Flightless Dreams

Chapters

Chapter 1: Misplaced Confidence
Chapter 2: Broken Promises
Chapter 3: Forever Dreaming
Chapter 4: World Without Words
Chapter 5: The End of the Line

Chapter 1: Misplaced Confidence

CHAPTER 1: MISPLACED CONFIDENCE

Lightning Dust kept her head lowered, it had been a few weeks since Spitfire scolded her, removing her flight leader pin, but the event still hadn't died down. Lightning Dust winced in annoyance as she trotted slowly through the halls of the wonderbolts academy towards her destination, she could hear all the mumbling going on around her. Many pegasi were chuckling, muttering, trying to remain discrete as they pointed their hooves at her. Lightning Dust for a quick second had a look of utter rage, she wanted nothing more than to tell them to buck off! As she thought about it for a moment, she sighed, that angered expression gone as she then looked utterly defeated. She knew doing such a thing would only get her into more trouble, it would just be wasted energy, she'd made enough mistakes.

As she trotted, she recalled what had happened since she was removed as flight leader.

It was another average day of flight school at the Wonderbolts Academy.

The beautiful clouds were puffy like marshmallows, the sky, a mesmerizing blue. The cool breeze was refreshing and the warmth of the sun was just right.

Spitfire blew her whistle as they all stood in the courtyard, she yelled with ferocity "Grab your partner then form up you wimps! We're doing some exercises!"

Lightning Dust smirked with determination, raising her head she looked around quickly for a partner I'll just earn the respect of Spitfire again, it shouldn't be too hard!

As she attempted to hurry and find a partner, she found that nopony was too eager to join her. Lightning Dust bolted over to Cloudchaser in a desperate attempt to get her as a partner. "H-Hey, Cloudchaser! Ready to fly? Me and you, we'd make the perfect team!"

Cloudchaser blinked a little as she then let off a humorous chuckle "Uhm, yea, no thanks."

Lightning Dust's expression sunk as she hurried over to another pegasi, smiling somewhat nervously. "H-Hey you! Wanna team up, with our skills we'd leave all the other pegasi in the dust!"

The pegasi scoffed as he trotted past Lightning Dust "Yea, uhm, sorry I think I'd rather stay in Academy if you don't mind."

Lightning Dust gasped, a little taken back by his harsh words. She then peered around hurriedly as she noticed everypony already seemed to have a partner, Rainbow Dash was now part of a whole different sector seeing as her skills impressed Spitfire by this time.

Lightning Dust paced nervously as Spitfire soon yelled "Lightning Dust!" Lightning Dust shrieked in surprise, then turned to face Spitfire, she lowered her head as Spitfire lowered her shades somewhat to look at the turquoise pony. "WHAT! Do you think you're doing?"

Lightning Dust's ears lowered as she looked highly ashamed, she bit her lower lip as if hesitant to reply. She muttered quietly "I..uhm, I can't find a partner ma'am.."

Spitfire kept that same expression, questioning "What was that?"

Lightning Dust heard light muttering going on around her, accompanied by soft chuckles. She continued "I can't find a partner ma'am!" she blushed, then persisted to stare at the ground, wishing to not make eye contact with anypony.

Spitfire sighed as if annoyed "Then I guess you'll just have to put in double the effort to complete these tasks! Now go join the others!" She pointed her hoof at the direction of the group as Lightning Dust obeyed, trotting slowly to the other pegasi. She attempted the exercises, alone.

This sort of treatment persisted for Lightning Dust, it seemed her reputation just wasn't good enough to earn her any form of respect amongst the others anymore.

As she finally made it to her destination, she looked up nervously at the plaque upon the door.

Spitfire's Office it read, etched elegantly upon the rectangular piece of metal.

Lightning Dust sighed as she knocked three times upon the door, she'd been here quite a bit in the last few weeks. Suddenly she heard Spitfire call out to her "Come in Lightning Dust!" Lightning Dust just pushed the door open gently, trotting slowly inside. She gazed around the room a bit, noticing it seemed darker than usual, the lights were dimmed and Spitfire's face was concealed somewhat in shadow. "Shut the door..."

Lightning Dust nodded as she shut the door behind her. Spitfire sighed, "Do you know why you're here, Lightning Dust?"

She looked saddened, shaking her head a little "No, but I'm guessing it's not good huh."

Spitfire sighed heavily once more, her hooves crossed upon her desk in that firm and familiar fashion. She nodded "Yes, this part is never easy."

To this Lightning Dust's eyes widened, she realized what was coming but couldn't accept it. "W-Wait, ma'am! I, you can't be serious, I'm, I'm one of the best fliers in the academy!" she said, her voice trembling somewhat as she placed a hoof upon her chest.

Spitfire just shook her head "It's not about being the best, it's about getting along with your peers, working together as a team. We're the wonderbolts Lightning Dust, not the wonderbolt."

Lightning Dust shook her head in defiance once again, approaching the desk in desperation "M-Ma'am! I can prove I'm a good team player! If you just give me some more time!"

Spitfire just looked down at the amber maned pony "You've had enough time, Lightning Dust."

Lightning Dust's expression sunk as her eyes were wide with grief, her jaw dropped as her eyes began to swell with tears, her lower lip began to quiver. She said almost pathetically, barely getting out the words "P-Please."

Spitfire just stared at her papers, continuing to sort them as she uttered "Pack your things by tomorrow, I'll give you the rest of the day for the news to sink in."

Lightning Dust yelled, infuriated at Spitfire "PLEASE MA'AM!" Spitfire snapped back at her, slamming her hoof on her desk and getting in Lightning Dust's face "GET OUT OF MY OFFICE! NOW!"

Lightning Dust stumbled back, falling to her side on the floor as she looked at Spitfire, trembling somewhat. Spitfire sighed heavily then continued sorting her papers as Lightning Dust rolled over to her hooves, and slowly trotted out of the office, feeling hated, by her most beloved hero.

As she left, her head lowered, tears in her eyes, she gazed up noticing a bunch of ponies were outside the door. They looked at her as if surprised, eyes wide with curiosity. One pegasi was trying to hold in his laughter as he placed a hoof over his mouth, failing to conceal a light "Tch!" Lightning Dust blushed as she bolted past them, an eruption of laughter going off from where she once was. She hurried to the sleeping quarters and snatched up her suitcase, packing her homely supplies. She wasn't even aware of the tears streaming down her cheeks as she wanted to just get out of the academy as fast as possible. Lightning Dust made her way out and just bolted off into the sky, making her way back to her home in Cloudsdale.

As Lightning Dust landed in the city of clouds, she couldn't help but weep uncontrollably. Her cries sounded hoarse and violent as her legs trembled, she yelled to herself "I'm the best flier that stupid academy has! She thinks she can just kick me out? Watch, she'll come begging me to come back!" Lightning Dust's voice trailed off, she didn't even believe her own words. She looked back in the direction from which she flew, as if hoping, praying, somepony would be close behind her, specifically Spitfire, just to tell her it was all a mistake. After a few seconds she lowered her head, accepting the truth, she trotted steadily into the city, it was now sunset, the sky glowing a luminescent orange color.

By the time she got home, she still carried her suitcase by her mouth, it was now night but other ponies were still out and about enjoying themselves. She couldn't help but notice the other pegasi were all happy, guess they had good days, unlike her. Lightning Dust climbed the cloud steps that led into what appeared to be, a apartment complex made of clouds. She sighed heavily, so many thoughts raced through her head, so much regret. She continued to move up the steps, sluggishly.

She recalled how confident she was, was she too confident? If only she didn't try to show off and impress her hero so much perhaps things would of been different. Lightning Dust recited words her mother used to tell her in her head, as if some form of comfort.

Always stay confident Lightning, no matter what anypony tells you. You're the best of the best, and I know it.

As she entered the building and climbed the steps, she soon arrived at her door, creaking it open and just going inside as if all the energy were drained from her. As she walked through the halls of her apartment, somepony called out from the living room "Well look who's back! Told ya you weren't cut out for the wonderbolts kiddo!" Lightning Dust sighed heavily, as she just kept her head lowered, she dropped her suitcase. The voice sounded rough, hoarse and raspy, somepony was obviously still in their drunk stupor. The voice continued "But still, it's only been a few weeks hasn't it?! Haha, I guess you broke the record for failure in that place!"

Lightning Dust winced, then just trotted slowly to her room, as if she were used to this kind of treatment, even expected it "Shutup dad!" she exclaimed as she proceeded into her room and shut the door behind her.

Lightning Dust gazed around her room, on the walls hung multiple wonderbolts posters, signed pictures with multiple flight celebs from her days as a filly. She even had toys of the wonderbolts still laid out upon her desk made of cloud. She proceeded to her bed but couldn't help but notice her book shelf, it had numerous categories of novels, self-help books, How to be Confident, The Art of Flying, and more. She then fluttered quickly over her bed, plopping down soon after and spreading her hooves. She was done crying for now, she soon rolled over and stared at her ceiling.

She began to think of times when she was younger, back when she was a lil'filly, back when her mother was still around.

A younger Lightning Dust trotted hurriedly out of the apartment, slamming the door behind her. One could hear the yelling and screaming going on within, presumably her parents fighting. The filly sighed heavily as she made her way downstairs, then outside the building, even though she was so young, she could already fly quite fast. She flapped her wings and then bursted off into the distance, away from her home, away from all the trouble in her life.

Flying was the filly's escape, it was how she could run away from all the troubles of the world and just keep to herself, here, in the open vast sky. She continued to fly as she soon grew tired, deciding to rest upon a small cloud. She sniffled, looking down and lowering her head, as if overwhelmed with grief. Her short amber mane was in tatters, ruffled and all over the place, she closed her eyes and proceeded to cry.

As it soon began to grow dark, the filly remained on her little cloud, alone, pondering. Eventually another pony would come to join her, the filly didn't turn to see who it was, she already knew. Approaching her from behind was a mare, with a dashingly similar appearance to the filly. The mare lowered herself beside the filly, wrapping her hoof around her gently and then nuzzling her softly. "I'm sorry Lightning Dust, I wish you didn't have to grow up in this kind of atmosphere." Lightning Dust sniffled just remaining silent "I just get so worked up, when your father gets all negative like that." Lightning Dust looked up at her mother with a worried expression "do you think he's right, about me?"

Her mothers eyes widened, as if shocked her daughter could even consider such a thing. She hugged her daughter, soon tilting her head upward to look her directly in the eyes. She shook her head with a smile "Of course not sweetie, you are the best there is. Your father is just jealous he wasn't so talented at a young age, Always stay confident Lightning, no matter what anypony tells you. You're the best of the best, and I know it. You can accomplish feats beyond your wildest dreams, you just have to keep your head up, and remain focused." Lightning Dust sniffled then smiled, blushing somewhat as she nuzzled herself against her mother affectionately.

Lightning Dust continued to stare at her ceiling, as tears began to swell up in her eyes once again. Slowly but surely, she was breaking down just like she did at the academy. She placed her hooves over her eyes, sobbing silently to herself, trying to muffle the sounds of her cries. She'd failed, failed to prove her father wrong, and failed to make her mother proud, at least in her eyes. She just remained there for the time being, crying, to her, there was nothing left.

Chapter 2: Broken Promises

CHAPTER 2: BROKEN PROMISES

Lightning Dust awoke the next day, still in her room upon her bed. She looked tired, unmotivated to do anything. She gazed around, once again looking at all her posters, pictures, books. She couldn't help but feel a slight sense of irony, even though she was kicked out, at least it wouldn't end up like the last time she'd graduated. She recalled flight school, every pegasus had to go through it when they were fillies.

Lightning Dust zipped through the sky, even as a filly she was fast. She flew through the cloud rings flawlessly as many of her peers watched, the young filly almost mesmerizing. As she passed through the finish line and halted, everypony just stared in awe, she landed with a slight blush and embarrassed smile.

Her teacher soon approached, a wide grin on his face. "That was excellent Lightning Dust, a 10/10 easily! You got a bright future ahead of you!"

Lightning Dust's expression brightened as soon her mother approached, standing beside her daughter. "Well she is my little Lightning, she's the fastest flier there is!" She smiled, looking down at her daughter.

The teacher nodded as he gave a slight smirk towards Lightning Dust, rubbing the top of her head gently "Well you sure do got a lot of talent Lightning, you should go check out the pegasi grand prix, I'm sure that'd inspire you."

Lightning Dust's expression lit up, "Oh wow, can we mom, can we?! I'd love to go check that out!"

Her mother smiled giving a nod of approval "Of course sweetie."

The little filly cheered happily "Yes!"

"Wait, one second sweetie." Lightning Dust's mom then joined her teacher as they went to conversate a little ways away.

As Lightning Dust remained in her spot, twirling her hoof, suddenly some of her peers trotted up to her. "Hey! Don't think just cause you got a 10 it means something!"

Another continued "Yea, you're just a showoff!"

Lightning Dust lowered her head a bit, as she then looked at them with a hint of defiance. "Y-You guys are just jealous."

One of the other pegasi laughed, pointing a hoof at her "Hah! Jealous? You think we'd be jealous of you, in your dreams!"

Lightning Dust trembled somewhat as her mother came rushing towards her. "Hey! Get away from her, go on, get out of here!"

Lightning Dust's peers chuckled as they fluttered off. Lightning Dust remained, looking at the ground, sniffling. Her mother lowered her frame to look her in the eyes "Hey, what's wrong sweetie? What did they say?"

Lightning Dust looked at her with wide eyes, tears swelling up within them "They said that I'm just some showoff...how come none of them like me?"

Her mother smiled at her gently comforting her as she stroked her mane softly "Don't listen to them sweetie, they're just frustrated that they're not as fast as you. You will encounter a lot of ponies throughout your life who want to prove they're better than everypony else. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just, you can never let them put you down. You have the talent, I know you do, you just have to stay confident, and show that you can be just as good as they are, if not better."

Lightning Dust looked at her mother, an affectionate smile spreading across her cheeks. She nuzzled into her softly as her mother caressed her gently. "There there, it's all better."

The next day at flight school, her mother wasn't present but Lightning Dust didn't come off as a nervous little filly either. As she finished her lap, she stood firm, composed, happy, confident.

Suddenly the same group of peers approached her, all of them smirking as one crossed his hooves "Still showing off I see."

Lightning Dust smirked back at him "Still jealous I see."

They gasped as one replied "Didn't we already tell you, we're not jealous!"

Lightning Dust rolled her eyes "Just because I'm better than you doesn't mean you should get angry. Not everypony gots talent, that's just the way it is."

They all looked at her infuriated as another snapped back "Well, you're just cocky."

Lightning Dust chuckled, a humored expression upon her filly face "Yea, so?"

They all gasped once again, who was this new Lightning, where was the defenseless filly they used to poke fun at? They all looked highly upset as their teacher approached, the group of peers dispersed as he smiled at Lightning Dust.

He raised a brow curiously "So, what was that all about?"

Lightning Dust gave him a sly smile "Oh nothing teach, they were just giving me some advice."

He smiled at her "Oh that's great! Well; anyway just wanted to say you can head home now Lightning Dust, you've completed your daily recording."

Lightning Dust gasped as she forgot all about the time, "O-Oh right! Later teach!" She then bolted off into the sky, leaving.

As she arrived home eventually, she ran into her mothers hooves and hugged her affectionately. "Mom, mom! I stood up for myself, a lot better today, they were speechless!"

Her mother patted her head affectionately as she smiled "Good for you sweetie, I knew you could do it."

Lightning's father scoffed, as he remained in the living room "Hah! Bet they probably made good points though!"

Lightning Dust scowled at her dad as he looked at her as if surprised, she then continued to nuzzle into her mother.

Her mother looked to her husband with a smirk, then stuck her tongue out at him.

Surprisingly he laughed a little, smiling, as if impressed with his daughter.

Lightning Dust's mother smiled as she also tilted her daughters head up to face her "Also sweetie, guess what I got. Tickets to the Pegasi Grand Prix."

Lightning Dust's expression lit up as she cheered, hugging her tightly.

As the day of the pegasi grand prix came, Lightning Dust and her family sat in the crowd. The pegasi were racing through a large sky course while everypony cheered at them from the stands. As she sat cheering for her favorites, her father went off to go get some food, Lightning Dust continued to stare in awe at the racers.

As her father was absent, surprisingly another male pegasi came and took her father's seat. Her mother didn't do anything however, actually, she welcomed the male pegasi? The male smiled at her mother, as they began whispering into each others ears. Lightning continued to focus on the race but she attempted to eavesdrop on some of what they were saying, she could only pick up on small pieces. "That your daughter? How's the husband? When's the next time I'll see you?"

Lightning Dust glanced back ominously, she couldn't help but notice how happy her mother was. She'd never seen her mom smile so intimately, so naturally, not even with her dad, not even with her. Lightning Dust winced her eyes somewhat, she was confused, but she still didn't have a good feeling about this guy, in a way, she was jealous. She spoke in a curious yet annoyed manner "Hey mom, who's this?"

Lightning's mother blinked a bit, as she blushed somewhat, laughing and rubbing her daughters head. "Oh, just a friend sweetie!"

The male pegasi nudged her softly with a wink "Friends? Riiiiiight."

She chuckled and tapped him softly, muttering "Oh stop it." After a few minutes she shooed him off, her husband returning as the male pegasi playfully flew off, winking at her before doing so. As her dad took his seat, he gave them each their food as he was completely unaware of what just went down. Lightning felt she should tell him, but respected her mom too much to do so, in a way, not even she knew what exactly she'd witnessed. Little did she know, it was the beginning of probably the worst time in her life. She then continued to enjoy the pegasi grand prix, happily.

As the rain poured heavily over Cloudsdale, it seemed the pegasi were having trouble with the weather system. It didn't matter, this sort of atmosphere fit the situation perfectly. Lightning Dust as a little filly was sitting at the door that led out of the apartment, her eyes were wide with shock, she blinked a few times before muttering "What do you mean you're leaving?" She had asked, her voice shaking somewhat.

Her mother wore a scarf, and even had a suitcase with her. She avoided eye contact with her daughter for a few brief seconds before giving her a soft smile with saddened eyes. "I'll be close by sweetie, I'll be right over in Fillydelphia, I'll make sure to visit often."

Lightning Dust smiled widely as she shook her head "I can just go with you, then we can-"

Her mother cut her off, raising a hoof "N-No sweetie, I need you to stay here and take care of your dad."

Lightning looked at her wide eyed, puzzled, confused as her dad entered the scene.

He leaned upon a wall towards the back, immediately cutting in with an annoyed look "Why don't you stop lying to her, listen kiddo, mom don't need you to take care of me, and she sure as hay ain't planning to visit. She's ditching us, ditching you, ditching me, you really wanna know why you can't go with her? Because you're just bad memories, just like I am, she's moving on to a better life. And in order to do that, you gotta leave behind all connections to your past, ain't that right, darling?" He laughed somewhat with a smug expression "Tch, we're just hindrances, if you went with her, you'd just be a living reminder of how bad her life was."

Lightning glanced back at her father, tears swelling in her eyes as she'd then peered back up at her mother. She continued to look at her wide eyed, observingly, searchingly, looking for any sense that those brutal words weren't true.

Her mother looked at her for a few seconds, as she to, looked speechless. She then glanced at her husband, she winced her eyes infuriated with him, even snarling somewhat as she gritted her teeth. She wanted nothing more than to waltz right over to him and slap him in his smug, pathetic face, but, she didn't. She quickly removed all sense of rage from her expression, she sighed heavily before lowering her frame in front of Lightning, running her hoof through her mane affectionately. "Listen, none of what he said is true sweetie. I love you, I've always loved you, I just- I don't know, I promise though I'll visit as much as I can. I'm sorry about this my sweet little Lightning. Just, always remember, stay confident, never let others bring you down, I wasn't kidding when I said you were the best, I know you are." She then stood as she gave one last glare of discern at her husband.

He then shook his head "Tch," then proceeded into the kitchen.

She took one last glance at her daughter, sorrow filled her expression as she turned to leave, opening the door she made her way out.

Lightning Dust grabbed her mothers tail, pleading "WAIT!"

She stopped in her tracks, looking down.

Lightning Dust smiled as she managed to hold back her tears, "P-Promise me one other thing mom!" Her mother remained silent, listening to her daughter's words "Promise me, you'll also make it to my flight school graduation?"

Her mother trembled somewhat, she spoke, her voice hazy as it trembled with each word "O-Of course sweetie, I'll see you there." She then proceeded moving again, her daughters grip on her tail sliding gently off as she then hurried down the hall and stairs, suitcase in mouth.

Lightning remained there for a few seconds, wide eyed, staring at the big empty space where her mother once stood. Her hoof was still raised from when she was holding onto her tail, she slowly lowered it, placing it back upon the ground. Lightning Dust remained silent for a brief moment before shutting the door gently, she turned around slowly, making her way to her room when suddenly her dad called to her from the living room.

"Were just hindrances kiddo! Even though you hate me, guess what? I'm still going to take care of ya, because unlike your selfish mother, who walks out on family, I don't! No matter how annoying ya get, I won't abandon ya, because I'm a good father!" His words were slurred, raspy, he was obviously getting drunk. Lightning Dust just closed her eyes halfway, a look of utter sorrow on her face, but she didn't cry. She trotted slowly to her room, shutting the door behind her as she did so.

As the day of graduation came, Lightning Dust stood on the podium along with all her peers. The crowd cheered at the young ponies, finally they'd be graduating from flight school, a touching achievement for every pegasi. So many of the other ponies seemed anxious, excited, happy about this day, this moment. Lightning Dust however; wasn't, she just stared at the floor practically the entire time.

As the ceremony progressed, the announcer smiled crossing off another pony's name "And we congratulate Swift Wing for his grand achievement of flight school graduation! Will his parents please stand to put on his honorary pin?!" Eagerly two pegasi fluttered over to their son, proud expressions on their faces, tears in their eyes, they stood beside him as they put on his flight school pin. The crowd cheered in congratulations, as Lightning Dust couldn't help but glance at them, her expression was blank but one could see that hint of jealousy in her eyes.

Lightning Dust then proceeded to stare at the ground as the announcer finally called out "And we congratulate, Lightning Dust! For her grand achievement of flight school graduation! Will her parents please stand to put on her honorary pin?!" As he said this, the moment loomed on for a few seconds, Lightning Dust remained focused on the ground, a blank expression on her face. The announcer took a deep breath for a second before laughing nervously, he repeated "Will her parents please stand to put on her honorary pin?!" After nopony approached the filly a second time, the crowd began mumbling amongst each other, looking at her with pity. Hurriedly her teacher rushed to the stage, he quickly gave a quick wave to the crowd and grabbed the pin, placing it on Lightning Dust. She remained silent as the announcer peered around, he took a deep breath with a slight laugh, it was obvious he felt awkward about the entire thing. He then yelled "Well uhm, cheers for Lightning Dust!" The crowd cheered and stomped their hooves as her teacher remained for a few seconds.

He lowered himself to whisper in her ear "Lightning Dust, where's your mom?" Lightning remained silent, she just stayed this way until the ceremony had ended.

As the ceremony was over, it was sunset. The sky was a bright orange color as the clouds were a soft yellow and white. Everypony else had already gone as Lightning Dust was preparing to leave, her head lowered as she trotted sluggishly towards the edge of the flight school area. Suddenly her teacher called out "Hey, Lightning Dust, I wanted to talk to you, about the ceremony earlier!"

Lightning Dust sighed "It's okay teach, thanks for going up there for me. It's nothing, really, please don't worry about it." Tears were running down her cheeks as she looked utterly broken, defeated.

Her teacher couldn't see her expression from behind, he simply raised a brow "You sure?"

Lightning Dust nodded "Yea, go back to your family, I'm going to head home now."

He began to turn with a somewhat hesitant expression "Well alright, but if you ever need anything, my doors always open Lightning."

He began to trot away as Lightning Dust called to him "And teach! T-Thanks, for everything..." She then flew off as he looked at her fly away, he then turned, proceeding towards the flight school building.

As Lightning arrived back home, shutting the door behind her, her erratic mane, she'd looked tired. As she trotted slowly down the hall, as expected, her dad called out to her "Hey, did mom make it? Let me guess, nope! I told ya kiddo, all broken promises from that mare, but hey, I didn't make it either, listen, glad you graduated though! Honestly."

Lightning Dust kept her head lowered as she made it to her room, she replied to him "Thanks dad..." She shut the door behind her, went over to her bed and climbed on sluggishly. She laid down curling up into a ball, falling asleep, sniffling.

As Lightning Dust drifted back to the present, she then flapped her wings somewhat, getting out of bed, then heading over to her cloud desk. She then opened a drawer, pulling out a old picture, it was of her and her mom, back at the pegasi grand prix. She ran her hoof gently over the picture, then smiled with caring eyes.

"Sorry mom, seems I messed up again, looks like I wont be becoming a wonderbolt. Heck, maybe you'd even show up to that sort of event. I haven't seen you since you left, but, I love you, and still miss you."

She laughed a little, shrugging somewhat as she rolled her eyes.

"Dad is still the same, but, I'm taking care of him like you asked."

She then stared at the picture for a few seconds longer before placing it back into the drawer. She then thought back on how she was so overconfident, such a jerk to Rainbow and her friends, even put other ponies in danger. "And I'm sorry, I misinterpreted your lessons, I guess I see that now."

Lightning Dust then proceeded to her door, giving one last reflective look at the desk with her mothers picture in it, she smiled at it as she put on that same confident expression she always had. She then shut the door behind her, leaving her room, and everything there, once again.

Chapter 3: Forever Dreaming

CHAPTER 3: FOREVER DREAMING

"Gah, these last few days have felt so long.."

It was the early morning, and Lightning Dust had just gotten done leaving her room. Surprisingly she had a soft smile on her face, although her eyes reflected a more grim emotion. She turned slowly from her door, then began making her way down the hall. She wasn't at the academy anymore so she figured she might as well start trying to find something else to do with her time, perhaps volunteer at the rainbow factory? As she trotted steadily down the hall, she couldn't help but wonder What does one do when they've failed at their dreams? Does this mean you've failed at life? No, she thought. This couldn't have been the end, she winced somewhat, although she told herself that, did she truly believe it? Did she consider herself now a total failure? Lightning Dust shook her head, such thoughts wouldn't solve anything. She looked ahead, her eyes confident and determined, as suddenly she heard her dad, she'd forgotten he'd give his daily rambling.

"You going out? Well I guess it would make sense, seeing as you were kicked out! Haha."

Lightning Dust stopped at the entrance to the living room. Unlike most times she'd trotted down this hall and just kept going, this time was different. She'd been dwelling on old memories a lot these past few days, she couldn't help but think about her dad as well. She gave a contemplative stare to the backside of his reclining chair, he was watching the Equestria Daily news through the magical prompter, most ponies had them. He was also, as expected, drinking himself into a drunk stupor as usual, as Lightning Dust spoke, his eyes widened slightly, surprised, although she couldn't see his expression.

"Whatever happened to us dad?"

To this, her dad winced somewhat. He looked quite sad, he was silent. Her words were sincere, honest curiosity, and he didn't expect it, but he got it. He got it because at times, he to wondered that very same question. They weren't always like this, there was indeed a much happier time. That time felt so long ago at this point, it was all just a hazy memory to him. As he reflected on the thought, he couldn't recall the last time he'd felt so emotional, such feelings never stirred in him for so long, why now? He felt guilt, remorse, perhaps he'd always felt it, but got drunk so much he never realized. To her surprise, when he spoke, his tone was much more relaxed, clear and understandable, he sounded sober.

"You know kiddo, I just don't know."

Lightning Dust's eyes were wide, it was so unexpected, she couldn't remember the last time her dad actually talked to her in such a manner. She only asked on impulse, only because she'd been thinking a lot about her family recently, and her heart ached, oh how much she cherished that decision now. And to her surprise, he continued. Although around this point, he spoke faintly, it was as if he weren't even aware of what he was saying, just words, flowing out.

"I tried ya know, I really did, oh I swear to you I did. I guess, as with most things, it just doesn't work out huh? Never thought it'd turn out like this though, crappy father, crappy husband..."

He sighed heavily, as Lightning Dust just continued to listen.

"I'm sorry kiddo, truly..I am.."

His eyes widened as he felt his chair forcefully turn upon itself. He faced the opposite direction of the room, he felt his daughter embrace him tightly, a sudden hug, he hadn't felt this in years. Actually, it felt longer than that, it felt like an eternity since he'd felt this sort of loving embrace. She remained there as she muttered with her eyes close, a soft smile "It's cool dad."

She still had that aura of upbeat confidence about her, but, she seemed vulnerable, more open, as did he. They remained like this for a brief moment, her dad wasn't sure how to react. As important as it was, it was just as fleeting, gone in what felt like a flash only after it was over. Lightning Dust then turned, trotting off in a confident stride, she didn't want it to get awkward, and wanted this to be a fond memory. Before making her way to the door she took one last glance at her dad "I'll see you later dad."

With that she left, closing the door behind her.

Lightning Dust's father just remained motionless in the chair, as he smirked slightly to himself. That moment, as short as it may have been, seemed to ease the old pegasi. He smirked, relaxing his shoulders a bit, as if a heavy burden had dispersed at that moment. He laughed softly as the words barely escaped his mouth.

"Later kiddo."

As she trotted through the city of Cloudsdale, it was quite a beautiful day. Lightning Dust wasn't an entirely different pony, but still, something had changed. She thought back on her mother's message to her, she'd stay confident, sure, but there was also the fact she needed to show some kindness here and there. It was interesting, even though she'd been kicked out of the academy, if that never happened, she might of never had that sudden impulse to question her dad. Still, the overwhelming disappointment of failing to become a wonderbolt tensed her, what of her dreams now? She recalled a conversation with her father.

Back during a time, when the entire family seemed happy.

"What kiddo? Dreams? Well, dreams are kind of a complicated thing."

Lightning Dust's dad laid upon a soft bed of grass made up of the open field. The sky was a gorgeous blue color in the mid-afternoon, many other ponies besides him were out and about, enjoying the day. Not far from the area, one could see a casual park, and further in the distance, Canterlot. This was obviously a public and well known place of relaxation. As he laid upon the grass, he also held in his hoof a split loaf of bread, munching on it softly. Suddenly gazing over him would be a familiar figure, a filly Lightning Dust, eyes wide with curiosity. In her hoof she held the second half of the loaf, nibbling on it softly.

He leaned up somewhat beside her, laughing gently. "I won't lie to ya, dreams, although they're great to have, they also make up a great portion of who we are, perhaps too large a portion."

Lightning Dust raised a brow at him, she'd looked puzzled by his words while munching on her bread. She chewed as she managed to get out the word "Huh?" Her dad began to laugh as he ruffled her mane "I guess it's expected, you're still so young."

He looked up at the sky and continued "Dreams can either make, or break you. Ponies these days like to consider their dreams some sort of motive, some life goal. I personally think you shouldn't put so much thought into it, because if you let your dreams consume you, ah they will. And for most, if things just don't go according to plan, your world just spirals downward, as if you've failed your purpose in life."

To this Lightning Dust shuddered, such choice of words, but as she and he both would come to find, everypony had their opinions. She couldn't help but ask, a hint of fear in her voice "So if we fail, it's over?"

Her dad just gave her a soft smile, and looked at her as if he expected that sort of question. He shook his head "Ah, that's the thing kiddo, you shouldn't even view it as a failure." Her eyes widened curiously "It doesn't matter if you didn't achieve everything you set yourself up for, nopony can predict the future, and circumstances out of our control can play a big role as well. To put all the blame on yourself is idiotic, what's important is focusing on what really matters, and accepting things for what they are."

Lightning Dust blinked a bit, she took another bite out of her bread "What really matters?"

She raised a brow curiously as he smiled "What really matters is the journey it took to get to that point in your life. Remembering all the tiny things we forget, the things along the way ya know? What really matters is the path you chose to go about your dream, not the dream itself, all the things you got out of that pursuit, be it, friends, family, experience, knowledge. We can't go about looking at life in such a simplistic way. Don't look at it as a task or chore to be completed, look at it as something that shapes who you are, and be grateful for that." He shrugged as his daughter looked at him wide eyed, she didn't get half of what he'd said but he just smiled at her, thinking perhaps with time kiddo. He then rubbed the top of her head, then looking into her eyes sternly "Just remember, it's your life. Don't let it be dragged into the gutter by your own volition."

As he said this, Lightning Dust continued to stare at him, chewing while she spoke "So what about you dad?"

His eyes widened.

"What's your dream?" She muttered curiously.

He looked at her, paused for a few brief seconds and then burst into laughter rubbing the top of her head "To take care of you guys of course! I want to make sure you guys are happy, have a steady, comfortable; lifestyle."

Suddenly there was the sound of somepony trotting hastily towards the father and daughter. They turned to see who as it was none other than Lightning Dust's mother. She had a tired look upon her with a smile as she saw them "Sorry about that you two! You guys have fun?" Lightning Dust flapped steadily over to her, giving her an affectionate hug as she wrapped a hoof around her daughter, hugging her back gently.

Her husband just sat there, a caring smile as he stared at the two, his supposed pride and joy "We were fine darling, you done talking to your friend?"

She chuckled somewhat with a wink towards her husband "Y ep, now I'm back, with the two greatest ponies in the world."

He smiled at her as she flapped over to him, Lightning Dust in hooves as she sat beside him, they touched noses affectionately as she uttered "You'll always be my very special somepony darling."

He agreed "And you mine."

Lightning Dust stuck out a tongue in disgust "BLEH!" as the two of them just laughed and continued to snuggle some more.

Lightning Dust drifted back to the present, she winced somewhat, to even think such times used to exist between her family seemed unbelievable at this point. She chuckled to herself lightly, the irony in the fact her father became the very thing she told her not to was regrettably amusing. Even if her dad's advice didn't contain perfect truth, did any? She thought about it for a moment, the memory sure comforted her and made her feel better about the situation, and to her, that's what mattered.

Lightning Dust glanced up, the towering building made of cloud in front of her. She'd been trotting quite a bit, seems she finally made it to the rainbow factory. She admitted, wasn't as fun as zipping through the sky at the academy, but it was better than locking herself in her room. As she entered she was greeted by a bunch of surprised faces, one pegasi in particular fluttered over to Lightning Dust, curiosity overwhelmed her. "Lightning Dust! What're you doing here, aren't you supposed to be at the academy?"

Lightning Dust shook her head, she'd looked embarrassed but still had a confident smile "Naw, seems things just didn't work with me and Spitfire I guess."

The pegasi's expression sunk, she didn't know Lightning Dust well, but the news still made her sad "Aw, I'm sorry to hear that. Well, we at the factory got plenty of room if you're looking to volunteer."

Lightning Dust nodded with a smile "Sure, that's why I came he-"

Suddenly she was cut off by the sound of laughter.

Five familiar pegasi fluttered over to her from the entrance, she recognized them as initiates at the academy. "Well of course you'd come here! This is where all the talentless pegasi go!"

To this some of the pegasi cringed, looking highly upset while others looked down in shame. Others were actually proud of their jobs at the rainbow factory.

Lightning Dust just laughed a little "Talentless huh? If that's what this place is by your standards I guess you'd all fit right in."

The insult was aimed intently at the group of pegasi, the other pegasi understood that and just smiled softly.

The group of cocky initiates gritted their teeth as one snarled from beneath his breath "Talentless?! Us? Coming from some dropout? I challenge you to a race Lightning Dust, just you and me!"

Majority of the ponies gasped and began muttering amongst themselves as Lightning Dust looked a little hesitant to reply, she lowered her head, unsure of what to say. Why do I feel this way? I know I'm a fast flier, but, why do I get this uneasy feeling in my gut. She just shook her head, blocking out that fear, that sense of doubt faded away then. She raised her head, proudly, confidently, she smiled at her soon to be opponent "Fine!"

The male pegasi smirked as he led her out of the rainbow factory, they prepared for a race.

As they readied themselves, there were quite a few spectators on the sidelines. The male pegasi smirked at Lightning Dust, confidence radiated from him "Ready to eat my dust failure?"

Lightning Dust just winced at him slightly, then looked ahead, focusing on concentrating in the race. One of the other pegasi announced "The rules are simple, it will be quick and to the point! A full lap starting from here, shooting off into the outer boundaries of Cloudsdale, then around Cloudsdale one full time, then back here! Done! Any questions?"

The two racers immediately responded in unison "Nope!"

The announcer nodded as he raised a hoof, the suspense building up as everypony tensed, waiting for that one word. He flung his hoof down "GO!"

The two pegasi bolted off from the starting point, leaving nothing but spiraling cloud essence where they once stood. The small crowd erupted in cheers, as Lightning Dust was side by side with her opponent, to her surprise, she found he was quite fast. They were already on the outer boundaries of Cloudsdale, the male pegasi peered to his right yelling to Lightning Dust "Can't keep up failure?!"

Lightning Dust's eyes widened, those words unexpectedly stung. She gritted her teeth, looking down, as the male pegasi began to pass her up, moving on ahead.

As she was losing ground, she then thought back on both her parents advice.

Always stay confident,....

You shouldn't even view it as a failure.....

She smirked as she recalled those words. She then smiled as she bolted full speed ahead, the male pegasi was so shocked by her sudden determination that he was even knocked off course by her speed, flailing his hooves as he tumbled mid-air, after a brief moment able to finally regain his balance. He attempted to catch up but Lightning Dust wasn't planning to let that happen, she sped around the course with ease and made it to the finish line soon after, it was a fleeting moment, quick and simple, she was victorious.

As her opponent soon came in, he had a disappointed expression, he was quiet. He landed next to his friends who were also quiet, he looked to Lightning Dust with a sigh "Go on, rub it in why dont'cha?"

Lightning Dust looked at him for a few seconds, perhaps in the past she would have but she shook her head, holding out a hoof to the pegasi "Good race. You're fast."

He looked at her hoof, staring at it blankly, then hesitantly shook "Uhm; yea, good race, and you to." He muttered.

The crowd erupted into cheers once more as he even managed to apologize to the factory pegasi, his friends did the same. She laughed somewhat as she shook her head, telling them it was fine. As they left she smiled at their departure, she was happy by how things ended between them. After that the same pegasi from the rainbow factory smiled "Well, shall we proceed Lightning Dust?"

Lightning Dust nodded, following the pegasi back into the factory.

It ended up being a long, but overall satisfying day. She was volunteering at the factory, she was managing to get over the whole academy situation, and she was even patching things up with her dad, everything was going perfect it seemed. Life had its ups and downs, but the ups made it worth it.

As she made her way out the factory, night had come over Cloudsdale. The stars were out beautifully displayed overhead, the moon was full and it wasn't so chilly. Lightning Dust eagerly made her way to a small market in Cloudsdale, there was something she'd wanted to buy. She got a large loaf of bread, perhaps when she got home she could share it with dad, it would be perfect. She felt jumpy, the plans ahead would be a little tough to pull off, but perhaps they could work. Maybe dad could become sober and mom could actually come visit, perhaps she was getting a little too hopeful she chuckled.

Everything just seemed to be fitting into place, these memories, so fresh in her mind.

Everything would be alright, after all, she was tough, she was Lightning Dust.

She actually took the time to trot home, landing in front of the apartment complex, bag in mouth, and a smile on her face. She trotted up the stairs as she sighed somewhat, preparing for another random insult from the drunk stallion. As she arrived in front of the door, she pushed it open trotting inside "Hey dad! I'm back, haha guess what I got, we have a lot to talk about today, by the way-" she trotted down the hall steadily and turned towards the living room "It's about!-..." She paused. There was a brief silence that to her, felt like an eternity.

Her bag dropped to the floor.

Lightning Dust just stared at the scene laid out before her. The lights were dimmed. Her eyes were wide, she'd looked lost. She slowly approached the body, the world around her fell mute. He was turned, facing the opposite direction from where he hung so she couldn't see his face. Lightning Dust fluttered up to him slowly, he was suspended, a strange form of rope tight around his neck. She looked him up and down for a brief moment, she'd noticed his wings were snapped deliberately. Near his reclining chair he was, just hanging by a solid cloud lamp connected to their ceiling. Lightning Dust slowly untied the rope, delicately, gently, she still had that speechless expression, her pupils were dilated, her eyes were wide, but she didn't smile nor frown.

As the knot fell loose, the body was limp, it didn't hesitate to fall quickly, Lightning Dust expected this obviously, catching it before it'd hit the floor. She wrapped her hooves around him as she descended slowly onto the floor, laying him down as she still kept him turned away from her. One hoof was beneath him as she scanned him once again with her eyes up and down. She to was on the floor, instead she was sitting, holding him close in her hooves.

The world around her was deafly silent.

So many thoughts were racing through her head as she stared at him. Everything was finally looking up she'd thought. She couldn't even depict what exactly she was feeling, it was as if something was bubbling up inside of her about to explode. Her heart raced rapidly, she had so many questions, so many things she wanted to say. It was as if it were a normal day, normal insults, same old Cloudsdale, it just turned out to be better than average, why now? It felt unreal, as if she were trapped in some sort of different world. As she continued to just stare at the body, she thought Comon dad, are you kidding me? I know we didn't get along, but, but this? Her lower lip began to quiver as she was finally starting to reveal some emotion, her brow furrowed in discomfort. She eyed his reclining chair, some of his drink was still left in a cup, then looked back down at him. He's just passed out, either that or playing some sick joke.

She chuckled nervously as her hoof trembled, she was preparing to turn his face towards her. Yea, just some, lame prank, then he'll just joke on me for falling for it. As she turned his head to look him in his eyes, her own shot wide. Her expression sunk dramatically, as her entire body began to tremble. Her features twisting into a shocked, grief stricken composition, she looked as if she were in denial.

His jaw hung open, his eyes were bloodshot, rolled back, and as she scurried back, he fell limp upon the floor.

She staggered back to her hooves, then looked at him for a few more seconds, she then gazed upward.

This, has got to be a dream....no, this, this is the stuff of nightmares.

She raised her two front hooves to her head, as her eyes were wide, beginning to swell with tears.

The stuff of nightmares.

There was no advice for this, this didn't require confidence, or philosophy on dreams, this was just, pure hell.

Suddenly, her mothers words recited in her mind, as if choosing to show up against her will.

"I need you to stay here and take care of your dad."

She screamed, her cries violent and piercing, she'd looked like she'd lost her mind.

Mom, graduation, wonderbolt's academy, and now, now this. This wasn't something one could just get over, this was the finisher, the breaking point of all things gone wrong for her. Lightning Dust just screamed, wishing it were a bad dream, false reality, forever dreaming.

Chapter 4: World Without Words

CHAPTER 4: WORLD WITHOUT WORDS

Lightning Dust remained motionless, sitting atop the steps that led into the apartment complex.

Entering into the building were pairs of lunar guards, some remained outside to keep the curious citizens from involving themselves in the situation. Overall she was the star of this little piece of entertainment for their seemingly perfect lives, but she didn't care, how could she? Lightning Dust simply looked tired, too tired to move, too tired to think, too tired to do anything besides sit. There were thick bags under her eyes, revealing that very exhaustion. Her mane was ruffled, tattered, basically all over the place, it wasn't surprising to the guards who knew about the situation. As Lightning Dust just remained in place, staring at the ground, eventually an investigator approached her. Surprisingly it was a unicorn, he wore a brown jacket and a funny tophat, he looked like he was from some cheesy movie. Lightning Dust didn't acknowledge him, she just remained fixated on the ground, lost in thought.

The unicorn sighed heavily, knowing this wouldn't be easy and climbed the steps, sitting next to her as he stared off into the distance. He was using a spell to allow him to remain aloft in this city like the pegasi. As he took in a deep breath he managed to finally get out some words "So, uhm..mind telling me what went down in there?" Lightning Dust remained silent, of course he was curious to what happened, because by the time they arrived, it certainly didn't look like a simple suicide.

As she remained fixated on the ground, she recalled the events that took place, after she'd found her dad.

Lightning Dust continued to scream as she even tore out a small portion of her mane. Her eyes were wide, her pupils like small dots resting in the center. She suddenly gritted her teeth setting her gaze on her dad's lifeless body "COWARD!" she yelled ferociously.

That word, even though it came out her mouth, her heart ached painfully, it hurt just to say it, to call him such a thing. Her expression sunk as she fell to the floor, the tears streaming down her cheeks. She scurried over to his limp body and shook him gently, as if she were still in denial about the whole thing, she muttered "Daddy?..." How childish she thought, she couldn't recall the last time she called him that, if ever, but she couldn't stop herself from muttering it. She wept, biting her lower lip as if it were some boundary to prevent her from completely breaking down, but it didn't stop her from sniffling, and it certainly didn't stop the tears. She said it again, closing her eyes, continuing to gently shake him "Daddy...come on, please...don't do this,.."

She suddenly looked enraged, snapping at him again "DON'T YOU LEAVE ME HERE LIKE THIS, WITH THIS! THIS! THIS BUCKING NIGHTMARE!!" She was furious, she slammed her hooves on top of him. She gritted her teeth, her features distorting into a horrific expression. She stood "IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED!? TO SEE ME BREAK!? TO SEE ME LOSE MY COOL IN FRONT OF YOU?!" She spread her hooves, scorning and yelling at him as if he were actually alive to listen. She snarled "Well you got it!......So will you please-" she paused, the last word shook with her voice. Her rage steadily melted away, as she'd looked vulnerable, broken, tired once more. The tears stopped flowing, but her entire body remained still "So will you please just wake up...don't leave me here, alone." She fell once again as she crawled closer to him, wrapping her hooves around him once more. "I'm not cut out for things like this dad..., I still need you, I don't care about the insults, the rambling or anything, just wake up dad,....please dad...." she looked at his lifeless, bloodshot eyes, leaning closer to him as she practically begged, repeating once again "Please!" there was only silence. She sat there, for a moment, letting this truth, this, reality sink in, meld into her soul.

As she sat there, she ran her hooves through his mane affectionately, caressingly as she stared down at him. "Fine," she staggered to her hooves soon after, still looking grief stricken as she looked around, desperately looking for any sign, any indication to why he left her alone in this manipulative world. She hated it, hated the fact that everypony seemed so happy, so content with their lives, seemed to be able to climb out from their gutters, while she was slowly dragged down under, losing the will to climb back out. While she was here, suffering, searching for any sign of closure, a slim chance to be able to forgive herself for this, to move past it. She hated it all, everything, but most of all, she hated knowing it had nothing to do with them. This was just the way things were, this was her life, and this is what she was forced to live with. There was no greater meaning, no cruel twisted god to put all the blame on, this was just her own weakness, her own chaotic world dragging her down, and her letting it. She used to think perhaps there were lessons, reasons for everything, but at this point, perhaps, it was all just one big bucking coincidence, unfortunate coincidences.

Her talents? Pointless. Her confidence? Pointless. Her dreams? Pointless. Her? Pointless...

There was nothing anymore, not even any close friends...

She'd never thought about it, and she regretted it, never getting close to anypony. Never taking the time to forge deep bonds with others, to find her very special somepony, suddenly somepony popped in her head. Rainbow Dash? Yes, the rainbow maned mare, she was different. They actually got close somewhat, perhaps they could've even been considered friends, perhaps there was- no... she thought, her stupidity and selfishness costed her that to. Besides, Rainbow already had close friends, friends she nearly hurt. She winced, so much regret, so many stupid decisions.

She didn't want to accept it, but she knew it, all she had were her dreams, and her parents.

The words crept into her mind, there is nothing....

But,...perhaps all was not lost, perhaps there was still something...anything..

Maybe, I just have to keep searching.

She threw down his reclining chair searching for any note, any piece of paper, anything, but no, there was nothing. She hurried over to their old bedroom, tearing down the furniture, scraping at the walls, rummaging through the clothes, nothing. She moved about sluggishly, her eyes wide with horror, there was nothing, absolutely nothing! He was just, gone, leaving her with the burden of suicide, the guilt of not knowing if it was her fault, if he even cared about her wellbeing. The pain of not even saying goodbye. She cringed, screaming once more as she busted into her room. She tore down the posters, fluttering about violently as she tossed her books to the ground, in a blind rage she just continued to search angrily, nothing, nothing, nothing! She trotted slowly towards her desk, a somewhat psychotic persona washed over her, she looked insane. She opened the drawer, and stared at the picture of her mother, pulling it out soon afterwords.

"Sorry mom..looks like I failed again..."

Her eyes shot wide, as she chuckled "Again..." she went to the kitchen as she pulled out the butcher knife. She gave the picture of her mother and her at the pegasi grand prix a callous cold expression. She then stabbed the picture, violently, continuously, muttering "Again, again, again, again!" Tears dripped on the picture as she broke down while stabbing it, her lower lip quivered as she trembled, just continuing the motion "Again, again, again, again!" As she looked at the picture, repeating that one word, sobbing as she shredded it into tiny pieces with the knife, she began to wonder if she was referring to herself, or them. As she realized that she'd practically annihilated the only photo she had of her mom, she continued to sob, looking at the shredded bits spread about the countertop, the fresh cuts on the surface, even the small nicks she gave herself without noticing. She barely got out the words, sounding hoarse and scared, frightened, alone.....

"You guys really suck...you know that.."

She fell to floor, crying, she felt so pathetic, like some filly feeling sorry for herself. This wasn't like her, she was confident, bold, the best of the best, she was Lightning Dust! But she couldn't help but cry, it just came over her like a hurricane that needed to pass. This intense feeling of loneliness, shame, regret, the world felt so vast, and so empty at the same time. Nopony was there, nopony but her, and her grief.

After some time, she just remained there, in the kitchen. Staring at the floor, she felt like she was being overdosed on badluck, it was a humorous way to look at things. It's too bad she sucked at making friends, perhaps they would of found that idea funny to. Suddenly she heard a knock on the door, then two more times.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK!

So, they're finally here huh?

She remained there, she'd finally managed to regain her composure, calming down, but she was now practically dead, she was tired, exhausted, all she wanted to do was go to sleep and never wake up. As she staggered to her hooves, she sighed heavily before making her way to the door. Along the way she stopped by the living room once again, she ignored the mess she made and just went and knelt by her dad, she gave him a soft nuzzle on the forehead and closed his eyes with her hooves. She smiled softly at him then going to the door, not noticing she stepped on the bag with the loaf of bread, crushing it into pieces. As she opened the door, she peered up at the two lunar guards who looked at her worriedly.

"Ma'am, is everything alright? Ponies say they heard screaming."

Lightning Dust shook her head, then stepped aside, giving a slight nudge, signaling them to just go see for themselves. They gazed at each other for a second before going in, as they saw what a disaster the house was in, the corpse on the ground, and the beaten, shaken up mare. They made their assumptions "Ma'am, we'll have to ask you to come with us."

Lightning Dust nodded "Sure..." They forced her along, down the stairs as they kept a close eye on her, as they arrived at the front of the building, one nodded to the other, signaling he was going to get help.

The second lunar guard just watched Lightning Dust, making sure she didn't run off, after some time they finally returned, accompanied by a detective, he went upstairs to check out the scene himself before arriving back downstairs. Lightning Dust just remained on the steps leading into the building, ponies gathered around as they spectated at the one new happening that livened the boring old city of Cloudsdale. And so, things drifted back to the beginning, back to the steps.

The detective tapped his hoof impatiently, then looked to Lightning Dust.

"Hey, hey, you with me? Hellooooo~ anypony home?"

Lightning Dust blinked a bit, before looking over at him tiredly, curiously.

He rolled his eyes. "Listen little lady, you're in some serious business here. You got a corpse laying in your house, cuts on your hooves, everything in there is a complete mess. Do you understand how this looks?"

Lightning Dust gazed up at him, at first innocently, as if she had no idea what he was talking about. She then looked back at the ground, drifting back into her thoughts.

"Bah, this is pointless!" The detective groaned.

Lightning Dust was too tired to care, too lost to worry about such things, did any of it even matter anymore?

It was late at night and the last thing the detective wanted to do was deal with some mare who refused to speak. He paced back and forth, soon lifting Lightning Dust to her hooves and calling over two guards. "Alright, don't feel like talking? Well perhaps a night in the station will soften you up. Take her to Filly for now boys, we'll clear up things from there."

Lightning Dust's eyes widened Filly? So, to think she'd be heading to the place where her mom lived. That was interesting, maybe she could find her, maybe they could get together, but, there were a lot of maybes weren't there, never any certainties. With that the Lunar guard guided the mare into a small chariot, closing and locking the doors, and from there, Fillydelphia.

It was raining in Fillydelphia, the city was quite beautiful. It was lush with a pinch of countryside, but also had many buildings and homely looking houses. It was a real family friendly community, this caused Lightning Dust to smile, finally. As the chariot arrived at the station, she already knew what her plans were, she didn't second guess herself, no more of that. As they arrived, the guards escorted her into the station, she seemed too broken to attempt escaping so they just decided to let her sit in waiting area until the detective arrived. As expected they eventually began conversing amongst themselves.

Lightning Dust easily took this chance to escape, her speed easily unmatched in such cases, she was too used to doing this by now. Wonderbolt Academy training and the times she ran away from home to get away from all the fighting, this was all too easy.

She had a different destination in mind, but, she honestly wasn't expecting much.

The rain drenched her coat, and her mane, but she didn't care. She stood in front of probably the only place that frightened her in all of Equestria, her mother's words coming up in her head, as she peered down at the wet grass of the beautiful yard. "I'll make sure to visit often."

She laughed a bit, how funny, visit often. But why was she standing here? It's not like this could end well either way, was she looking for some comfort, some form of closure on dad, maybe she just wanted somepony to talk to. She always wanted to be in this position though, perhaps under different circumstances sure, but, mom always had something positive to say. After graduation, she recalled how she tracked her down, not physically of course, she didn't want her to think that she didn't trust she'd visit. She was never even sure if what she found was accurate. She just never pursued this craving, mom wanted her out of her life, then she'd have it. But now, things were different, dad was gone, and she was all that was left. Hah, so many assumptions, for all she knew, she wasn't even here, this could probably just be some random house. But, if you're taken to Fillydelphia under suspicion of murder, might as well right?

Lightning Dust began her approach.

The sounds of the rain were comforting, the multiple droplets hitting against the ground, the caressing sound like a running shower. The feeling of the cool water running through her gorgeous aquamarine coat, drenching her amber mane causing it to hang low. Lightning Dust walked through the yard, approaching the front door to the large house in front of her, she gulped, she trotted slowly, each step took some time, and courage. As she trotted, memories flooded through her head, memories of such pleasing, happy times, that's all mom mostly provided. As she finally made it to the front door, she felt a smile creep onto her face, she raised a hoof, she was actually going to do it, she was going to-.

"Of course sweetie."

Her eyes snapped wide. Mom?

Through the hollow door, she could hear that comforting voice speak. It sounded distant, but it was there, it was most certainly there. Lightning Dust's hoof trembled, it was mom, but, she wasn't talking to her, that was impossible, she didn't even know she was there, then who?

"Hmhm, and how about we go to Canterlot! I always wanted to visit the Princesses!"

That sounded like a hyperactive colt. Lightning Dust winced her eyes somewhat, just listening.

"What? You want to visit the Princesses, aren't you a boy?"

The voice of a little filly, it seems. Lightning Dust was no fool, she knew where this was going, her expression sunk, but still she remained, still she continued to listen.

"Now quiet you two, your mom promised she'll take you, and you both know she never breaks her promises. Now go on, go play in your rooms, let your mother relax."

The pegasi from the grand prix, of course. Lightning Dust could hear the two young ponies chuckle and laugh as their voices faded from earshot. She lowered her head. Mom's laughter, her husbands laughter, her children's laughter, they all seemed, so, so happy. She just remained silent, by this time she lowered her hoof, but remained to listen still.

"Aw, why'd you go and do that, they could of stayed."

Mom sounded so affectionate.

"Because I wanted to keep you all to myself. Come here you." , "Hehe"

Lightning Dust gritted her teeth at first, she could feel the anger swell inside her but, soon it was gone. She just smiled softly, hah, even now, she couldn't stay mad at mom. How could she blame her for making her decision, look at her, she was happy, in love, with a functional family. Her plan worked, she was enjoying life. Lightning Dust felt proud of herself as well, she was glad she felt happy for her, although she couldn't tell if she was crying due to the rain, if she was, she was certain they were tears of joy. Good for you mom.

"What's wrong hun?" Her husband pondered.

Lightning Dust's mother sighed heavily "It's just I can't help but-" VROOOM!

Both her and her husband's eyes widened as it sounded like a small rocket had just launched in front of their house. Lightning Dust's mother got off the couch and made her way to the door. Her husband looked at her with a saddened expression "You still thinking about Lightning?"

She lowered her head with saddened eyes "Y-Yes...it's just that, I know she'd never have forgiven me for missing her graduation. But, Lightning is a strong girl, she pulls through." She opened the door to unexpectedly find nothing there, only a empty yard and the pouring rain. She blinked a bit with a somewhat worried expression.

Her husband cocked a brow "What's wrong hun?"

She looked back at him "I don't know, I just got this strange feeling." He laughed somewhat "it's probably nothing." She sighed heavily, gazing back out towards the empty yard once more before shrugging and nodding, closing the door.

"Yea, you're probably right, just nothing."

Lightning Dust bolted through the skies. She looked determined, focused, as if she were 100% certain where she would go from here. She just continued to fly and fly through the skies, she felt like a filly again, running away from home, trying to search for a place to think, but this was still different.

She knew where she wanted to go.

Lightning Dust eventually stopped, landing on a small cloud. Far off in the distance, one could see the beautiful Cloudsdale, and even further, if you had really good eyesight, Canterlot. Lightning Dust had saddened eyes as she looked at the beautiful sights, she looked as if she were admiring them one last time. She took in a deep breath, flapping her wings as she spread them out in a good stretch. She chuckled somewhat, looking down below, it was a beautiful sight, the large pastures of open land, the lakes and rivers and forests. She looked up "This, this is the perfect spot..."

Lightning Dust smiled, lowered her back hooves, sitting gently upon the cloud. She smiled, looking off into the distance, a look of melancholy on her face. Her mane blew with the wind, rustling in the air, she'd always looked so groomed at the academy, this natural feeling she had about her now made her feel nice. She looked up at the sky "Haha, now you give me a nice moment, you have a creepy sense of humor you know that?" She wasn't even sure who she was referring to, she didn't even believe in ponygods besides Celestia and Luna if you could call them that. Perhaps it was just a fun thing to say. She took in the sights, for another brief moment.

She stood to all fours stretching once more.

"Well, guess I should get started....."

The place was beautiful, relaxing, lonely but her's, it was silent with ambience, a world without words.

Chapter 5: The End of the Line

FINAL CHAPTER: THE END OF THE LINE

Back in Fillydelphia, the rain was still pouring heavily over the beautiful city. Approaching the station was the same detective who'd sent Lightning Dust there in the first place. He was soaking wet, had a grumpy demeanor, and just wanted to hurry up and get inside. As he busted his way through the doors, he levitated his top hat off his head in annoyance, wringing out the water then slapping it against his hoof some. "Rain? Of all days, by Celestia, what are those darn pegasi doing?" He rolled his eyes as he saw the two guards he'd sent along with his suspect, he approached them with a tired expression.

He was curious at first, he peered around noticing Lightning Dust was nowhere in sight "Where's my suspect?"

One of the guards blinked a bit, then laughed nervously looking to the lower left. The other began to twirl his hoof against the floor as he laughed nervously as well, looking up slightly "Well you see, about that..."

The other chimed in "It's a long story..."

The detective looked at them curiously, raising a brow "Humor me."

A brief moment later.

"YOU LOST HER?!"

He groaned in discomfort, stomping his hooves as he flared his nostrils in frustration. He threw his top hat to the floor in an angry rage "Can't anything go right these days?! AAAH! You two go do whatever, you're both lucky I got a lead to follow up on. Turns out that lead lives right here in Filly. Now get out of my sight!"

The guards were somewhat relieved to hear he'd be leaving, that means they wouldn't be scolded for the next few hours. He sighed heavily before placing a hoof over his face, shaking his head. The guards gladly followed his orders and made their way out of the station, the detective scowled at them as they left. He then looked up as if begging a higher power for some sense of relief, then making his way out as well.

Already following up on that lead he'd come across.

As Lightning Dust's mother yawned, she continued to trot throughout her home. It was a very cozy place, there was nice furniture, three bedrooms, one of them being a guest room. Then there was obviously their master bedroom, as well as the children who'd surprisingly wanted to share a room with each other. It was the example of a perfect family home.

As she trotted down the hall, she smiled as she came across the kid's room.

They were busy playing with the new Mare-do-well toy set.

"You two having fun?" she questioned in a gentle and curious tone.

The two little ponies looked back at their mother with wide eyes, then chuckled "Yep!" one said in delight as the other inclined "Mhm, we're okay mom! You don't have to keep checking up on us you know."

She shook her head, still having that affectionate smile "No no, I love doing this, you two are my bundles of joy, plus it keeps my mind off other things." She chuckled as they looked at her puzzled "Like what?"

Her eyes widened somewhat, she didn't expect them to follow up on it, she winced, she knew what, but she couldn't say it, not in front of them at least. For a moment she looked saddened, lost, she suddenly wiped that look from her face and just smiled at the two of them "Just, things, you two don't need to worry about it."

They stared at her briefly before shrugging, then continued to play with their toys happily.

She just proceeded to smile and watch them, her eyes widened as she felt somepony tap her with their hoof. She blinked before chuckling, she knew who it was, she just continued to watch her little ones. Her husband smiled standing beside her "Haha, they're just so innocent aren't they?"

She nodded "Mhm..."

He could hear the slight discomfort in her voice. He sighed before running his hoof through her mane affectionately "Listen hun, how about we just go and visit, I'm sure you're overthinking things, she'd probably love to see you."

She shook her head and looked down "No, I'd only make her feel worse If I did that."

She then took a few trots back and made her way down the hall sluggishly. Thinking about Lightning was obviously taking it's toll on her, by the look on her husband's face, it usually did.

He sighed heavily before trailing behind her, calling out to her somewhat "You can't keep blaming yourself for missing her graduation. Things come up, it happens to everypony, you just gotta-"

She cut him off, scowling at him angrily, as if he set off a ticking time bomb within her "I left her! Don't you understand that? I abandoned my daughter for my own selfish reasons! I betrayed her trust in me, betrayed her, left her alone in that dump! While I ran away like some storybook mare, chasing the dream. I am a failure of a mother!" Tears were in her eyes as she spoke on impulse, her expression sank as she realized she'd overreacted. As she peered down the hall, she noticed her little ones were watching, they looked more worried than confused, to them, it sounded like she was just rambling about random things that never happened. At least in their lifetime. She looked at her husband who also seemed speechless.

He sighed heavily before looking back at his kids with a smile "Go back and play you two, mom's fine, she's just a little under the weather, you know, rainy days."

They looked at each other, nodding then looking back at their father "A-Alright" one said as the other continued "We'll go and play." They both looked to their mother "F-Feel better mom" the other smiled "Yea, try not to get under the weather." With that they made their way back to their room hesitantly.

She looked down, she felt horrible, even worse than before. Her husband approached her, embracing her tightly then patting her head "It's alright hun, I'm here, you can talk to me."

She began to sob quietly as she hugged him back, sniffling, she'd been holding in such thoughts for awhile, it was refreshing to finally be able to mention them. As they shared this tranquil moment, suddenly there were knocks at the door.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

They looked at each other curiously as if wondering if they'd both heard the same thing.

The knocks came again.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Her husband smiled as he led her to the living room "No worries hun, I'll get it."

She nodded as she went to sit on the couch, she wiped the tears from her eyes as she then stared at the floor with a deep expression of melancholy. Her husband answered the door, he raised a brow curiously at the stranger standing in the rain. "Uhm, hello there sir may I help you?"

As the detective stood outside the door he still had that grumpy demeanor "Yes you may, is your wife home?"

Lightning Dust's mother peered over at the door as she'd heard she was mentioned. She stared at the detective curiously as he'd looked over at her.

He looked to her husband "May I come in?"

Her husband gave a slight nod of approval as the detective made his way inside, he approached Lightning Dust's mother "Excuse me ma'am, I have something that may be of interest to you, it concerns your ex-husband and well erhm; daughter."

To this her eyes shot wide, she felt her body shudder. A detective wanted to talk to her about Lightning and her ex-husband? What for? Were they okay? Did somepony get hurt? So many questions ran through her head as she nodded to the detective, gulping afterwords "Y-Yes, of course."

Her husband came to join her on the couch as the detective situated himself comfortably before speaking.

"Alright, well, let me start from the beginning."

As he told the couple of what he'd found in Cloudsdale, and how Lightning Dust was believed to be the suspect and how she'd ran away, Lightning Dust's mother never took her eyes off the detective, her body was trembling and she looked utterly shocked by every word. She looked as if she were in a daze, lost, overwhelmed with confusion, she couldn't believe what he was saying. Her Lightning? Her sweet little mare, a murderer? That was impossible, and she knew it!

As he finished he sighed "And that's everything in a nutshe-"

Lightning Dust's mother got off the couch, snapping at the detective in anger "MY LITTLE LIGHTNING DIDN'T MURDER ANYPONY! ESPECIALLY HER FATHER FOR THAT MATTER!" She snarled at him somewhat "HOW COULD YOU EVEN CONSIDER SUCH A THING?!"

The detective was a little taken back by her sudden anger, but understood completely "Listen ma'am, I ain't making any accusations, I'm just saying based on what we found she's the most likely suspect, but I won't know for certain until we find and question her. I mean she does seem to fit the profile, a drunk father, lack of a motherly figure."

Those last words made her cringe, she winced at him somewhat as he noticed.

He sighed then just continued. "Perhaps she was abused, maybe things got out of hand, she overpowered him, and-"

She interrupted him again "Are you insane?! My ex-husband was a depressed drunk, but he'd never lay a hoof on her! And she would never hurt him! Y-You said there were no stab wounds of the sort, what makes you rule out the possibility of suicide?"

This made the detective's eyes widen as he then rubbed his chin, pondering "Hmmm, now that you mention it-"

Lightning Dust's mother groaned angrily as she stomped a hoof, heading straight for the door. "I don't have time for this!"

Her husband called out to her "Wait hun, I'll go with you!"

She looked back at him with saddened eyes, she shook her head "No darling, not this time, I can get there faster on my own. Please, stay here and watch over our little ones."

He looked at her defiantly at first, but soon that attitude melted away as he'd given in to her words. "F-Fine, I'll stay here. But you be careful."

She smirked at him "You know I will."

As she opened the door, stepping outside and spreading her wings, she had a determined look on her face. She looked fierce, a fiery passion burning in her eyes as if she knew exactly where to go. She prepared herself for flight as the detective suddenly rushed over to her.

"Wait ma'am! Where are you going, are you saying you know where she is?" he beckoned.

She glanced back at him with a simple nod "Yes, it's my daughter, I know where she'd go during a time like this." She looked down with a guilty expression, "I only wish I was there since the beginning, to comfort her, but, I won't make that mistake again."

She looked up towards the sky "Wait for me Lightning, mom will be there soon."

She bolted off into the sky, as she did so her husband ran out the house and yelled up at her "Make sure you bring her home hun! We'll be waiting!"

She glanced back at him, as she teared up a little, she smiled as she continued to fly, yelling back "I will!"

With that she was gone, disappearing into the clouds as they remained in the front yard, just staring in awe. Even though she was a mother of three, she was quite fast, well it was Lightning Dust's mother of course.

As Lightning Dust remained on top of her small cloud, she continued to peer off into the distance. She wasn't sure what this feeling was, but it wasn't bad in particular, more like reflective, she closed her eyes for a second, relishing in the feeling of the wind against her face, the gentle breeze running along her coat and mane, it felt spectacular.

She took in a deep breath, then smiled softly to herself I'm ready.

She'd looked determined, she turned atop her cloud, facing the opposite direction. She closed her eyes halfway as she was pacing somewhat, as if preparing herself mentally for what was about to come, she outstretched her right wing first, she closed her eyes tight, gritting her teeth as she reached back grabbing it with her hoof.

SNAP!

She yelped in pain, trembling horribly as she fell to her side, barely able to keep herself up after that moment. She was sweating, breathing heavily, the pain obviously taking it's toll on her. How the buck did dad pull this off? This hurts like hay! She glanced back at her right wing, she could no longer flap it, making it useless for flight. She smiled, just like she'd wanted. She took in another deep breath, her hoof trembled as she reached back for her other wing, her eyes shut tight as she bit her bottom lip, she took firm grasp of it then let off a small whine, preparing for the pain.

SNAP!

She cried out in pain, it felt unbearable, but at least, it was finished, for now. She was breathing heavily, she was surprised she hadn't fainted, that'd have been extremely fortunate in this situation she thought. As she attempted to flap her wings to no avail, she chuckled softly, bags appearing under her eyes due to the pure exhaustion she was having just from lasting through all that.

So this is what being an earth pony feels like, huh, weird.

She looked ahead with a weak smile, you were one tough stallion dad, I'll give you that.

She took a few trots back, feeling the drop at the edge of the cloud slightly, it sent a shiver up her spine. It was definitely a long drop. Lightning Dust stood up on her hind legs, spreading the other two out as if begging for the wind's cold embrace. "Hah! Now this is what I call style!" Although she looked like she was in agonizing pain, at this moment, she was also smiling, actually it was more than that, she was laughing. Laughing as if she were having the time of her life, as she looked off into the distant skies, she couldn't help but feel a little joyous about the situation she'd put herself in, she felt alive. No turning back now! She gave a fierce grin, it was always meant to end this way.

This was destiny, she'd always felt at home, here in the sky. She may not have become a wonderbolt, but still, like most pegasi, she belonged here, here in the clouds, with the winds against her back, and the clouds by her side. She looked up, humored that it'd come to this, most would call her a coward, tell her that she was running away from the world and it's problems, that she needs to grow up and get over it all. But she was no coward, she smirked, this was her decision, this was by her own volition, she wasn't choosing to run away, not in her eyes, she was just choosing to leave this world because there was nothing left for her here. She was moving on, she was ready to finally rest. She was ready for everything to just come to an end.

Here I go....

She took a step back, off the cloud, she immediately felt the sudden pull of gravity. Her hooves still spread out, as if embracing her fate, she fell back, although in reality that sudden fall would only have been a second, to her it felt like an eternity. She closed her eyes somewhat, her sudden tears trailing off into the sky. They say right before you die, your life flashes before your eyes, not for Lightning Dust, all she saw was the beautiful sky. However, the memories suddenly all came back to her, memories from key moments throughout her life. She smiled, how refreshing that was, one last look at everything she'd accomplished, and one last look at everything she'd failed to achieve. The words from such times rang in her mind.

"Well, dreams are kind of a complicated thing."

"You're the best of the best, and I know it."

"You got a bright future ahead of you!"

"I'll be close by sweetie."

"You've had enough time, Lightning Dust."

As the memories flashed through her head, she winced somewhat. Ha... another one, one she didn't expect, it was back when she was still in the academy. Back when she'd costed herself her friendship with Rainbow Dash, how funny, they were her own words.

"Hey, you snooze, you lose! Besides, Wonderbolts are supposed to be able to recover from a spinout. You saw them on the Dizzitron. They could use the practice. I mean, it's not our fault we're so much better than those other guys. Not every pony is destined to become a Wonderbolt. Only the best of the best, right?"

Lightning Dust smiled, not even she was sure why she recalled such a thing, but somehow it felt fitting, she wasn't complaining, perhaps it meant something, perhaps it didn't, either way, none of that mattered now.

Time caught up with her, the moment became fleeting once more, still at the moment right before she would begin plummeting towards the ground, right when she'd just stepped off the cloud. She was ready, this was it, from here on out it would be nothing but the drop, and waiting for the sudden crash below.

This was the beginning of the end.

"LIGHTNING!"

Her eyes snapped wide.

Mom?!.....

And so it began. Plummeting down towards the ground, her quickening descent had begun.

Lightning Dust's mother breathed heavily as she looked horribly tired, she looked at her daughter continue to fall, pondering what she was doing, why didn't she just recover from the rapid descent and fly? Suddenly her eyes widened, she recalled what the detective had told her about the supposed murder.

His wings were snapped out of place.

They were indeed twisted, limp, out of place. She was doing exactly what her dad did!

Her expression sunk, dread creeping over her features as she gasped, yelling desperately in the form of a cry "NO!"

Tears filled her eyes as she then bolted after her falling daughter. She had to catch her before she hit the ground, she just had to! Her wings flapped voraciously as the tears were flying from her eyes, she shot her way downward as she was in pursuit of the rapidly descending Lightning.

Lightning looked at her mother attempting to catch up to her with wide eyes, it was her, it was really her, after all these years, she was finally here. It was mom.

She was fast, just like her, Lightning just continued to gaze up as she was falling, mom was getting closer and closer. She looked just as frightened as she was determined. Lightning looked grief struck, at a loss for words as she stared at her, just flying down towards her, attempting to save her.

She even called out "LIGHTNING, HOLD ON I'M COMING SWEETIE!"

Lightning felt the tears swell up in her eyes dramatically, she began to sob, why, why now? But wait, this wasn't the time to complain, time was short, and mom likely wasn't going to make it. Just as she was getting closer, so was the ground, Lightning Dust had to think of something to tell her, but what? Her expression changed, she looked at her mother with a tragic smile, the tears flying from her eyes as she fell, her eyes wincing at her mother affectionately, lovingly, cravingly, she yelled up at her "I LOVE YOU MOM!"

Lightning Dust's mom just gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with dread, she was so close now! Only a few feet! But they were rapidly nearing the ground, only a brief window in order to finish it! She shook her head, she wasn't going to make it, no, she had to make it, she had to! She bolted down, flapping her wings as hard as she could, putting all her strength into that last burst, to save her precious daughter. She stretched out her hooves, Lightning Dust just continued to smile looking into her mother's eyes. She stretched her hooves up at her, as if preparing to embrace her for a tight hug, she smiled at her mother, she was so close now.

I love you mom....

Darkness.

Lightning Dust's eyes snapped wide, she leaned upward, the world around her was white, and filled with light.

Where was she?

As she struggled to get to her hooves, she found she could flap her wings again. She felt light, transparent, was she dead? She looked over herself, fluttering a bit as she raised a brow. "I, I feel alive...but,...this isn't Equestria, where is this?"

She covered her eyes, suddenly a bright sphere of light approached her, emerging from the obscure landscape. As it did, it also spoke in a beautiful, wise, and powerful voice, it sounded kind "Welcome, my little pony."

Lightning Dust blinked a bit, looking at it curiously, soon her expression sunk humorously "You better not tell me you're the god of ponies or something."

The sphere of light remained silent for a moment before speaking "That, is for you to decide. Whether you want to believe this is the afterlife, whether I'm a god, or whether this is all just a dream is up to you."

Lightning Dust looked at the sphere of light curiously "Alright, but what am I even doing here? I'm dead right?"

The sphere of light questioned her curiously "I don't know, are you?"

Lightning Dust moaned in discomfort, annoyed by the riddles. "I was hoping you could tell me!"

It spoke "I am not here to provide answers, I am only here to listen, and learn."

Lightning Dust looked absolutely puzzled, she snapped "Learn and listen to what? I have nothing to say!"

"Why do you believe you are here?" the sphere of light questioned.

Lightning Dust's eyes widened somewhat, she looked down towards the strange infinitely white landscape "It's probably because I ended up dying, now I'm in the afterlife, well if this is the place, it sure looks boring."

"Why are you so persistent on believing you're dead?"

Lightning Dust felt irked by this, she winced at the sphere of light "B-Because I fell duh!"

"Didn't your mother catch you?"

Lightning Dust's expression sunk once more as she lowered her head and ears, she muttered "I, I don't know...I, I guess it's possible, but, if that happened I wouldn't have arrived here."

"Perhaps it was your own choice little one. In the end it's all up to you."

Lightning Dust gazed up at it "What is that even supposed to mean? All up to me?"

The sphere of light remained silent for another brief moment before questioning "Do you want to live?"

Lightning Dust's eyes widened, she remained silent, did she want to live? Did she want to go back to that world, where she supposedly had nothing left? Did she want to risk losing everything again? Did she want to continue fighting? So many things, suddenly an image popped up in her head. An image of her mother. Mom was there, and she somehow managed to find her, she was trying her hardest to save her, she cared for her. Lightning Dust felt tears stream down her cheeks. She loved her. Lightning Dust looked back up at the sphere of light with a simple nod, gulping somewhat.

"Y-Yes, I want to live..."

The sphere of light was silent once again, as it laughed softly "Very well..."

As it said these words, Lightning Dust's body began to fade. She looked up at the sphere of light, the world around her glowing vibrantly as she began to disappear, she had saddened eyes, her heart ached, she wasn't sure why, tears slowly ran down her cheeks as she smiled softly at the sphere of light. "Thank you...."

The world around her began to fade.

The sphere of light replied, in a soft, all too familiar tone "Anytime....kiddo..."

Lightning Dust's eyes widened with recognition, but before she had time to say anything, she was gone once again.

Lightning Dust felt pain flow all throughout her body.

She leaned up slowly, she was covered in bandages all over. She was also on a respirator of sorts and was wearing a patient's robe, she was obviously in a hospital room. She looked around, there was another bed near the door. She glanced to her left, looking out the window, she could feel the warmth of the sun on her face. It was a beautiful looking day outside, the sky was a gorgeous blue and the clouds were thick and white, she could hear the birds singing outside her window. Lightning Dust looked tired, she looked at her hoof, as if inspecting it. She was deep in thought.

A dream?

She remained in bed, pondering, was that all really just a dream? Was it just some form of comfort to get her to wake up from her slumber? Was that really- no it couldn't have been. So many questions she thought, as usual. But, perhaps, it was better off that way, perhaps it was better not knowing all the answers, maybe, everything was as it should be. A smile crept onto her face.

Suddenly the door to her room opened.

As Lightning Dust turned to see who it was, her eyes widened, she felt the tears swell up in her eyes.

"Oh is this big sister?" said a little filly.

"She looks all beat up, what happened to her?" said a curious colt.

"Haha, she had a bit of an accident you two, but she's tough!" said a reassuring stallion.

Then came that all too familiar voice.

"You sure put me through a lot of trouble sweetie."

The tears streamed down Lightning Dust's cheeks, she was speechless.

There standing in the doorway were two little ponies, a rugged stallion and last but not least, mom, all with smiles on their faces.

The two little ponies looked up at mother curiously "Uhm mom, she's crying?"

The little filly looked at Lightning Dust with saddened eyes "Yea, don't cry big sister, it's okay." The little filly began to tear up as well "You're making me want to cry now!"

The little colt nudged her lightly "Haha you crybaby!"

The stallion bopped the colt on the head softly "Hey now, no picking on your little sister!"

Lightning Dust's mother approached her nervously, as Lightning just continued to look at her as she did so. "The uhm, detective apologized for the misunderstanding. We'll, we'll have to arrange for dad's funeral but, it should all go smoothly. L-Listen sweetie..." Lightning Dust just continued to stare at her "If..if you don't want me to be here, that's fine, I'll understand, I know I haven't been there for you often, and-"

Lightning Dust just leaped from the bed, wrapping her hooves tightly around her mother in a loving embrace "MOM!" she wept as she held her close.

Her mother's eyes widened, as her lower lip began to quiver, her body trembled, she returned the hug, and she to wept, nuzzling into her daughter's mane gently, lovingly, finally. "Sweetie..."

The two ponies wept as they held each other close. Suddenly the crying filly ran over to Lightning Dust "H-Hey! I want a hug to!" She clung onto the aquamarine mare happily, smiling up at her "It's nice to meet you big sister!" The colt made his way over giving her a hug as well as the stallion remained back, just smiling at them with a slight smirk.

Lightning Dust's eyes widened as she looked at the two little ponies calling her big sister. Lightning Dust winced in pain a little since she was still hurt, but chuckled softly as she lowered herself to hug the two little ponies, "And it's nice to meet the two of you as well."

The stallion rolled his eyes "Ah what the heck." He went over to the four of them and gave Lightning Dust a hug himself "Glad to see you're alright."

Lightning Dust gave him a smile of approval, returning the hug. They were all so kind, so nice, they were, like family. As she stared at all of them, they just smiled back at her, she blushed softly, chuckling a little as she gave them all a cheesy affectionate smile, and all five of them, hugged as one, one big happy family.

Things finally seemed to be getting better, the future was still uncertain, but Lightning Dust wasn't worrying about that at the moment. For now, this single moment in time was perfect, she was with family, she wasn't alone, she'd chosen to live, and keep living, she was happy.

Perhaps life wasn't just one big bucking coincidence, perhaps everything was meant to play out this way.

Either way, I guess we may never know.

It's funny isn't it, how things can just unexpectedly turn around. How your life can just go from good to bad, to horrible, then joyous once more. I guess that's just life, it works in mysterious ways. I may not have become a wonderbolt, but what I've gained, is beyond words, too beautiful to describe. I won't lie and say I didn't lose hope, that I didn't feel like giving up, but, perhaps that to is a lesson, that even during the darkest day of your life, there will always be a light that can possibly shine through. I won't go all philosophical on you, hah, I'm not like that, but I guess, this was something I just had to describe.

Something that exists outside the boundaries of our simple lives. Hey, I'm trying alright.

Ah forget it, you get the point!

But anyways guys, thanks for sticking with me up to this point, & for all its worth.

"Goodbye."

Lightning Dust chuckled, giving a wink & soft smile.

And I guess, that was The End of the Line.

THE END