Notes: Sorry for taking so long to get this chapter out! Life is life, ya know? ^^;; Two more parts of this arc remain after this! Also, remember that Theoretical Science Warning at the beginning of the story? Well, this was mainly the chapter it was meant for, so...
September 14th, Ponyville…
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Chapter 1: The Problem
Greetings and welcome to Pegasus Flight and its Applications. I’m assuming that since you’re reading this that you’ve already perused my foreword in this book, and thus know my name: Typhoon VI. Therefore, I’ll also assume that you know that I’m worried about the current situation in regards to the status of Pegasus flight knowledge, and how shallow that pool of knowledge is swiftly becoming. As said, I have multiple theories and opinions on why Pegasi are taking for granted their natural gifts of flight and mastery of the air, and if I may, I’d like to speak upon them for a moment here.
Doubtless one has noticed that the Pegasus race prides itself on getting things done as quickly and efficiently as possible, and I’m not going to knock them on that; for the most part, they do an excellent job keeping the weather in Equestria in check, the seasons rolling along smoothly, as well as a fine job of helping the Earth Ponies with the irrigation of their yearly crops. However, one will also doubtless notice that Pegasi put perhaps too much emphasis on speed, some even to the point of recklessness…I won’t name any names, but surely you the reader can name a good hoof-full of them with little effort. This is where my worries and disappointment begin.
I strongly feel that the Pegasus race-my own race-has become far too obsessed with speed of task and is rather needlessly competitive with their fellow Unicorns and Earth Ponies. The most likely cause is our ancient sense of warrior pride, but that’s speculation for another day. Suffice to say that desire for greater and greater speed has led to cutting of corners in the Pegasus flight process due to impatience to add more Pegasi to the workforce (again, this likely stems from an ingrained instinct to get as many warriors into the field as possible). However, due to the less strenuous and dangerous duties of the day compared to ancient warfare, even more corners are being cut than common sense would allow.
For example, I see many Pegasi fillies and foals being quite literally thrown off of clouds during their flight training. They are tossed off again and again until the Pegasus builds up enough wing strength so that they no longer fall. True, it’s a quick way of building strength, but it sets the wrong foundation for a Pegasus that has the potential to affect not just how it flies, but every single facet of the rest of its life. Rather than learning to fly because they desire to experience the sheer joy of it, they are instead pressed into the workforce machine too quickly for my liking. Add to that the peer pressure, squabbling, and bullying I see being shown towards those that aren’t the fastest to fly, and it forces them to learn the wrong way even worse than before. And so, at the end of the day, you’ll have a Pegasus with strong wings, but weak spirits; since their only reason to fly in the first place was so they wouldn’t fall, they are not flying as their forebears used to…instead, they are merely not falling, and it saddens me greatly to see this happen…and even more when a filly or foal just can’t make the cut and instead of adjusting to a different flying style…they’re merely left behind just as the other flight methods have been abandoned to antiquity by all but the most dedicated fliers. This needs to change, or too many innocent Pegasi may fall by the wayside. Hopefully, the lessons passed down within this book may keep that chance for change alive.
"No offense Fluttershy, but that sounds alot like you," Volare noticed the butter-yellow Pegasus' face had withdrawn behind her pink mane with a light whimper, and he leaned comfortingly against her shoulder. Twilight respectfully paused in her reading and cocked a concerned eyebrow.
"I-I know," she muttered with a shake of her head. "That's about how it went...the coaches tossing me off the clouds day after day, telling me 'you can do better than that!' And then all the other Pegasi that could already fly...ones even younger than me...they constantly badgered me and made fun of me, calling me Clutzer-shy and"-she trailed off into another painful whimper.
"I-I'm sorry Fluttershy," Twilight said with a frown, hovering the book off the stump and beginning to close it. "We'll just...cover this some other time if it bothers you that bad"-
"No, Twilight!" the Pegasus' head shot up in a whiplash of pink and she blinked the moisture from her eyes. "It hurts yes, but this is for Volare, not me. He needs to learn this so he can fly and not get hurt." She glanced sideways at the sympathetic stallion. "And if it means using me as an example of what not to do, then so be it."
"Aww, Flutters," Volare half-wrapped a wing around her. "You're more to me than that. You're my friend and if it hurts that bad, I'm ok with stopping for now."
"No...it's fine...I'll be fine," she shook her head quickly and looked back up at the Pegasus. "Even though it took me years to rebuild my self-confidence after falling from Cloudsdale, I was inspired by the animals I loved so much to be able to fly in my own way. Because of this, though I lack the sheer wing strength of other Pegasi, since I focus more on being efficient, I feel competent enough of a flier to be able to go about my life without worry of falling anymore." She placed a hoof on his shoulder and smiled. "It's that efficiency that I learned the hard way that I've been trying to pass onto you through those exercises...that way, in case your wings aren't as powerful, you won't have to worry about not having an alternate method."
"I see...thanks, Fluttershy," he returned the smile. "Heh, at the very least, being an efficient flier would help on a long-distance flight, right?"
"Mhm, exactly," the mare nodded and turned to Twilight. "Please continue."
"Right," the Librarian replied and turned back to the book.
Chapter 2: A Small Refresher
Although it was my request that you, the reader, be well-acquainted with Pegasi anatomy before even reading this book, I'd wager that even you could use a review. And not to brag, but with my insight into these things, who knows...you may even learn something new, eh?
A Pegasus is not like the other two pony races for reasons other than the obvious: the wings. But since that is the most obvious difference, we'll begin there. A Pegasus' wings are much like a bird's wings: lightweight and flexible, with hollow, truss-strengthened bones that allow the wings to be moved at a ferocious pace without tiring quickly, and fringed with primary feathers that can be used as rudimentary grasping appendages, as well as flight. The feathers are slightly oily to shed water during rainy flight, and fully cover the wings of a healthy Pegasus, primarily aiding in providing additional surface area to the wings, which have a relatively small body to wing ratio when compared with a bird. At first glance, this would seem to make flight impossible, or at the very least, not very sustainable through strength alone. It's very easy to make that conclusion at first glance, but as a Pegasus is not built like Unicorns or heavier Earth Ponies, applying the same rules of thrust required to move mass to a Pegasus is rather foolish. They play by a slightly different set of rules, both physical and magical...more on the latter later; let us now cover the former!
Just like a bird, the ribcage contains Uncinate Processes that strengthen the rib bones against the stresses incurred during flight as well as serving as an anchoring point for some of the wing muscles and tendons. These also provide additional overlapping protection to the Pegasus' internals, making it rather difficult to slip a blade or horn between the ribs and into something vital; natural armor, you might call it. The muscles and tendons that anchor the wings to a Pegasus' ribcage are very flexible, and contain various fibers that allow quick, precise movements at a whim. These fibers are fed oxygen by lungs that are nearly twice the capacity of Earth Ponies or Unicorns. These lungs fill nearly the entirety of the Pegasus chest cavity, the remaining space of which is taken up by an enlarged and powerful heart, which serves to feed the wings the energy they require during flight. The lungs also serve another purpose: during high-speed maneuvers, the blood can rush from a Pegasus' head to its hindquarters, causing it to black out and plummet from the sky. When inflated to full capacity and combined with tension from the chest muscles, a Pegasus can effectively pinch off the blood flow between its upper and lower body for a short time, keeping the blood in its head and preventing sudden blackouts. During all high-speed maneuvers, it is recommended to take a deep breath and hold it for duration of the maneuver for this very purpose.
Moving further down the body, the fur is typically short and unlike Unicorns or Earth Ponies, every single strand not of the mane is angled backwards, further streamlining the body and aiding the Pegasus in cutting through the air during flight. The bones of the body, much like those of the wings, are also hollow and truss-strengthened, cutting down on the weight a Pegasus is required to carry off the ground without sacrificing on strength, flexibility, or protection. The musculature of the legs, while not as densely packed as an Earth Pony, is still very well-developed when compared with a Unicorn (and when compared to heavier Earth Ponies, there's really no need for so much muscle, as a Pegasus is much lighter weight in comparison due to its bone structure). As with the wings, when combined with those lightweight bones, it allows a Pegasus to move its limbs very quickly, generating considerable force behind the movements within a short distance. All told, these physical advantages combine to create a pony with a relatively high muscle to weight ratio But these are all truly just accessories of the Pegasus itself; parts of a whole. It is from within that the true power of a Pegasus manifests itself.
"Ok," Twilight looked up at Volare with a very serious expression. "This is why your acceptance-your total acceptance-of your situation, your body, and magic is very important, Volare," she tapped the book with a hoof in emphasis as she spoke. "For without accepting those things you're experiencing, you won't be able to understand, and therefore accomplish, your task: flight."
"I understand," the pilot nodded. "Or, well, at least I'm hoping to."
"Good, cuz that's what we're here for," Twilight smiled. "Now, I've read ahead in this book, and if I recall correctly, where we stopped just now is about as far as we got weeks ago when we studied that Advanced Pony Anatomy book, right?"
"Yeah, I'm recognizing the terms so far, albeit these are alot more in-depth than from the book in your Library."
"Well, they are from a Pegasus' point of view, and from what I've been able to dig up on the author, he was one of the premiere flight instructors of his day, so I think it's safe to say he knows what he's talking about here," she tapped the book again. "Therefore, don't fight what you're about to learn. Suspend your disbelief if you have to, because...well, since you're a physics major back on Earth, this may very well go against many principles you've been taught."
"Will I have to unlearn them to fully understand, Twi?" he asked with a hint of worry; that'd be ridiculously difficult.
"No, because alot of what you know is still applicable here (though your physics don't take into account forces such as magic being such a great factor in things, mainly because it doesn't really exist on Earth, but that's besides the point). Just...don't think of it as unlearning what you know," she shook her head. "Think of it as a door you never knew was there being suddenly illuminated, and you stepping inside onto a path you hadn't realized existed until right now."
"So just keep an open mind, eh?"
"Now you're getting it," she thumped him in the chest with the back of her hoof and grinned. "You ready to continue?"
"As I'll ever be, Twi," he nodded. "I trust you."
"Trust yourself even further, Volare," she replied and turned back to the book. "Because from here on out, that's going to be the most important step in the learning process..."
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Chapter 3: The Power of the Pegasi
From here on out, it is assumed that you, the reader, understand the components that make up a Pegasus' body, as well as how the laws of magic work for other pony races: an extension and manifestation of sheer willpower. If you do not fully understand these concepts, close this book and go do some research before you hurt yourself and others. But if you do comprehend magic and how it works, then by all means, read on.
As we've established, magic is nothing more than a manifestation of willpower through a medium. Unicorns project their willpower across space via their horn, and Earth Ponies project their willpower through the earth and things that come from the earth. But Pegasi on the other hoof...there is no place short of the vacuum of space or underwater that a Pegasus cannot manifest its will, for the medium through which a Pegasi does so is the atmosphere itself. Therefore, anyplace that a Pegasus can breathe, it can use its power...and what a power it is to behold; even more so to understand. Unfortunately, this particular ability is the one I've been fearing that's falling by the wayside in favor of superior wing strength; possibly because it takes much longer to master than simply flapping one's wings...but again, the more likely cause is 1000 years of peace leading to the extinction of these studies that stemmed from warfare. For who wants to be reminded of war during peacetime, even in the subtlest of ways? But read these words and heed them well, for what you're about learn is the base of all major flight techniques beyond simple flapping and gliding.
Quite in-line with popular belief (and really no surprise), a Pegasus' main avenue for magic extension does indeed lie in its wings. They are the major source of propulsion for a Pegasus and its key means for getting airborne in the first place (although this is often aided by a good, solid kick off the ground). As said earlier, the wings are lightweight, flexible, powered by muscles packed nearly as densely as those of an Earth Pony's leg, and are sensitive to even the slightest changes in the air current moving around them, whether in flight or at rest. This allows the Pegasus to gauge the wind and make minute adjustments to the wing in order keep flying towards whatever destination it might have in mind (in fact, with concentration, this ability to pull information from the movement of air can be applied to every single strand of fur covering their bodies as well). However, there is a huge misconception about Pegasi that has come about mainly because of the focus on stronger and stronger wings, leaving the body relatively weakened in the process. The misconception is that all of the Pegasus' flight control runs through the wings, and that is simply not the case.
I will again use an Earth Pony as an example here, for Pegasus magic works in ways similar to that of Earth Ponies, who can extend their willpower through their hooves, and into the ground, using it for leverage for greater strength in hauling large loads and jumping longer distances. Now envision a Pegasus doing the same thing, but remove the limitation of the ground beneath its hooves, and realize then that Pegasus magic works in all directions that air touches its body. A Pegasus treats the atmosphere as a medium because, to a Pegasus, the atmosphere can be tangible. I repeat, the atmosphere, clouds, water vapor, and air that a hoof normally simply passes through, can be tangible to a Pegasus (how else did you think a Pegasus can walk on clouds?) Think about that for a moment...and then begin to realize the possibilities inherent with this ability.
"Whoa," Volare breathed, waving a hoof experimentally through the air in front of him and catching Twilight's attention. "That's cr-, I mean, pretty wild," he stopped himself with a sheepish grin that caused the Unicorn to chuckle in amusement.
"That door opening a little bit now, Volare?" she tilted her head and smiled encouragingly.
"Yeah, I'm just doing my best not to get knocked over by it," the Pegasus moved his hoof back through the air again. "Doesn't feel any different, though."
"Silly, that's cuz you're still on the ground," she shook her head and levitated a twig, using it to point back at the text. "'Remove the limitation of the ground beneath its hooves.' It's worded kinda cryptically, but I'm assuming that means you have to be in the air for it to work," she mused and turned to the yellow Pegasus next to Volare. "Fluttershy, does that sound about right?"
"Mhm, I'd assume so," she nodded. "I mean, it's certainly easier for me to maneuver when I'm completely in the air."
"Well, that goes without saying," Volare said. "Remove the drag of the ground, and maneuvering is much easier...heh, just like a plane."
"Exactly," Twilight smiled. "So until we get you up in the air, simply waving your hoof around won't do much; only your wings will be available for magic usage."
"Believe it or not, this is starting to make more and more sense, Twi," the pilot grinned excitedly. "C'mon, let's get going again; where were we?"
"Oh, um...let's see here...aha, got it," the Unicorn paused and looked up. "Are you familiar with Neighton's Third Law?"
"...you're joking me, right?" Volare couldn't decide whether to laugh or scoff. "Does it go something like this: 'for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction?'"
"Yes, that's it almost word for word!" the Librarian nodded emphatically. "How'd you know that?"
"A man by the name of Newton back on Earth," the stallion dead-panned, cocking a suspicious eye at the lavender Unicorn for a few moments before the two burst out laughing at the random coincidence of it all. Fluttershy looked between the two and sighed; she was never that great at this science stuff and was totally lost at what exactly was so funny. After another moment or two of sniggering and eye rolling, the Unicorn and the Pegasus calmed down and turned back to the book, with Volare giving Fluttershy a sympathetic pat and a dismissive shake of his head. "Kind of a sciency inside-joke, Flutters. No biggie."
Twilight cleared her throat to get his attention and tersely tapped the twig twice on the book before resuming her reading.
One of the possibilities that exists for a Pegasus actually explains the reason why a creature with relatively small wings can fly. While a bird would need either a large wing area or very rapid motions of the wings to stay aloft, a Pegasus requires neither. In fact, excessive wing use to compensate for the lack of lift can quite easily tire a Pegasus out, eventually locking its wings up in extreme cases. Without at least the occasional thrust of the wings, the Pegasus will plummet from the sky. A side-note to all Earth Pony and Unicorn readers: this is where a minor advantage of yours lies: if you get tired while using magic, you can simply rest, for you are already on the ground; but for a Pegasus...well, suffice to say we must more closely manage ourselves, for a fall from a great height without a mid-air recovery can shatter most Pegasi bones due to them being hollow. In short, don't be too quick to envy a Pegasus' gift of flight, for it's more of a double-edged sword than you might imagine.
Now then, back to business...instead of simply mimicking a bird in flight, by exerting its willpower on the air around it through its entire body, a Pegasus takes a large load of the lift requirement off of its wings, reserving them mainly for thrust and minor adjustments. The major adjustments in flight are actually carried out by the hooves, which would make sense for behind the wings, they have the strongest muscles in the body. Accordingly, the stronger a Pegasus' legs, the greater the change in flight path it can create by literally kicking its hooves off the air, just as an Earth Pony kicks off the ground to generate power (makes much more sense when you consider a Pegasus doesn't have a tail rudder to speak of, eh?). Yet again, this is much more efficient than trying to change direction with such small wings, leaving the wings free to continue to provide thrust for longer durations of time (or even do something simple such as hovering in place, which requires relatively little energy even if the Pegasus doesn't "stand" on the air at the same time).
Yet another use for a Pegasus' hooves in flight is to extend them in the direction of the flight path and cut a gap "between" the air particles with this ability, for with less air acting as drag on its body, the more efficiently a Pegasus can fly, and the faster it can go without becoming unduly tired (this makes an experienced Pegasus' hooves fairly sensitive to touch as they must also be sensitive enough to the density of the air piling up in front of them that they adjust their flight path accordingly). And I'm sure that the readers who have done their outside studying know exactly what can happen when a Pegasus gets going fast enough (though, I'm not allowed to speak of it here for fear of somepony getting killed by it...still, the suppression of such information is rather...irritating). Moving along, with enough practice, in fact, a Pegasus can even learn how to pull off maneuvers simply by shrugging a shoulder against the air, or flexing a leg at a certain angle, or even provide air-braking by bristling the fur on its body. With the risk of sounding cliche, the sky is the limit!
However, although a Pegasus possesses the ability to manipulate the air around its body, it does so through the understanding and usage of Neighton's Third Law. Using this law as a base, it can therefore be calculated how much force a Pegasus must use in the air in order remain aloft without using excessive wing strength. This then, is where the downfall of this particular ability began, I believe, for in order to fully make use of this ability, it must be practiced again and again, in all matter of weather and scenarios. This is because a Pegasus must, must, must form a relationship with the air itself in order to confidently exploit this advantage. For as the basic rule of pony magic goes: experience begets confidence, which begets greater willpower and self-control, allowing greater and more-controlled magic usage. Unless a Pegasus completely puts their trust in themselves and their abilities, they will never reach their potential, and as previously stated, if the only reason why they're flying is to avoid falling...how can they fully trust themselves? Without that mutual relationship built up over years and years of practice, this technique is not only rather useless, but potentially dangerous because all it will take is one single, wayward gust of air or an over-corrected mid-air kick to knock the Pegasus from the sky...sometimes, not even sheer wing strength can save you from that. And, taking into account the rather impatient nature of the Pegasus race, it's little wonder why few of them take the time needed to fully master this technique beyond simple weather manipulation and cloud-walking...in fact, a certain fledgling group of Pegasi I've trained that have taken to calling themselves The Wonderbolts while trying to keep these techniques alive comes to mind, but they and weather are the subject of a different book entirely.
Well, dear reader, now that you know the capabilities of a Pegasus, you can either end your study here, or you can peruse the rest of this book, which breaks down and covers numerous flight maneuvers for all sorts of situations, both friendly...and a few that might fall into the "otherwise" category (unfortunately, those are relatively controlled subjects right now during peace time and I have to be careful in what I'm allowed to write here...should have probably added a disclaimer for all those thinking they'd read this and know how to spin up a hurricane or take on the Equestrian Air Wing all by themselves, eh?) In any case, read on if you like, practice safely, and I hope that I've been of service to you. If you wish to learn even more, please locate a copy of my book "Pegasus Flight: A Military History," although it may be difficult to procure a copy that isn't under lock and key anymore... Good luck, and good flying!
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"Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up a sec, bro," Scootaloo waved a small orange hoof between the pages of the book and his eyes, interrupting his train of thought and causing him to look up and regard her curiously. The filly's eyes looked rather wobbly and she was shaking her head and snorting softly. "I think you're gonna make my head explode if you don't give it a rest for now," she declared, drawing giggles from the CMC that filled their clubhouse from floor to ceiling. Volare sighed and closed the Flight book, carefully slipping it back into his saddlebag. Now I see what Typhoon VI was talking about...just gotta have an open mind...heh, and less distractions, he cocked an eyebrow at the younger fillies, who had returned to giving him a pleading look that alternated between him and the speakerbox he'd brought along with him.
Twilight had literally just finished the section of the book that led into the maneuvers themselves when they'd realized how late in the day it was getting...and whom Volare was also late in picking up from class and having a Crusading meeting with. They'd bid Fluttershy goodbye and raced back into town, Volare doing his best to explain aircraft control surfaces along the way and why, since a Pegasus' entire body was literally a control surface, it was quite possibly the most maneuverable air platform ever conceived; but between the huffing, puffing, and galloping, he truly wasn't able to convey what he'd meant and why he was so damn excited! Although he seemed just short of comprehending everything-alot of the concepts were either familiar or related to what he already knew-it was finally clicking together now. Soon...soon, he'd be back in the saddle, so to speak...and when that happened...look out Dashie, cuz there's gonna be a new Volare in town!
With that realization, he also felt that he was that much closer to proving her claims about himself and Twilight wrong...suddenly, the wildly-conceived plan he'd come up with back in the hospital didn't seem so crazy anymore! Thanks for actually helping me this time, Murphy... Still, something about the suppression of information rather unnerved him; it just smacked of fascism or...something! Twilight shrugged it off as nothing more than the author trying to keep things organized as well as keeping eager Pegasi like himself safe from themselves (she emphasized himself with a magical poke in his chest and a wry grin), causing Volare to roll his eyes and push it to the back of his mind for now.
Upon swinging past the Library, Twilight announced that Volare could spend the rest of the day as he pleased, and to take the book with him if he wished, that she'd stay here and rest up, awaiting the test results from Celestia (she'd politely refused the invitation to the Apple Family dinner, insisting that if Grannysmith herself had invited him, it must be for a good reason, and she didn't want to get in the way of that). The Pegasus thought about it, and then snagged his speakerbox and earbuds (he figured the Apple Family might enjoy a little music), hugged Twilight goodbye and thanked her for spending the day with him. Volare then galloped off for the schoolhouse, where he was greeted by a rather impatiently waiting trio of Crusaders that nonetheless glomped him mercilessly and decreed that his "punishment" for being so late would be to carry them all to the Clubhouse. He promised he'd explain what had made him so late, but after nearly half an hour of reading and explanation, the younger crusaders had had enough, and instead were more interested in the speakerbox that Volare was carrying and that Scootaloo had been chattering about for the past day and a half.
"Heh, I guess I made ya wait long enough, huh?" the stallion chuckled and popped the earbuds in, turning the speaker to 3 and glancing back at the CMC. "You sure you don't wanna plan some crusades instead?"
"No way!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Scootaloo's been bragging about how her brother can make this thing play anything he wants and we wanna see that for ourselves!"
"Yeah, crusade-plannin' can wait up fer a while," Applebloom drawled. "Besides, we all know what our current one is: gettin' ya'll up in tha air."
"Aww, c'mon, you guys don't have to worry about that," Volare waved a dismissive hoof. "That'll happen in time."
"Yeah, but it'll happen faster if we help, I'll bet!" Scootaloo declared with a large grin that squinched the corners of her purple eyes. "But planning time's over, playing time's now!" She poked him impatiently with a small orange hoof.
"Alright, alright, hold your horses, Scoots," the stallion laughed and hmmm'd. "Well, we've got about an hour before you guys have to be home, so we can play a few songs...what kinda music you guys wanna listen to?"
"More rock!" Scootaloo practically shouted.
"Country!" Applebloom stomped a hoof.
"Something with good singing," Sweetie Belle suggested. They all three looked at each other and glared, and Volare sensed an argument was about to break out. Time to head this off at the pass...
"Ok, ok, that's kinda a tall order...but what if I played some songs that has some of all of that in them, huh?" he asked with a wink. At their emphatic nods, he chuckled softly, focused his mind, and thought of a few songs that fit the rather picky bill...
By the end of the third song, the younger CMC were practically bouncing off the walls, and Scootaloo had gotten so deeply into the solo of Free Bird that Volare was worried she'd either throw something a hip out (as young as she was) or kick him in the head as she leaped past him.
Note to self: go easy on the Skynyrd with these kids...
"Ok, ok, cool it down you guys," he patted the air with his hooves, waving his wings for emphasis until the excitable trio finally settled down somewhat, though they were only able to sit down for a few moments before standing back up, almost jittery with nervous energy. "What the hay did Ms. Cheerilee feed you three today?"
"Uh, oatmeal and sugar cookies," Sweetie Belle smiled sweetly, her eye twitching ever so slightly. "Why?"
"Yeah, what's so bad about that, bro?" Scootaloo cocked her head. "We brought some with us if you want any," she added as Applebloom held up sugar-loaded cookie from her saddlebag.
Lord help me, Volare echoed Free Bird for an instant shaking his head and forcing a smile. He looked out the window and sighed in slight relief at the sight of the sun nearing the horizon. "Nah, I'm ok guys. For now, we gotta think about getting Sweetie and Scoots home," he nodded at the two fillies who groaned in disappointment. "Now c'mon you two, Applebloom said that Grannysmith invited me to dinner to speak with me, so it's gotta be pretty important; so I don't wanna be late." And quite frankly, I doubt three sugared-up fillies running amok around the old gal is the best thing for her health.
"Eeyup, that's right," Applebloom nudged Volare's leg. "Plus ya'll don't wanna eat grits'n gravy, 'n apple cobbler cold," she made a face and giggled.
"Heh, that doesn't sound too terribly appetizing," but the stallion's chuckles faded at the sour looks on Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's faces, and he relented slightly. "Ok, ok...if I play one more song, will you guys cooperate and come back to town with me?"
"Yes!" came the unanimous reply, including a completely unexpected Applebloom.
"Alright then, we have a deal," he smiled and focused one last time. "Ok...This last one actually reminds me alot of you three...and how you're looking to grow up so fast," he looked at each one of them in turn as he spoke. "I dunno if you know or not, but I think you should enjoy the time you all have together right now, rather than rushing through it...cuz once it's gone...well, you'll always have the memories...but they'll be nothing like the real thing...here goes..."
Once finished, the CMC stared at each other for a long, quite moment before enveloping Volare in a group hug. "I love you guys," Sweetie Belle declared with a half-whimpering cry that tugged at Volare's heartstrings.
"Yeah, I mean, I know we're trying to find our marks, but," Scootaloo looked up from under her brother's wing. "I don't want it to end that fast."
"Mhm, so let's make a promise right now, ya'll," Applebloom stood back from the group and stuck out her hoof. "Even if we get our marks, we won't stop bein' friends. That we'll stick together for as long as we can after our crusadin' is done and even after this here ol' clubhouse falls off this tree," she wiped her nose and grinned. "Who's with me?"
"Count me in," Sweetie slapped her hoof down on top of the farm filly's.
"Me too," Scootaloo did the same, and after a beat, they all looked up expectantly at Volare. "Psst, that means you too, bro" the Pegasus nudged him.
"Who, me?" Volare asked in surprise. He hadn't expected them to take the song that seriously, nor did he expect them to include him in their little vow. "Heh, I don't wanna impose and ruin your fun"- but his excuse was stopped as Scootaloo thonked him on the head.
"Really, bro?" she squinted skeptically. "You're a Crusader too, ya know; of course you too!" The other two nodded in agreement. The stallion began to make another excuse before halting himself. He saw the looks in their eyes, and the excited and friendly grins on their faces, and he just had to ask himself: why was he hesitating? Did he think they were pulling his leg? Was it because of that age gap stigma? But here...as long as it involved friendship, it didn't seem to matter; not to them, and not to anypony else. They were of the same interests, and that was all that mattered right now. It was then that he realized something else: how much of an influence he stood to be in their lives, especially Scootaloo. Perhaps he was afraid of screwing up and setting a bad example? But another look at their expectant smiles scattered his worries to the wind. Trust yourself, Volare...they're counting on you.
With a determined grin, he settled a hoof onto the the trio's smaller ones and nodded.
"All for one and one for all!" he cried before he could stop himself. He immediately clapped a hoof over his mouth and his cheeks flamed into color at the fillies' bemused expressions.
"Scootaloo, your brother is weird," Applebloom whispered to the Pegasus filly, though not quite silently enough to escape Volare's ears.
"Yeah I know," she shook her head and snorted before hoofing the stallion in the chest. "But I like him alright. Cutie Mark Crusaders move out!"
"To Ponyville!" Sweetie Belle squeaked as they thundered out of the clubhouse, Volare pausing to pack up his speakerbox before hurrying after them, unaware of the eyes peering out of the top of the clump of trees that backed the clubhouse not 10 meters away. They watched his every move and their owner chuckled lightly as the blue and yellow stallion caught up with the CMC, placed them on his back, and galloped into town; it had heard every word of their conversation within the clubhouse.
A Pegasus that prefers to run over flight, has no cutie mark, plays music on a whim, and spends his time with his sister's friends who are searching for their own marks as well...no purpose...yet...hmm, this Volare was an interesting fellow to say the least...
.................
Meanwhile...the Library...
Twilight Sparkle re-read at the letter she'd just received from Celestia, blinking away the tears that ran from her eyes as she did so. She ignored Spike's worried calls from the other side of her locked room door, instead whimpering slightly through the hoof she pressed up against her mouth as her violet eyes traced a path back over the fateful words again and again, until the negative image of them was burned into the back of her eyelids so that closing her eyes no longer hid the sight from her. The Unicorn allowed the letter to fall from her hooves and drift to the floor as she pulled her favorite plush blanket up over herself, rolled over, and continued to soak the pillow with her tears.
She'd been right...why couldn't she have just been wrong this time?
The tears that continued to drain from her eyes were a mixture of salt and water on the surface, but the emotions that triggered them and ran below the surface of the saline ranged from sadness, to disappointment, to embarrassment, and strangely...even relief. Relief that now there was no more wondering what she'd been feeling about Volare ever since he'd arrived. No, slightly afterwards, specifically after she'd poured a significant amount of her own magic into the creation of his body...a magically unstable body, one she'd be especially sensitive to the effects of (which also explained how he was able to power the music equipment himself-because of the nature of his body, he apparently possessed just enough excessive latent magic to do minute tasks like that...that excessive magic had been the secret behind her emotions going so haywire all this time). She just couldn't believe she'd been so blind to it till now. Thinking back on it all, the feelings had truly started right there, before she'd even truly begun to know him...there was no arguing that and she knew it.
The letter from her mentor, full of regret and sympathetic apologies, merely confirmed it...the Pony Social Interactions book had been wrong; not because what it said wasn't true, but because Twilight, in her desperation to find an answer to her dilemma, had grasped onto what she'd hoped was the truth, and tried to shoehorn it into place as the solution to her question: the feelings she'd been experiencing...had they been love?
"The truth isn't all sunshine and rainbows," Volare had once told her, and even now, she agreed whole-heartedly...still, it didn't make it hurt any less.
She didn't love Volare...apparently, she never did...she could only pray that her foolish behavior hadn't caused him to deviate from the path he needed to take toward regaining the ability to fly again. Celestia help her, if she made him crash for any reason, be it distraction or otherwise...whether as his friend or his lover, she wasn't sure if her heart could take that pain all over again!
"Volare...I don't wanna hold you back, but please...please don't do anything stupid," she'd told him before he'd left the Library earlier that day.
"I won't," he'd replied with that confident, no-worries half-smile that Twilight had grown accustomed to seeing. "I promise, Twi. For your sake, I promise..."
She only wished she'd returned the favor all this time...for his own sake.
"Dammit...dammit, dammit, dammit!" With a series of angry, choking grunts, the frustrated and heart-broken Unicorn punched her pillow until tear-streaked feathers filled the air, and she finally fell into a fitful sleep, unsure of how she'd even be able to face him and tell him the truth now...
-----------------------------------
Notes: Well folks, for those of you who've been pushing for a Twi-Volare shipping...I think it may officially be over :'(
At the very least, now we know why Twilight has been so emotional and distressed ever since meeting Volare...I just hope this doesn't mean they'll have to separated so Twi can function normally...I really hope not! DX
Volare: Dang, I didn't think you of all folks would get emotional over this.
Author: Shut up, you! Just shut up...it was a rough time for you and...I wasn't there to help either you or Twilight.
Volare: It's not your fault *pat pat* And it turned out alright in the end, right?
Author: Yeah, like that makes me feel any better! Anyways...tune in next time for the Apple Family Dinner...and an extra special guest arrives unexpectedly...somepony NOT named Volare. Oh, also, who the hay was watching Volare and the CMC anyways!? D<
Volare: You know who it was...
Author: Shhh, I'm trying to build suspense!
Volare: And not a word about the science of Pegasus flight...
Author: Meh, that stuff's a breeze for me
Volare: Lucky you...
I played the clip at the begining of the chapter. Wolf goes, "Jurassic Park!"
Yep, we're perfect for each other.
Also, Pegasus Flight and its Applications reminds me a bit of a book I read once called Stick and Rudder. It's very eye-opening when it comes to flight.
That book explains how Roid Rage can fly.
hold your horses... I see what you did there...
So we find out after 10 chapters that what she was feeling was just...magic mumbo jumbo?
...Not angry, just...ummm...I guess underwhelmed but...Not sure to feel about finding out about this because it was kind of getting annoying after awhile of her just freaking out but now we know why she was...b-but...but...I just hope the romance tag still stands and the problem dosnt become a major one in the next arc,Damn you and your head turning twists!
Im also kind of worried you will do the "Im going to lie to him constantly and make this last another 5 chapters" (Not trying to make fun of you at all, just seen alot of that lately and hate to see this go down that road).
Anyway, Besides all the whining, I thought this was a great chapter,I like how we finally find out how he was doing the music but still kind of odd how it can only hear music and not his thoughts ( But then again, I AM an idiot so what do I know? ).
Im also happy to see this Arc finish up ( Not that I hated it, just all the problems seemed to be wrapped up nicely).
I am REALLY looking forward to the next chapter
Sincerely,
A Random commenter
god dammit. >:C I liked Twilare shipping.
...great choice of music, but th' flightobabble made my head hurt.
Loving the flight science, that's pretty much why I clicked on this story in the first place. Nice explanation snuck in there for why Dashie doesn't like having her hooves touched.
Can't say I mind the possible end of any Twi-Volare shipping, I've been more of a Dash-Volare guy from the beginning. Just makes more sense to me, the pilot and the pegasus.
Life lessons and insights galore!
And the last part confuses me a bit, I think I get it but then at the same time I don't. Damn my doublethink addled brain.
Hey I am and always have been looking for a dash x volare ship not twilight.... dunno why since I do like twilight more than dash.... alot more.
I'm still holding a candle for Trilare!
I really liked the Pegasus flight sciences, nice and in-depth. And if the special guest is Breaburn, I will sigh at you, sir author.
Great chapter as always, can't wait for the Apple family dinner of doom!
I loved this chapter, but no VolarexTwi.
Sooooo, Twi is basically his mom?
Eh, as far as the romance goes, I personally think Twilight and Volare make a better matchup over Volare and Dash, although obviously it is your prerogative as the author. I just think, even if magic has influenced it in some way, that they make a better pair than Dash would. Plus, she's kind of the root of everything that has happened, and at this point, the only positive effect she's had on his life at this point is simply bringing him into Equestria. Let's face it, she's been a royal fuckup at almost every turn in regards to his safety and wellbeing, and is still keeping that major secret from him. But, again, you're the author, and although I will still keep reading, after 400k+ words, I've lost some of the motivation to keep reading, as the romance tag and the Odyssey you've written so far are what brought me to this story in the first place, and I feel like this is a screwball right into the batter's balls, quite literally.
Now, as far as the book is concerned, excuse me while I find the reboot button for my brain, for it kinda 'sploded awhile back. You've got a knack for really building off of the world and delving into it in detail, and this is another excellent example of that. That, and the CMC taking the song seriously to heart, so cute to be honest. I love your portrayal of those three troublemakers so much!
And I've got to hit on it again. Dash might provide more story material, but I feel it's not the right choice. She's done nothing right by himvand has only caused him mental and physical pain, while Twilight has been there for him every. Single. Step. Of. The. Way. I just don't see it happening any other way, whether magic is at the root originally or not. Keyword, originally. No way in hell has this much time passed, and the events that have occurred, that the feelings are simply magical in nature. I'm sorry, but you'd have to portray Twilight as a retard at this point for her to not see that. I could keep going on, but you get the point, lol!
I look forward to the next chapter of this epic.
Starting to read this story. I like it! Especially so since I actually met one of them at an air show where I live.
did i miss something, when did twi get a letter and what did it say, you might want to rewrite that so it is less confusing cuz i only have a little understanding of what it said, i didnt see a letter last chap, or this one, so you either editted it in last chapter, deleted it from this, or I'm really dense and i missed it, and im pretty sure the bush stalker was the agent that ray and jills boss sent, on a recon mission, because it sounded like he/she just found out the stuff they said in his/her head, so it couldnt be ray/jill/their boss, cuz they already know that stuff. also:
Twi:Science,fo sizzle!
Volare:Flight,fo sizzle!
CMC:getting sugar high off of cookies and listening to vocountrock(vocals-country-rock) fo sizzle!
Agent:pointless exposition, fo sizzle!
Fluttershy:not cutting corners like a boss, fo sizzle!
Pinky:breaking the 4th wall to secretly explain pegusi anatomy, fo sizzle!
me: watching my favorite story go in the update box, fo sizzle!
So where do we stand on the whole Twi/Volare thing? I didn't quite understand that last bit with Twi being all sad. She's not in love with him, yes I get that, but what exactly is she feeling towards him then?
Oh, and Volare needs to fly by the end of this arc or I punch a bunny. I'LL DO IT!
i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/213/615/you_make_luna_happy.jpg
TO MANY FACTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nobodyputsbabyinahorner.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/1238157980_scanners_-_head_explosion.gif?w=426
1431712
SCIENCE IS WEIRD! YAY~!
I wonder if any of you ever heard of "The Music Instinct" How music can influence the mind much more than we think.
Anyways, this is the most greatest science fan-fic I had ever read. I can't believe I hadn't commented on this yet. Must not forget to give you these:
1432949
I.. think i understand.
Twi's magic made him. He is.. essentially, a part of her magic.
"his mom" is a weird way to put it.
SO it's like... a piece of her own soul. She feels something, because similar to a child, it is a part of her.
a part broken off, and given to someone out of the purest care. She didn't want him to die. A perfect stranger, sure she was partially at fault that he's there, but still. She could have let him be. Instead she cared, she loved. She did her best to help him, she poured herself, her magic, into it.
If anything, she's been feeling paternal love, and misunderstanding it. I'd say he's more.. a brother, created by her. Only a bit closer than her actual brother, more like.. a twin, of sorts. That connection, that love that's closer, because it's also a part of you.
Lots of interesting thoughts here... I didn't even think about some of those features of anatomy.
Thank you once again for an intriguing read!
(You purposely made that ending as vauge as possible didn't you? We don't get to actually we the results and you throw in a new mysterious character. I love it but at the same time it is frustrating.)
Is that the most technical crap you can write?
IS IT?????????
YOU CAN DO WAY BETTER!
No, seriously. I understood each and every word of "theoretical physics".
Nice choice of music, and in some sense, the magic/flight explanation makes sense, almost perfect sense.
But the Twi-Volaire ship is sinking? darn.
(I really think that I have bad luck in supporting ships, seriously, this is like the third time that this has happened (only the first time in a fanwork though) Though the first time was due to one f the characters dying, and the second time, I don't know what happened.)
How long has rainbow been away? It seems like forever... I thought she was only supposed to be away for a few days :p
Yay! More science stuff!! Loved this chapter. And poor Twi, I feel sorry for her. And who is this mysterious visitor that we have watching Volare? Oh, and on a side note, with all the science stuff going on just wondering if perhaps we might get to see the Doctor in a later chapter? As always, looking forward to the next chapter.
1431866 Nah, I just feel it gives ya extra incentive to read the next chapter
1432396 LOL nice
Orly? Sounds interesting
Trust me, you'll be hearing more from Typhoon VI sooner or later...
1432489 Heh, we'lll see
1432509 Basically yes
1432531 I believe the phrase is used a couple of times in the show too
1432613 Underwhelmed, eh? Well, as said, the truth isn't all sunshine and rainbows...and considering Volare's position on relationships, perhaps this isn't such a bad thing? Besides, as you'll soon see....Dash was right about what would happen if he and Twi got together...
The tough part is gonna be Twi figuring how to tell him without feeling like an idiot for what she's been doing...and Volare's reaction to it should be interesting too. If he's happy, he'll seem like a jerk. If he's sad, it might mean he wasn't being truthful to her about relationships to begin with, causing this whole stressful situation. The REALLY bad part is gonna be if the roles are reversed, and Volare starts to have feelings for Twi, but Twi knows her own feelings might be false and misguided...this shall be an interesting problem to solve, eh?
And trust me, as many secrets as she's keeping from Volare already, I doubt she'd have it in her heart to keep lying to him (even if it was for his own good), and especially since Dash is keeping that same secret... You'll see what I mean
As for why they can't hear his other thoughts beyond music...it's cuz that equipment was created by Vinyl for music recording, not mind reading. Twilight could probably tweak it for a different purpose, but unless she or Trixie or somepony else does it, it's really only music-related stuff (and only a unicorn in-tune with that equipment, e.g. Vinyl, can see/hear those images anyways).
PS: the romance tag shall stay
1432627 I know, it was something rather unexpected to come out of this story, and trust me, if the storyline was different...if the "stars aligned" as Twilight put it....alas, it's not to be
1432650 Sorry! I tried not to get too terribly technical
1432675 Heh, wait till Volare springs that on Dashie if she starts messing with him again
And who said I'd pair Volare and Dash, eh? They're really more rivals than anything
1432721 What about it confused you?
1432818 Well, we'll just have to see what happens, eh?
1432853 Thank you!
And nope, it's not Braeburn...it's somepony I don't think even AJ expected to show up
And considering who it is...the dinner may very well be...stressful
1432880 I'm sorry!
1432903
1432949 Nope, not at all.
She created his body, but she's not his mother.
1432970 Don't beat too hard on Dash. She's saved Volare's bacon on 4 separate occasions:
The jet crash, Volare's near hunger-induced crash
Volare's wing injury crash
And she saved Volare from Ray and Jill (plus she kept an eye on Volare for a time because she was worried about those two stalking him)
She cares for him, she just won't admit it to anypony (although she clearly shows it in her actions-crashing into the OR because she thought they were sawing off Volare's leg and giving up the chance to win that race she'd worked so hard to win, just to save his butt.) Perhaps she's a little embarrassed by it?
Dash is...let's just say her pride has kept her from admitting any sort of emotions she might consider as weak (or that she thinks others might label as weak). She's got that rep to uphold...but she's got a soft side too...it's just tougher to find. She's a MUCH more complicated character than Twilight in this story, that's for sure. Why does she have to act so tough and detached all the time? Something must have caused that behavior to stick...but if so, who has she told about it...and if not, why?
As for that secret...well, don't judge her too harshly on it: Twilight and Pinkie also know about it and haven't told Volare either. (Plus Volare has an even BIGGER secret being kept in regards to knowing them from a show AND that patch, so if you discount secrets...she's actually a more honorable character than Volare at this point).
As for Twi being there every step of the way...it's because she's felt like she's had to. Dash would have had more interaction at this point, but she's either promised to stay away, or been kept away by a promise she made to Derpy. Twi's been helping Volare because she feels she's partly responsible for his predicament (if she hadn't been sending Dash to Earth, this wouldn't have happened).
And in regards to THAT incident...remember why Dash is carrying that secret in the first place: because she fears that if she tells Volare that she ruined and robbed him of his dreams because of her own selfish behavior...that he'd hate her guts. He might not hate her, but she won't know unless she tells him...and that's GOTTA be eating her up inside (so badly that her conscience took a hike!)
And remember: the first thing Dash asked about when she sent that message to Ponyville was how Volare was doing, and that she intends to give him a huge hug when she gets back, so he's constantly on her mind (whether through guilt or otherwise remains to be seen yet...)
And she DOES have that stigma about other stallions, so perhaps that's bleeding over into her behavior towards him, eh?
Just give her a chance to do some good by him. And in regards to the Romance tag...there WILL be romance in this story, but it's a slow-burning one. Remember: only 3 weeks have passed in the story so far. This is merely the flurry of activity that happens when you move into a new community, but once things finally get settled, routines will form...and the pace will pick up as the days blur together and things become more normal.
No way in hell has this much time passed, and the events that have occurred, that the feelings are simply magical in nature. I'm sorry, but you'd have to portray Twilight as a retard at this point for her to not see that.
EXACTLY! Twilight takes book very seriously and uses them as references for EVERYTHING! Since this is a field she has no personal experience in, and she and Volare promised to keep her confession at the hospital a secret...she literally has not other way of getting answers besides books or Celestia...and since her mentor came to that conclusion, how could Twilight hope to argue against it, when she herself has little to no real experience in love?
If Twi tells Volare, surely he'll feel the same way, that she can't think that literally...but then again, that would mean going back on what he declared about himself earlier...so he'd be stuck
Whew, so please don't lose motivation to read more!
The full scope of this story has yet to be fully realized!
1433035 Used to watch them every day in South Texas, mate
They're awesome!
1433077 It's implied she received the letter sometime after Volare left to spend the rest of the day with the CMC
Exactly what Celestia said involves more technical things than I care to get into (brain waves, thought patterns, etc), but the general message was:
Volare can use that equipment because he carries excess magic within him. That excess magic comes from the way his body was created. And since Twilight is sensitive to magical outputs, it was determined that Twilight's been on an emotional roller coaster, not because she's infatuated with him, (though she does care deeply for him), but because the nature of Volare's body making her go a little haywire, which she simply misinterpreted as something else...in which case, it's a good thing she didn't force herself on him or something, cuz lord know she could
Still...you gotta wonder if perhaps some of those feelings aren't the result of a screw up, but are instead genuine...time will only tell
As for the tree/bush stalker...you may be right
1433102 That's just it: she's not sure anymore
She knows Volare won't return her feelings and only sees her as a best friend, mainly because he can't shake that inter-species stigma (or perhaps it's deeper than that...he hasn't said it's no, so....)
So why would she continue to chase after a goal that's not achievable?
As for flight...you'll see
1433105 The patch shall make it's reappearance!
And Twilight now knows how he made the music work...but to tell him would mean also admitting what his very existence has been doing to her emotions
For now, until she tells him...they'll have to roll with it
1433141 Mebbe...
1433162 You're welcome!
1433206 LOL, I hope you kept up, though
I'm just trying to set the ground rules of how everything works. It's like basics in college: they suck, but once you learn them, you can go onto learning the fun stuff
1433252
1433259 Nope, never read it, but I know how music can influence the mind.
1433283 Possibly, though she already suggested that back towards the beginning of the story as a placeholder explanation until the truth could be found. Now that they know the truth, or what seems to be the truth, though...
We'll see how it turns out.
Interesting theory though...
1433295 You're very welcome
And sorry, but I just like keeping you guys on your toes
1433431 ?
1433604 Thank you! Not gonna lie, coming up with a theory that worked without being unduly complicated was a pain
As for the ship...for the moment...yeah
1434366 3 days, in fact
She's been away a total of nearly 2 days now (ALOT has happened in that time period)
Trust me, once things settle down into a routine, things will begin to move faster in this story
1434743 You're very welcome! As for who the mysterious stranger is....you shall see...quite a bit, actually
And in regards to The Doctor...possibly
Your replies are giving me the "You seemed to had this planned carefully" thought. Knowing that, I'm scared to guess what will happen next.
Okay, what did I miss? Why is Twilight sadface? Did I accidentally skip something?
1435339 I can believe that. I really really can, but you were able to pull it off, and marvelously too!cdn.broni.es/images/emotes/mlp-tclapfixed.png
Still, ships sinking... nah, I really can't abandon ship(maybe it is actually a submarine!)
That was the most f***ing horrible joke you have ever made, you can feel ashamed now.
Was not! I've made plenty of worse jokes, this one was just bad. Fine, I'll go sit in the corner.
1435248
I might have been coming off as a little harsh, but honestly in this story Dash hasn't really impressed me all that much, if there were a Karma meter I'd put it about even at this point. I will agree that she is a much more complex individual as far as characterization, I would have to say probably the most complex of the ponies in general, not even using your story as a guideline. As to why I am so much in favor of the Twilight and Volare grouping here, it is because although there hasn't been too much in the direction of romance lately, in the last ~100k - 150k words it has been primarily pointing in that direction, and when you gave us that last bit at the end, I truly felt disappointed in the choice. But, I'm not behind the keyboard of the story. I'll be buckling up and looking towards whatever you do, although at this point it mostly screams to be Dash as the choice, as you do not seem to be of the mindset of polygamy for this story, as if you were the concept probably would've been at least briefly hit upon. Then again, you've tossed us some massive curve balls to date, so only you know at this point.
And looking at it again, if Volare has excess magic in him, does that mean that he can work to refine and use it? Or is it simply something like a reservoir that will eventually run dry? That, and the damn black circle on his wing. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!?
Anyways, just wanna reiterate that your story is still top notch, even if I might be a tad disappointed at these latest revelations.
1435134 You say rivals, but I think Dash and her tongue there are saying something else entirely!
1435134
The situation with Twilight, and more specifically what the letter said. I have read your responses to similar questions the but it still not clicking for me.
Simply put, if you were laying down everything on what was in the letter and what it means in this chapter then I'm not getting it and I gotta reread that part again.
If its gonna be explained in a future chapter then by all means GET BACK TO WORK!
Yay! no twilare shipping!- I mean, uh, Oh noes
Another excellent chapter. Seems he's gonna be dealing with Ray and Jill's boss directly, now. That can't lead anywhere positive.
1435248 :3 Doesn't matter. Volare needs to start referring to Twi as Mom.
Well, somepony has to do this...
Congratulations. You actually managed to crack my shipping goggles.
Now I'll have to either fix these or steal a pair form someone else.
These aren't exactly things you can buy, you know.
Anyways, tune in next week as--
What was that sound?
Probably nothing---
...
Run.
1435339
Yay! I love a good story with the Doctor.
1435134 you should play a song by Queen! like don't stop me now, we will rock you and we are the champions
1435439 Trust me, the events of the next story arc have been planned out WELL in advance
1435450 She received the test results on Volare's mind via a letter from Princess Celestia. In it, Celestia determined that Volare was able to use that equipment due to the way his body was created-magically. That excess magic within himself has been the answer behind what's been throwing off Twilight's emotions, and when she realized that, she cried for a number of reasons:
1. she realized just how foolish she'd been acting
2. perhaps she's disappointed because she was liking it
3. she was a bit relieved that she finally knew the answer
4. she's now worried that her advances under the pretense that what she was doing was totally natural may have had a strong effect on Volare, and now she's just hoping that he doesn't decide to return those affections (but then she feels like a jerk for NOT wanting him to feel the way he wants to feel)
Basically, she's very upset and confused
1435459 LOL
1435477 Thank you!
And trust me, it wasn't a joke The truth just sucks sometimes
1435525 I'd have to agree with Dash being about even right now...then again, she hasn't been in the story much yet (hell, I think Vinyl has been in the story more than her!)
We've only gotten a taste of why she is the way she is: the sensitive hooves, the pride, the withheld emotion for Volare that she only released when she thought he was unconscious on her back and in the hospital or dying, the hatred for other stallions (why?) and her feeling that Volare is different (probably because he's not really a pony, but that's likely something she'll test in her own way), the guilt so heavy that it caused her own conscience to leave her for a while, the anger, the pain...why, though? Why does she act this way? I've already offered a (possible) explanation as to why Twi is acting how she is, as well as Fluttershy; Rarity and Applejack are pretty straight-forward, and we already have enough background info on Pinkie to make that kinda redundant...so naturally, the only ponies left to really dig into, are Dash and Volare himself. Perhaps they'll find some solace in the fact that they're both hiding something (as strange as that sounds...at least they'd know they're not the only one around keeping painful secrets, right?)
As for the choice...I=if you felt disappointed, then I think I did my job by getting you, the reader, to feel emotion (think about how badly Twilight feels and how disappointed in HERSELF she is right now...although, as said, that may not be the correct course of action either...)
I've already got Volare's reaction to this written down, and I think it'll help satisfy any questions or issues you might have with this choice (remember what Dash said: that if he and Twi were together, she felt it would only hold him back? Perhaps she was right...)
And no, no polygamy Love triangles maybe, but no polygamy
As for the excess within himself...remember: magic is all about willpower and determination...and what race possesses more determination to survive than humans? Perhaps that's the key, eh? And since willpower can be strengthened and refined, in a way, you're kinda right in your guess.
1435664 LOL, trust me, you'll see
1435774 She received the test results on Volare's mind via a letter from Princess Celestia. In it, Celestia determined that Volare was able to use that equipment due to the way his body was created-magically. That excess magic within himself has been the answer behind what's been throwing off Twilight's emotions (because she's sensitive to that sort of thing, as explained when I spoke on unicorn magic and development, and when she realized that, she cried for a number of reasons:
1. she realized just how foolish she'd been acting
2. perhaps she's disappointed because she was liking it
3. she was a bit relieved that she finally knew the answer
4. she's now worried that her advances under the pretense that what she was doing was totally natural may have had a strong effect on Volare, and now she's just hoping that he doesn't decide to return those affections (but then she feels like a jerk for NOT wanting him to feel the way he wants to feel)
Basically, she's very upset and confused
I'll explain the letter in further detail later in the story, but for now, that explanation should suffice
1435792 I know, it's confusing for everypony else too
1435836 Not exactly...believe me, he's either too cowardly or too smart to risk his own neck on a mission like this, the details of which I'll explain shortly
1436610 LOL no, she's not his mom!
1436723
1437002 LOL sorry
1437044 I gotta figure out where the hay to give him another cameo though
1437849 Hmm, I already played Fat Bottomed Girls...but I've got a few more Queen songs in mind too
1438407 Okay then.
1438407
Very true, with Dash being a "major character" in your story, she has been relegated to a rather minor role after the few initial scenes mostly. And at this point I'll just have to wait to see what you do with their situation. And development wise, you pretty much do just have Volare and Dash left at this point plus whatever unidentified villains to delve into, you've done a rather good job at exploring the other characters and building them as well.
As far as feeling emotions for the story, to be honest someone would have to be an emotionless bastard not too, between your skill of writing and the length of this story. Regardless, I find myself drawn into stories rather easily, reading is a passion of mine, although once I have my mind mostly set on what's going to happen, if those expectations are shattered, it throws me off.
And you seemed to hint at what it is with his magic... But that damn black ring. Any potential idea of when we will find out the cause behind it? I'm expecting it to play an element in the story, so no need to spoil anything, I just wanna know how much longer it's going to bug me for. Lol!
1435313
MOAR TECHNICAL CRAP!
MOAR!!
1437765
It was already here, so it's hardly an incursion.
1438407
Is no biggie. I'll just repair my goggles with a stolen lens from a pair that someone isn't using. A CoD fanboy, perhaps.
I have other priorities pressing at the moment.
...
Now where did I leave that wallet?
1438407 :3 Maybe not .... Do it anyway. <3 *likes riling the adorkable librarian* :3
1438407
Yes it does, carry on.