//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 - A New Dream // Story: Because You Are My Sister // by Maverick Cloud //------------------------------// "...and that's how I ended up here. Flash and I had a rough start, but everything’s fine now.” Lightning explained to their little brother, First Base, while they trotted towards their mother's home. The three ponies knew how their mother would react once she saw Lightning after all her time away. The thought had spurred Flash’s decision to see their younger sibling, feeling it best for everyone that Lightning first see her little brother before facing her mother. "Wow, sis. That's quite a story" The little orange colt was happy to see her sister back, but at the same time scared of how their mother would react once she saw Lightning. "You know Mom's gonna get really angry, right?" "That's what I'm expecting to see. But don't worry, I can handle her." In reality, Lightning wasn't entirely sure how everything would transpire. She remembered how much of a hurricane her mother can be when anything went awry. A hurricane of fierce maternal sass that left no survivors. But seeing her daughter alive and well after all this time ought to lessen the impact, right? "At least I hope." "Well, I know she got sick, but Mom’s sweet and soft way of dealing with things hasn’t changed," First said sarcastically, which made Lightning laugh a little. "Man, I'm so screwed" She thought to herself before asking Flash, "What exactly happened after she got sick?" "She seemed... how do I put it? Lost. And she easily forget things." Flash tried to explain. The few times he got to see her, she always seemed disconnected from reality. "It always looks like she’s thinking, just... thinking, and whenever me or First try to talk to her she rarely responds. We have to raise our voices in order to snap Mom out of it." Lightning had heard of ponies acting that way from time to time, but she knew her mother wasn't one of the kind. "And you think I'm the only one who can reverse it? Her condition?" The answer was obvious before she even asked. "Well, you are the one who caused this, right? No offense." Flash told her. Lightning could tell he was going to use this to get on her nerves for long time. Lightning simply rolled her eyes with a smirk. If her brother found this funny, then she better enter the game instead of getting angry. "But seriously, Lightning" First started. "I'm really glad to see you again. You have no idea how much I missed having an awesome sister." Lightning petted her younger brother’s short-cut mane. She missed that adorable little ball of cuteness. "Heh, I missed you too, you cute little thing," He may have grown older, but First would always be her cute little baby brother. "I'm not cute." "That just makes you even cuter," Lightning told him. She just loved to see her little brother flustered like that. Time has a habit of passing by like a runaway wagon, for the trio of siblings arrived at front of their mother’s house before they knew it. Lightning wasn't nervous like before, but she still feared for what she was about to face. A very angry mother is something that everypony dreads, but a very angry Breeze Waker... she was a whole other level of maternal fury. Like a category five hurricane of maternal fury. And sass. The fellas remained behind Lightning as she made her way to the door. Maybe Breeze would be even more harsh than Flash towards her, but she had come to Ponyville to make amends with Flash. Her job was done, her mother could be considered a bonus. Lightning took a deep breath before knocking on the door. Some seconds had passed with no response. Lightning knocked again, somewhat hoping her mother wasn't at home so then she could just return to the castle. Unfortunately for her, she hear her mother's voice coming from inside the house. "Coming!" While she recognized her voice, Lightning detected the telltale signs of fatigue in laced with her mother’s response. When the door opened, her appearance was much the same; Breeze’s coat and mane, normally sky blue and orange, had taken on paler hues. The bags under her eyes didn’t help either. "Forgot your key again, Fir--" Breeze Waker’s . Breeze had her eyes open widely after seeing the daughter that she believed was gone just like her husband. "Hi, Mom," was all Lightning said to her right before she was embraced on her mother's hooves. However, that hug didn't lasted for so long. "Oh Lightning, my dear," Breeze said with the soft motherly tone she had. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Lightning winced. "Yeah... about that." "It's obvious that you have lost your mind. Almost two years messing around in Baltimare while I’ve been worried sick here!" Lightning found it easier to look down to the floor rather than her mother’s face. Despite that minute lack of confidence, she couldn't let her mother jump to conclusions like that. There was more to the story. Looking up, she began to make her defence. "I wasn't messing around; I got a job there!" "DON'T INTERRUPT ME!" For a pony with a name like Breeze Waker, her voice surely wasn't as soft as a breeze. Lightning thought it was best to shut up and let her mother do all the talking, get it out of her system. Not even her father managed to win a discussion with her. "I ought to slap the slick off your mane! What if you had been kidnapped, or worse?" "For your information, I managed to rent an apartment.” Lightning explained, even though she knew there was no getting around her mother. “I was doing fine as wine." "'Doing fine as wine'." Breeze imitated in frustration. "I was dying out of worry and you were doing fine?! If that happened earlier I would punish you like a condemned, you crazy sky jockey!" Meanwhile in the main room, Flash was enjoying the his free time out of armor, relishing the delightful taste of the tea his mother prepared, coincidentally, only moments before their arrival. His orders, as Cadence explained prior to their trip, were to escort the royal family during the train ride, not during the time they were in Ponyville. With his duty fulfilled until Her Highness’s beck and call, Flash had the freedom to do as he pleased. Running into his sister again was needless to say highly unexpected and at the moment still of getting used to, but Flash would be lying if he claimed she hadn’t made his day all the better. So far. Reconnecting with their mother was still a work in progress. Flash paid little attention to the mares in the other room. For him and First, the shouting was just their mother being fierce and sassy herself like every other day. For now, he was at the beck and call of R&R. "Dang it!" First exclaimed. "This one is a pain to catch!" He said to the Joy Boy in his hooves. "Just use the Master Ball," Flash told him, not paying much attention to First either. "That's what I did." He finished off with a gulp of his tea. "Next time you run away like this again, I'll rip out the wax in your ears with my bare hooves. Do you understand?" Breeze threatened her daughter. If there's one thing she's good at, terrifying other ponies was it. "Yes ma'am," was all Lightning said almost mouselike.. "Good," Breeze departed to the main living room. To her two sons on the couch, she took a deep breath and hollered out, "I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" First’s eyes remained glued to his Joy Boy. Flash casually looked over and said, "Yeah, we heard." Yeah, good old R&R. Some time had passed. Lightning shared everything about her life in Baltimare to her family. Even First found her tale to be far more entertaining than his Pokesprites game, which had long since been turned off and cast to the wayside. Lightning talked about Brick Seal and how he helped her on getting a place to live, then Hydro Jet and how she was a crazy troublemaker, and of course Xenon Blow and how his shyness could make even rival the Element of Kindness. In the interim, Breeze had winded down from being storm of sass to the more appropriately breezy mare as her name suggested. By the end of her daughter’s recounting, Breeze was the first to speak. "So, what is it going to be from now on? Are you gonna still work in that factory?" she asked, taking a sip of her cup of tea right after. "Yeah, I suppose that's what I'll do. Not much point on giving up now." "Well, I know you can’t be a Wonderbolt anymore for obvious reasons, but..." Breeze set her cup to the side. "I'm just glad you became an independent mare. That's more than enough for me to be proud of you." Breeze then wrapped her daughter into a hug. It filled Lightning with even more relief. Realizing her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt wouldn’t come to pass anytime soon, but what she was feared most didn't happen either. Instead she made peace with her family. She became independent and capable. Even if she didn’t reach as high a level of success as Flash, Lightning took solace in knowing she made her family proud. "Just please maintain contact with me, dear. I don't wanna pass through this again." Breeze said, still hugging her daughter. Her mother being that sentimental was a rare sight to be seen, but it was good for a change. "Don't worry, Mom. I promise I’ll never pull that stunt again." "Of course you never will." Breeze pulled back and glared her daughter firmly in the eyes, a sass storm on the horizon. "’Cause if you do I'll cut your wings and ground you faster than Celestia can send you to the moon!" Of course, it was too good to be true. Breeze vacated the couch and made her way to the kitchen to clean their dishes. That left the siblings in the living room sharing scared glances. Their mother could be very unpredictable. Lightning let out a sigh. "Like Dad always used to say..." The trio recited in unison, "Good things only last so long." "I heard that," Breeze said from the kitchen. The time for Princess Twilight’s birthday ceremony drew closer. It was funny to call it a ceremony considering how far it was from being a formal, fancy event, like the Grand Galloping Gala or something of that caliber. First stayed, however; he had plans to hang out with a few friends later in the day at what he called a “cutie mark day camp”. Breeze followed her elder children back to the castle. The siblings weren't very okay with the idea of bringing an uninvited guest to the castle, but nevertheless she accompanied them at her own will. According to Breeze, she needed to 'feel young again' after losing her mind over Lightning. Her children saw through this one of many veiled excuses to drink, and were rightfully anxious as to what would happen if -- when -- Breeze had one too many mugs of cider. Too bad she didn’t break the habit while I was gone, Lightning thought. When they got to the castle, the decorations were pretty much complete. The three found themselves parting ways and mingling with the steadily growing crowd. With all the tension from early in the day, Lightning didn't really have a chance to properly meet Princess Twilight’s circle of friends. Though she noticed one pony in particular absent from the group as she approached. “Hey, you girls seen Rainbow Dash?” The white unicorn answered. “Somewhere in the crowd as far as I’m aware, darling.” She then realized whom she was talking to. “Oh, hello… Lightning Dust, was it?” “Yep, that’s my name, don’t wear it out. And you’re Rarity. Applejack, Starlight Glimmer, Fluttershy, and... Pinkie Pie?” “Correcto, mi amiga!” Pinkie congratulated, producing a cupcake from… somewhere. “You win a cupcake of your favorite flavor!” Lightning eyed her curiously. “How do even know--” Her tastes buds were greeted by the flavor of lemon icing. She let out an ‘mmm’ as she savored the sweet treat without further question. Meanwhile, Breeze Waker found herself before the one and only Princess of Friendship. "Oh, my goodness." Breeze gasped as she knelt before the princess. "Happy birthday, Your Majesty. I wish you continue to rule this fine land of yours" "...huh?" Was the only reaction coming from the Princess. "Please forgive anything my son and daughter have ever done that could possibly insult your regality." Breeze continued as if Twilight was a dictator. Twilight on the other hand remained mostly confused. She had never seen this mare before, otherwise she would certainly remember her for the level of reverence she graced upon her. "Er, madam... I don’t intend to punish you or your children for whatever it is they’ve done." Twilight was beginning to find the situation funny. "And there’s no need to be formal around me. Please, just call me Twilight. ‘Princess Twilight’ makes my skin crawl." "Wh-- wait, what?" She smiled. "Relax. I'm nothing like Queen Chrysalis." Whoever this lady was, it surely helped the Princess's humor lighten up. "Pardon me, but could you tell me your name? I don’t recall ever seeing you before." "Y-yes. My name is Breeze Waker. I came with my son Flash Sentry and my daughter Lightning Dust." Despite Twilight’s insistence otherwise, Breeze found it difficult to speak to the princess like a normal pony. Lightning watched the scene unfold alongside the Elements of Harmony whom, much to her embarrassment, found much amusement out of the awkward display. She dragged her hooves over her face, wanting to hide from everypony present until she no longer wallowed in embarrassment, give or take the rest of her life. After a few chuckles, Starlight Glimmer asked, "So Lightning Dust, this is your mother?" "Unfortunately..." "Oh, I know your son. He's very dependable and such a gentlecolt,” Twilight acknowledged to the older mare. A blush formed on her cheeks as the memory of their close encounter surfaced. “You raised him very well." "Well, that's mighty fine coming from you, Prin-- I mean, Twilight." Breeze felt proud. Even the Princess acknowledged the creation she gave life to? Now that's something worth remembering. “You’re welcome.” Twilight’s attention was caught by somepony elsewhere. Her eyes then fell on Breeze again. "It was nice to meet you, Miss Waker. If you would excuse me, I have to take care of a few things. In the meantime, enjoy yourself. The food table is behind you over by the window, and if you prefer hard drinks just ask the bartender." Twilight departed and made her way to the food table. "Oh, I could use a drink so bad..." Breeze smirked before making a beeline to the Princess-approved bar. She sidled up to the counter and put on her best charm. "Hey, handsome." Lightning’s hooves met her face again. "Ugh... somepony please kill me." “I can arrange that.” Pinkie procured a pen and planner from her perpetually pink poofy perm. “I do have an opening at Fluttershy’s shed at nine at night. Would like that slow and painful, or quick and painless?” Blinks followed until Rarity broke the silence. “Please tell me you’re not actually promoting euthanasia.” “Whaaat? It was just a joke!” “A rather dark one, darling.” “I still don’t understand how everypony gets the idea I use my shed for that.” Fluttershy chimed in. “Sheesh, tough crowd.” Pinkie pulled out a voice recorder. “Note to self: grimdark material is a big no-no at birthdays.” “I thought you learned that lesson at Twily’s last birthday.” The awkward atmosphere dispersed upon the addition of a new voice to the circle. Shining Armor came trotting in, Flash and Rainbow in tow. Lightning and company silently thanked the sun for the blessing. Pinkie shrugged. “Eh, same party, different guest list. My Pinkie Sense told me somepony here would appreciate it.” Yet again she pulled out another object from her poofy mane, this time a clipboard with the guest list. She started scanning through it with the thoroughness of a Manehattan defense attorney. “Hmm, maybe Malloy…” “Right… well, while she’s at it, I have an announcement to make.” "Cadence is pregnant again?" Night Light asked as he passed by. "No no no, dear Luna, no." Shining quickly said. After the experience with Flurry Heart, he planned to not be father again for a very long time. “Maybe we ought to make this conversation more private.” Flash nodded. “Excellent idea, sir. Perhaps the stairs will suffice?” “You’re off duty, Flash.” “Either way, still suggesting the stairs.” The mares giggled. Pinkie furiously jotted down a note, intent on not letting the lack of material weaken her party game. Shaking his head, Shining lead Flash, Lightning, and Rainbow up the stairs to a relatively quiet space that hosted an excellent view overlooking the party. He cleared his throat before setting his gaze on Lightning. “Anyway, as I was trying to say... Lightning Dust, it’s come to my attention that you have an interest in another career path.” The pony-in-question’s ears perked up. “Recently, yeah.” “I’ve also been told in good confidence you are an excellent flier; quick in both mind and body, spirited, a pony who is willing to push her limits. And an attitude fitting for one willing to do the unorthodox.” When she didn’t speak up, Shining took that as a cue to proceed further. “Lightning Dust, as Captain of the Royal Guard I'm here to offer you an opportunity to make use of those talents.” Lightning’s heart raced. No way was he offering what she thought he was offering. A spot in the Royal Guard, so soon? It was too good to be true. This had to be a joke, right? Some elaborate prank Shining Armor, Rainbow, and Flash cooked up just to mess with her. “Dusty?” “Huh?” she shook her head at her brother’s voice. “What do you say?” “I say this sounds way too good to be true. Are you sure you guys aren’t pulling a prank?” Rainbow’s jaw dropped at accusation. “Are you kidding me? Why would we be pranking you? This is the opportunity of a lifetime!” “Yeah, it’s a bit early to start pulling fast ones on you Dusty.” Flash wrapped an arm around Lightning’s shoulders. “Look, Rainbow and I had a little conversation with Captain Armor. Told him about the real you, not the one who had her head so far up her flank she could only fly in circles.” "After due consideration, and despite your setback at the academy, I believe you would be a great addition to the Royal Guard. So what do you say? You in?" Lightning’s eyes moistened. If this really was a dream, she didn't want to wake up. This is the golden opportunity she had been waiting for. A chance to rise again. A chance to make her father proud and honor his name. "I... Yes. Yes! YES!" Lightning hauled her brother into an ephemeral embrace, the two rotated in the air in infectious merriment. It may have been Twilight’s birthday, but at that moment Lightning felt like hers came early. “Me and you are gonna kick so much flank together." "Dad would be so proud of you, sis. I know I am." Flash whispered. “By the way, your feelings are showing again.” Lightning wiped away a stray tear. “Geez. I’m off my game today.” “We’ll keep that between us. Won’t we, Rainbow?” “They don’t call me the Element of Loyalty for nothing.” Rainbow bumped her chest for added measure. "Welcome aboard, Lightning Dust. Just to be clear, you still need to undergo field training before putting on the helmet. You better give your best shot if you wanna get accepted." Shining warned her as they settled down. “Then again, you have an advantage over the other recruits.” Flash saluted with a grin. “I’ll have her in prime condition by then, sir.” “Just don’t get cocky. Both of you.” "I promise, Captain. I won't let you down." It will be hard for Lightning to say goodbye to her friends in Baltimare, but she'll manage to do that when the time comes. “So, wanna tell your mom the big news?” Rainbow asked. Lightning peeked over the balcony to find Breeze preoccupied with the bartender. She face-hooved. "She'll know it once the sun rises." Day soon gave way to night. By then the party had worn down, most of the guests already having said their goodbyes and gone home. Several stragglers remained, either intent on partying until sunrise or sleeping off the foreseen hangover. Among them was Breeze, whom was plastered more than the wall she lazily laid up against. And she absolutely loved it. Never had she experienced hard partying like this since her more youthful days. Said experience was made all the better by somepony she least expected to be an adventurous mare, a unicorn next to her who wore a dopey smile with her disheveled mane. Despite being well middle-aged, the mares still had the mojo to party. "Ugh... my head hurts." Twilight Velvet slurred. "So does my back... my kidneys, too... and I love it..." Velvet wrapped Breeze in a drunken one-armed hug. "Breezie, dear, we're going to be such great friends." “Hay yeah we are, girl.” Across the room, an inebriated Rainbow Dash lay on the floor, grasping futilely at another semi-conscious form splayed out on the table. "Lightning Dust, get… get over here for a-a-a sec." She called out to her friend. "I'm dying. Leave me alone..." Lightning grumbled. Flash, one of the few not to succumb to the effects of the party, proceeded to nudge her a few times. "You're not gonna wake up?" When she only mumbled again, he shrugged. "Fine then." With a smirk, Flash grabbed the biggest bag of ice he could find and tossed its contents onto his sister. She shot up alert and sound in academy record time. "Okay, now that you're awake--” He stilled his tongue when Lightning glared daggers sharp as icicles at him. “Hey, don't give me that look. You know how I am when I try to wake ‘em up. You can give me the cold shoulder later." Flash paused, then chuckled. “Heh, cold shoulder.” “I hope you freeze in Tartarus.” An inebriated Pinkie, lampshaded and cradling an equally inebriated bear cub, laughed as she struck out a name on the guest list. “I knew you’d like that one, Malloy.”