Moondancer has a plan. A plan to get away from it all. Minuette has a similar plan. Hers just involves joining Moondancer on her airship and having them hunt for the fabled lost treasure of the Cloudshark.
Moondancer has a few problems with Minuette's plan.
Historian’s Note:
Clear Skies is set a few years after the ascension of Twilight Sparkle to the throne of Canterlot.
Cast: Moon Dancer & Minuette
Co-Starring: Even Keel, "Snappy Comeback," Whispering Trinket & Easy Wing
Guest Starring: Torque Wrench, Shining Armor & Princess Cadance
Covert Art: Little-Tweenframes
Cover Text & Section Break Design: Novel Idea/Amber Spark
Moon Dancer Cutie Mark: AllyCatBlu
Beta Reader & Editor Credits
Beltorn: Commenter-at-Large on FimFiction
JayMan155: Artist & Author Extraordiane!
Carabas: Author I Totally Didn't Fangirl Over
Word Count: 57,000 (To Date)
Version: 4.3B
Is this part of your other stories?
10602655
Nope! It may end up being part of another small, loosely connected series someday, but right now, this is wholly independent!
Woo-hoo!
I’m liking this idea 🤩
Cloudshark? Hope it’s less deadly than a landshark!
The Romance tag kinda spoils where you're taking this, but I'm curious to see how Minuette will get Moondancer to open up, as well as the actual adventure part.
But actually, Waystones aren't rare, they're common, just in desperate need of a reprint.
10602863
True, but that's not really meant to be a surprise considering how this is based on Highway Blossoms.
And for the record, I've never actually seen that card before!
A new dawning awaits one who wishes for quiet.
To escape from the chaos. The madness. The riot.
Her vessel prepared for her to be gone for a while,
To relax on her own in luxury and style.
But a keeper of time, and friend from back home,
Crossed paths with her as she was ready to roam.
Now two mares get ready to head off for adventure,
And follow a gift that might lead them to treasure.
This sounds like it's going to be fun.
Aaaannnndddd tracking
Do I see Minuette and lesbian horse kisses? *Sneaks in.*
Of everything I've seen inspire stories on this site, Highway Blossoms was not high on my list of expectations. But, hey, I've read that one!
Of course not. That’s as iron-clad a condition as a Pinkie Promise.
The moment I saw this was inspired by Highway Blossoms, I knew I needed to read it (as that game’s my all-time favourite visual novel).
While I can definitely see all the influences from the game, I like all the nuances that make this story it’s own thing. The Blossom itself, the waystone, and the fact it’s Moondancer and Minuette; a duo I don’t often see together in stories like this.
Regardless, I’m hooked. Eagerly awaiting more.
Seems very promising, looking forward to more.
yeet
I don't know why Moondancer's so surprised to see Minuette out of nowhere. Timing is a very potent talent.
Meanwhile, at Fluttershy's cottage...
That's tribalist.
Most intriguing thus far. Eagerly looking forward to seeing where you go with this. And it's good to have you back.
10602769
That depends on your opinion of pirates.
10602946
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE
10604428
I'm yeeting them, I'm yeeting them! Promise!
10604773
Moonie can't even deal with Pinkie. Don't get her started on the fact that the God of Chaos is a freaking ALLY of Equestria.
DOESN'T MEAN IT'S NOT ACCURATE!
10602988
Saddle up, we've got quite the adventure in store!
10603406
Me?! Write something like that?! Gasp!? How could you think such a thing?! Gasp!?
10603447
Hey, that's fine! Just means I don't have any competition!
10603693
Dang skippy! Marina's cuteness is almost as dangerous as a K-On cast member!
Excellent taste! HB is actually what got me into VNs!
Confession: I hate the desert, but I love the Pacific Northwest. I also love the idea of airships (and gives me a lot more cool things to do!). Somehow, my mind just latched onto this idea in like my third playthrough of HB and I just went THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN. And I've always quietly shipped Moonie and Minnie. I've tried like half a dozen stories with that pairing. And if you think about it, they're pretty much dead ringers for Amber and Marina while still being their own thing. I just have to do the "old friends" thing instead of the "first meeting" thing!
...yeah, I put too much thought into this, didn't I?
More soon! Promise!
10606848 what
If this is based on Highway Blossoms, does that mean the equestrian version of Run The Jewels makes a cameo?
...Gallop the Jewels, I guess
Ugh, just throw her off at the next city already.
10613780
You heartless MONSTER!
10610130
I honestly don't get this reference and it's driving me a little crazy.
10613787
I.... can't find an image of it when I google, so now I'm worrying it was some sort of dream, but I'm pretty sure that I remember when they go to the music festival, they reference seeing one real-world group, and, inexplicably but amazingly, it's Run The Jewels.
Skies open to the wanderer,
Her vessel prepared for the journey ahead,
The joy of freedom comes to her,
And fills her companion with dread.
The Blossom rockets forth,
With great power it sped.
To parts unknown and to adventure
With bindings of the ground shed.
The Blossom sounds like she'd be a lot of fun to be aboard.
10613861
I knew about the Bear Prayer, but that's not a name I came across!
10613871
She's a gem. I love her. <3
Ah, and now they're on their way! Gotta love that first flight, and scaring your friends with your driving!
Moony is scaring me
...
Man I sound like Minuette
Moony knows what's up. Why put the top speed that high if you aren't ever going to use it?
Yeah, absolutely nothing unexpected. At all...
All joking aside, I liked the world building, seeing the Blossom getting put through its paces, and Moondancer enjoying herself. Also, I’ll be very interested to see if the chase scene is added, as if Minuette thought that test run was bad, she’s in for some bad times ahead.
Loving the story so far.
Yes, but how good are those fruitbread recipes?
Prediction: "Dancing" is not the best word to describe how she gets through those storms.
I couldn't help but imagine a Star Trek movie-esque loving panning shot of the Blossom as she pulled out of skydock, complete with sweeping orchestral score. (It helps that I was already listening to a sweeping orchestral score.
) I also realized I was imagining the Weatherlight, because you might say certain card games have had something of an influence on my imagination.
I am surprised Minuette couldn't handle the full throttle shakedown, but I can understand that sort of thing coming without warning from Moondancer of all ponies being a shock. Hopefully these two get along better after this. We'll see where the journey takes them.
Ok, my interests are peaked.
Can't wait for more.
Ok, you make me remember why I love the idea of Airships and Zeppelin's.
Been a joy to read. Think I already said it but I'll say it again- can't wait for more.
10614981
More importantly, check your engines aren't going to freak out at all ahead full in the clear, not when dodging quarry eels or sky pirates.
Moondancer definitely has a Pegasus or two in the family line, but Minuette...not so much.
I’m trying to recall if I’ve read this or not 🤔
Oh well
A gift may be true
Impulsive light shines too bright
New wonders await
Moony and Minnie make such a wonderful comedy duo. Minnie's impulsiveness is going to drive Moon Dancer up the wall, but hopefully it'll be good for her. A little. Maybe.
Adventure awaits! Excelsior!
Damn, the Waystone was awesome. Makes that ratty old journal from HB look like... well... a ratty old journal.
...That sounded better in my head.
Regardless, good little set-up chapter, we learn a little more about the waystone, and... the shipping, it begins!
And now you’ve got me thinking of HotW’s amazing ost.
All in all, good times all round. I wonder when (and who) the trio will show?
When A. K. Yearling released her tell-all biography, Minuette was insufferably smug about it for the next few moons.
It's the "again" that has me curious there...
Much cuteness, enough to get to even Moondancer. Looking forward to seeing where the Waystone takes them.
10625414
Gimme a couple more chapters... I've got a few more surprises in store for you for the Waystone!
As for the trio, they're actually already listed in my Synopsis under the cast! They'll come along soon enough. Promise! I had so much fun with them.
10615023
*whistles innocently*
10615390
Ooooh, pretty ship! We need more airships like that!
10616619
Heh! I can't wait to see your reaction to "The Pass."