a corner, she hurdled her cloud couch and flopped onto its cushions a perfect three point landing. She was off weather watch and weather patrol for a good three days. She could always fly up to Canterlot and chase the breeze with Storm Surge, after their joint training Kid learned first hoof the Wonderbolts had more guts than she gave them credit for. That and it was nice to talk with pegasi that weren’t as abrasive as the Dusty Bolts, even if she was just as abrasive if not more so than any of the Dusties. She could also fly up to Seapple or Sweet Apple Acres to see the old married stallions. She just needed out of Appaloosa to stretch her wings for a bit, but the only thing she felt like doing right now was passing the buck out on her couch. The song changed and the opening chords for I Love Rock and Roll blasted through the speakers, and for whatever Celestia awful reason a picture of High Roller’s ugly mug fixed itself firmly in her mind. She sat up and scowled reaching over to turn off the stereo, the sooner she could get some sleep the sooner she could get out of Appaloosa. Closing her eyes she saw… High Roller reroofing her cloud cabin… with a rose in his teeth, damn. She wasn’t going to get any sleep with her head still full, rolling over onto her barrel and sprawling she flung her head into the couch pillow sighing in annoyance. It was obvious that High Roller had a thing for her, so what, what was she supposed to do? She didn’t trust herself to fall for him she’d probably trip over her tongue worse than Tumble Weed when he first started seeing Apple Bumpkin. Oh she’d never let him live that one down, the first time she had heard it from Apple Bumpkin she had spent a week and a half laughing at the worst possible times just thinking about it. From what Tumble Weed had told Kid what he was trying to use a line he had learned from Crazy Wing, “Hey mare, how much for the diamonds in your eyes?” but what came out was, “Hey eyes how much for the mare in your, DAMNIT, diamonds how much for the diamonds? Uh, you have beautiful eyes.” It was so bad Apple Bumpkin thought he had Tourette’s at first, those two were made for each other. So what was Kid going to do about High Roller? She didn’t want to do anything, her life was too complicated already, and she couldn’t understand how Tumble Weed and Apple Bumpkin could be so happy together. Their life was just as turbulent in Seapple as it was in Appaloosa, so what was it about Apple Bumpkin that brought out the best in Tumble Weed? Filly the Kid didn’t know if she could do that for High Roller, she could hardly get her own life straight. Maybe one day just not now, and Kid was still awake, maybe she should just leave for Canterlot right now. But then she’d have to talk to High Roller, she might be able to let Silver Lining or Sand Blast know, but Silver was in a Flyers Life Saving class at Doc Hollineigh’s and Sand Blast was with his family. Kid didn’t want to bother either of them, if she didn’t know any better she would say that the Dusty Bolts were conspiring to hook her up with High Roller but that would be jumping to conclusions. A knock on the door brought Kid out of her contemplation. Rubbing her eyes with frustration she trotted over to the door and opened it to see High Roller in a suit with his mane styled. He opened his mouth to say something but Kid shut the door in his face took a moment to nip her wing to make sure she was awake. Yep that hurt, so she wasn’t dreaming, she opened up the door again too tired to be embarrassed. “Sorry about that boss, you can come in and have a seat if you want. You look hot in that tux.” High Roller turned crimson and Kid immediately regretted her choice of words, “Actually I think I’ll stay out here, I was just stopping by to find out if you wanted to go to the Frontier Games. I know you just got off weather watch but would you like to go?” The Frontier Games Kid had been so busy with the Dusty Bolts she had completely forgotten. Every year the Townships of Appaloosa and Dodge Junction held a day of competitions the most prestigious of which was the Dodge Junction 500 mile race in which Filly the Kid was a religious participant. It was a three day race through vicious canyon lands in the blistering heat of summer; the winner took home the coveted Golden Pie trophy courtesy of Cherry Jubilee. Looking High Roller over again she raised an eyebrow and asked, “So are you competing for the best dressed award?” High Roller shuffled his wings nervously took a deep breath and said, “No I actually wanted to find out if you wanted to go to the games with me. Filly the Kid will you go to the Frontier Games with me?” So here it was the choice she had been putting off for so long, High Roller made the first move like he should have but was Kid ready? Too late now or never, “Before I say yes did anypony else put you up to this?” High Roller rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof, “Yeah, it was Hawk Hoof.” Kid rolled her eyes same story different ponies; it was like watching Mirage and Crazy Wing when they cruised Mane Street every weekend. “Isn’t he running weather for the games?” High Roller’s head and ears dropped, “Yeah.” Kid frowned, that conniving mule, knowing him he’d probably do a quick patrol to look busy and then spend the rest of the time flirting with Cherry Jubilee. “I’ll go with you but you do realize I’ll be competing in the Dodge 500?” “Speaking of which did you get the chance to train for it?” High Roller asked. Kid gave an exaggerated laugh, “Pfff train? I live the Dodge 500 every day, I’m like Miss Dodge 500, no other pegasi on the frontier is as fast as me.” High Roller gave her a worried look, “You heard they opened the games up to Equestrians this year right? From what I hear there are some experienced competitors.” Kid wasn’t going to back down on her words, “Experienced in what, losing? They’ve never raced out here before, they don’t know the Frontier and they don’t know me.” “Kid, Spitfire is racing.” High Roller said flatly. Kid felt a slight stab of doubt, when it came to performance she was miles ahead of everypony, but as far as skill went Spitfire had her beat. It had been a long time since her last challenge. She knew she could beat Spitfire, but not without a run for her money, this race was going to be interesting. “There’s also supposed to be a mystery flyer that blew your record out of the water at qualifications.” Kid was unconcerned, “Now I know you’re just making stuff up, nopony is as fast as me, if there were I would have met them by now.” “Were you able to make it to quals anyways?” High Roller was starting to sound more like the Father Kid never had than a colt asking her on a date, “Of course, I went to the pre-quals with the Course Clearing Crew otherwise I would have met the ‘mystery flyer.’ I’m calling road apples on somepony breaking my record.” High Roller still didn’t share her confidence, “I don’t know, they can’t come up with a qual time out of thin air, otherwise they would put down whatever time they wanted and nopony would be able to beat it.” Kid was tired of talking shop with her boss, his time as the Dusty Bolts Captain had all but sucked the personality out of him. Mirage was the same way before he met Applejack, too busy worrying about his Dusties, time to find out if High Roller was serious, “You worry too much, anyways you ready to go boss? Or can I call you High Roller now, how about stud?” High Roller chuckled awkwardly, “Stud, I like the sound of that, just not around the rest of the Dusties.” Kid allowed her heart to skip a beat as she smiled, High Roller had finally put down money and rolled, honestly it wasn’t as bad as she though it would be. “Let me grab my goggles and we’ll head out, stud, I hope you’re hungry… For Golden Pie.” Author's Note The wait is over! I'm sorry I really am, I knew it would happen if I let the story sit for too long but I lost the manic inspiration. Either that or I'm trying to write too many chapters at once and can't focus on one long enough to finish it. Actually this chapter was supposed to be after Chapter 3 but it just happened to be finished first. I hate it when that happens, but I digress, let me know what you think. I can't improve my stories unless I hear from my readers, although bear with me on the grammar I know it's atrocious.
