//------------------------------// // Cloud Dream's arrival // Story: Pegasus Dreams // by BluePhoenyx //------------------------------// Sweat poured off of the white and gray pony as he hauled his heavy cart to Ponyville. His coat was a brilliant white but had a dark gray mane and tail with gray eyes to match. He had heard about the small town all his life. For him, Ponyville meant a second chance at life and possibly some friends that would understand him. He heard some of the best fliers lived. He especially wanted to meet the legendary pegasus pony who successfully created a Rainboom, and also represented one of the elements in the Elements of Harmony. He had heard all about the six ponies representing these elements and their exploits in saving Equestria. Soon, The Pegasus was in Ponyville, Just on the outskirts. He saw the little town in the middle of a busy day. Ponies were rushing to food stands or going to the various shops in town. He looked up and could just barely see Cloudsdale above him as he crossed a small bridge. Of course, not watching where he was going, the Pegasus crashed into a cart… nose first. He stepped back a few spaces and rubbed his nose with his hoof to rub away the pain. “Ugh, Sorry about that. I wasn’t paying attention.” He said and looked up to see a cart full of apples. A yellow Pony with a lighter yellow mane and three apples for a cutie mark came from around the cart. She was wearing an old fashioned western hat and had three little freckles on each cheek. Her eyes were an emerald green and had a look of sincere concern in them. “Oh my goodness. Are you alright there sugar cube? I didn’t realize I was in the middle of the road.” She said in a smooth southern accent. “Oh, that’s alright. I’m pretty clumsy. I’m new to Ponyville, my name is Cloud Dream.” The Pegasus replied with a bright smile. “Pleasure to meet ya Cloud Dream. My name is Apple Jack. I’m on my way into the Ponyville market place if y’all wanna come with, I can show ya around.” The Pony said, grabbing Cloud Dream’s hoof and shaking it vigorously. “Apple Jack? Hey you’re one of the Ponies that represent the Elements of Harmony. Uh, uh, Honesty right?” Cloud Dream said in excitement. He reared and kicked to show his enthusiasm. “Uh well yes I suppose that’s right. Have we met?” Apple Jack asked. “No, but I’ve heard all about you. I’m from Trottingham and the stories of you and your friends are the reason I’m here.” Cloud Dream replied happily. “Well shucks, I didn’t know we were famous. I bet the others would be pleased as punch to hear about this. Come on I’ll show ya around.” Apple Jack said and turned back to her cart to get back in the reigns and drag it off. Cloud Dream happily began to follow until a voice from the distance stopped them. “Apple Jack! Apple Jack! Apple Jack!!!!!!!” a young southern voice screeched as a little filly came racing across the field. She had a red mane with a yellow body much like Apple Jacks’ “Oh..What in tarnation is it now Apple bloom?” Apple jack asked, obviously annoyed by the young filly. “She’s my little sister.” Apple Jack explained to an obviously confused Cloud Dream. “Please can I help in the market today? Please, please, please? I just know I’ll get my cutie mark that way pleeaaassseeeee?” Apple bloom begged, bouncing up and down on her hind legs. “Apple bloom I told ya you’ll get yer cutie mark when yer ready and not before.” Apple Jack said, stomping a hoof down. “But Aplpe Jaaackk. What if I’m late? What if I never get my cutie mark? What if I don’t have a special talent!?” Apple Bloom whined and sat down on her rump hard, making a small cloud of dust. “You’ll get yer cutie mark sugar cube don’t you fret. Yer not late or nothing. Ain’t that right Cloud Dream?” Apple Jack said and turned to Cloud Dream for some back up, considering the little filly was moments away from tears. “uhm well uh, yeah of course. You’ll get it little miss.” Cloud Dream said, tightening his wings closer to his body. “See? Now run along Apple Bloom, I’m busy showing Cloud Dream here around.” Apple Jack said, nudging Apple Bloom away gently. “Aw let her come along miss Apple Jack, I’m sure she won’t be a bother. Isn’t that right little miss?” Cloud Dream said, Patting Apple Bloom on the head. Apple Jack beamed brightly and stared at her older sister. “Ohhh…Alright.. but you better stay out of trouble ya hear?” Apple Jack said, eyeing Apple Bloom sharply. “Yes Ma’am!” Apple Bloom said and saluted. “Can I help ya with yer cart there Cloud Dream?” Apple Bloom asked, rushing over without waiting for a response and started trying to climb into the cart. “Oh, no little miss that’s alright I-Ah!” Cloud Dream yelled as the cart tipped over, taking Apple Bloom and him with it. Instinctively, Cloud Dream opened his wings and tried flapping but he went down anyway. Apple Bloom landed softly on a blanket and pillow that fell out of the cart. She shook the dizziness from her head and looked over to Cloud Dream who was getting up and rubbing his head in pain. He lifted his wing a bit and groaned. Apple Bloom gasped and left her jaw open. “Apple Bloom!!! Look what you did no-” Apple Jack cut herself off when she saw Cloud Dream’s body completely missing a cutie mark. Cloud Dream looked up to see what the matter was and realized what they were looking at. He quickly closed his wings and covered up his flank. “Wha..why. I don’t understand. You don’t have a cutie mark?” Apple Jack asked, lifting a hoof up. “well..Um…no.” Cloud Dream said lowering his head in shame. “See, that’s the whole reason I’m here. I never found what my true talent was in Trottingham. But my dream has always been to control and monitor the lighting clouds during storms.” Cloud Dream explained, keeping his head down. “Then, how come you never tried?” Apple Jack asked, tilting her head slightly. “I…I can’t fly…” Cloud Dream admitted. “Well shoot, you’ll be alright. My friend Fluttershy can’t fly too high neither and she’s done alright. Her talent is communicating with critters.” Apple Jack said, snickering softly. “It’s not that simple.” Cloud Dream said and got up, walking over to the bridge and climbing up on the side. He spread his wings and clenched his eyes shut as he jumped off. He flapped as hard as he could, but simply dropped down into the shallow creek below. He grunted from the landing and sat up, dripping wet. “Well my goodness. I’ve never seen a Pegasus who can’t fly period.” Apple Jack said. “Or an older one with a blank flank.” Apple bloom said almost accusingly. “Apple Bloom, you hush now.” Apple Jack said and slid down the bank to help Cloud Dream out of the creek bed. Once they were out, Cloud Dream shook off the water and closed his wings tightly against his body. “So you see, I was hoping you and your friends could help me learn to fly.” Cloud Dream said sadly. He walked over to his cart and started to try and push it up. “Of course we’ll help you sugar cube.” Apple Jack said as she walked over and put a hoof on his shoulder. Cloud Dream smiled faintly as he looked down at her. He was a bit taller than Apple Jack but he didn’t seem to notice much. The only thing he could think of was that she was really pretty; a bit rough and maybe a little dirty from working on a farm all day, but still pretty. Apple jack cleared her throat and backed off a bit once she realized he was staring. “Apple Bloom, go find Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity and have them meet us at Fluttershy’s cottage.” Apple jack said and got back to her own cart of apples. Cloud Dream got back to his and followed Apple Jack towards Fluttershy’s cottage. About half way there Apple jack looked up and saw a rainbow colored tail hanging off a cloud along with one blue hoof. “Rainbow Dash! That you up there?” Apple Jack called out. The hoof and tail disappeared into the cloud and on the other side a blue pony’s head and rainbow mane poked out. “What Apple Jack? I’m busy.” Rainbow Dash said. “Get yer tail down here Rainbow Dash yer not busy.” Apple Jack demanded. Rainbow Dash Groaned and jumped down, gently landing on the ground in front of Apple Jack. “Who’s the new guy?” Rainbow Dash asked, walking over to Cloud Dream. “This here is Cloud Dream and he desperately needs our help. I’ll explain at Fluttershy’s place.” Apple Jack said. “Wow, Rainbow Dash I can’t believe I finally get to meet the mare that did the sonic rainboom.” Cloud Dream said beaming brightly. “Hah yeah it was pretty awesome wasn’t it?” Rainbow dash asked, flying on her back all around him. “Well, I never actually got to see it but I bet it was amazing. Is it true that you’re going to join the Wonder Bolts some day?” Cloud Dream asked, following after Apple Jack with Rainbow close behind. “You bet! I might even get to be captain one day.” Rainbow said, trotting behind them. Cloud Dream was speechless as he watched Rainbow do various tricks as they walked on. Things were finally starting to look up for Cloud Dream and he couldn’t wait to meet the others… End ch.1