//------------------------------//
// A Dream in Manehattan part 3 
// Story: The Legend of Lightning Ace: Childhood 
// by LightningAce7 
//------------------------------//

            Not a single foal could choose as everything on the menu was to die for. After much deliberation, they decided on a little of everything. Thankfully, the Oranges had offered to hoof the bill, so they went all out, and got everything. After making their orders, the foals couldn't resist drooling over the amazing things they had ordered. Things such as gourmet chef mac n cheese, gourmet daisy sandwiches, the finest hay from only the most fertile fields. All the while Applejack was simply watching them gawk over foods that she herself found hollow. "Ah hope y'all enjoy the food. But where y'all goin? Are y'all lost?" Applejack asked.

"We're from Cloudsdale...Flight Camp more or less." Flash said, looking down.

"I was in a race, I think it was a test or something. Anyway because of a fight I was in a month ago my wing, that is the one you wrapped up..." Lightning blushed at the last part. "I...it broke as I tried to slow myself out of sonic speeds. I lost control and fell. If it weren't for you three, I'd probably be dead. So once again thanks!"

"What are friends for? Least we could do was save you." Flash said. "Though there is some bad news."

"What?" Lightning asked.

"Well...the doctor who came to help said that your wing is broken." Flash said.

'Wait what? No...' Lightning thought, now trembling.

"According to the doctor your not flying anytime soon." Flash continued. " In other words, I don't think we'll be returning to Flight Camp...or Cloudsdale...anytime soon."

"We'll ah suppose y'all could stay with me for ah spell ifin mah folks the Oranges don't mind." Applejack said. She turned in her seat to face Mrs. Orange. "Is it alright ifin mah new friends stay with us overnight? ah don't think they've got anywhere to go. Please?"

Mrs. Orange turned from her posh friends. "Of course Applejack. Considering the circumstances, they are more than welcome to stay." Mrs. Orange said.

Applejack turned back to her friends. "Y'all can stay."

"Thanks Applejack." Lightning said. Just as he finished thanking her the chefs came out the door from the hallway bearing mountains of food. The very literall buffet was laid out before the foals upon their table. After the chefs were finished setting the table the foals wasted no time diving into the sea of rich food. Applejack, who had been pratically forced to eat in a couth, very civilized manner suddenly found herself digging in herself. Everypony was staring at the foals but they weren't in the least bit concerned. They were now in food heaven, and nothing would distract them now. That is...until they finished. They had somehow managed, to the astonishment of everypony in the room, to completely consume every last piece of food from what had been a mountain of delicacies. Soon after the others got back to their posh dinner party, the sounds of deftly clinking plates and silverware returning. "So Applejack...umm...what brings you to Manehattan?" Lightning asked.

"Well...ah suppose ah wanted to live the high life..." she looked down.'wanted' she thought. "Ah didn't want to stay on mah farm mah whole life. Ah wanted to see the big city, to live like...like..." a tear started down her cheek. "Ah'm sorry Lightning...ah guess ah kinda miss mah family."

"I understand...I recently lost my dad. I miss him so much...I..." Now Lightning was getting teary eyed.

"Ah'm so sorry Lightning, ah'm sure he was a good stallion." Aj said.

"He was an explorer, an archeologest. He explored ancient ruins. He had a really cool study too." Lightning said, fighting off the tears. The party was starting to wind down now as attendees started to trade goodbyes.

"Come on my little ponies, it's time to go." Mrs. Orange said. The foals, now full with rich food, complied and left. They also left a huge mountain of dishes behind, much to the dismay of the dish colt who went in as everypony left.

The ride back home was quiet, as all but Derpy had fallen asleep. She was of course still entranced by the sights and sounds of the city. She was transfixed on every little detail that they passed by. Light posts, neon signs, lanterns, other ponies goinig about their business, it was hard not to see why Aj wanted to live hear. Eventually though the late hour had finnaly taken it's toll on her, and she finally dozed off. When they arrived the Oranges carried the foals inside and put them in guest beds. They then went to bed themselves, wondering how in the hay that three foals could possibly eat so much.

to be continued...