Day 4: The Last Day
The smell of pancakes hit Clay’s nostrils and he slowly opened his eyes.
“Mm mm. Smells good mom.” Clay muttered as he got up slowly from the couch and made his way to the table. He took a spot and sat on his haunches as Dash carried a plate of pancakes to the table, before sitting down herself. Clay looked at her and tried to read her face. She didn’t look mad, in fact she looked happy. Clay didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried.
“Did you sleep well?” She asked cheerfully.
“I slept ok I guess. But I had this weird dream.”
“Weird dream?” Dash replied curiously.
“Yeah there was this unicorn filly and I was following her.”
“Was it Dinky?” Dash asked.
“No she was somepony I had never seen before.” Clay squeezed some apple syrup on his pancake stack and continued “Anyway I found her and…then she started rubbing up against my leg.” Dash raised an eyebrow.
“Wait…this wasn’t one of those “special” dreams was it?”
“MOM!” Clay shouted blushing slightly.
“Just checking.” Dash chuckled.
“It wasn’t…that kind of a rub it was more like…a loving rub like she knew me. Almost like…” He paused.
“Almost like what Clay.” Dash asked in mid bite.
“Almost like…when I used to rub you when I was little.” Dash looked at Clay uncertainly.
“You mean like she…was related to you?” Clay nodded “Well…I guess that’s a nice dream.” They became quiet and continued eating.
“Mom I know that this won’t help me not get in trouble, but…for what it’s worth I’m sorry I went behind your back with the spell.” Dash looked at him curiously.
“Clay, why didn’t you ask me?” Clay hung his head.
“I was afraid you would say no.”
“Of course I wouldn’t have said no Clay. I know how much you’ve wanted to fly.” Clay looked at her disbelievingly.
“You mean…you would have let me go through with it?”
“Of course I would. Hell I would have given you pointers. I want you to be happy Clay, and if you having wings is what it takes to make you happy then so be it.” Clay smiled.
“You really are the coolest mom ever.” Dash smirked.
“Tell me something I don’t already know.” They continued eating their breakfast. Then after a long quiet minute Dash spoke again.
“So…I’ve been thinking about your punishment.” Clay stopped eating and looked at her “I’ve decided that you are going to spend the entire day going to all of your aunts and do whatever they need you to do. And I do mean whatever they tell you.” Clay opened his mouth, but then stopped before trying again.
“Alright.” Dash blinked.
“Really, that’s it? No begging, no whining, no saying it’s not fair?”
“Yep. I’m fine with it.”
“Oh…well good.” They resumed eating not looking at each other until Dash spoke once more “You know I’m not doing this to be mean Clay.” Clay looked to her smiling.
“I know mom. I didn’t expect to get off Scott free.” Clay winced and placed his hoof on his head. Rubbing it slightly.
“Just uh…don’t strain yourself ok?” Clay nodded still rubbing the lump on his head.
Before Dash or Clay could say another word there was a knock on the door.
“Who could that be?” Dash asked as Clay got up and walked to the door slowly. Clay turned the knob and pulled back the door to reveal to his complete and utter surprise Firefly.
“Excuse me is this…” She stopped when she saw the colt in the doorway “Clay! What in Celestia’s name happened to you?”
“I got in a fight…what…what are you doing here?”
“I uh, came over to apologize for yesterday.” Clay looked at her uncertainly.
“Why are you apologizing? I was the one who lied to you.”
“No. I should be the one who’s sorry. I should have heard you out first.” She looked meekly at the ground and then back at Clay “So…can we start over?” Clay smiled.
“Of course we can.” Firefly gave Clay a hug and he winced.
“Sorry.” She said blushing before giving him a kiss on the cheek. “So what do you want to do today?” She asked.
“Uh, I can’t do anything Firefly sorry.”
“Why not?”
“I’m grounded.” Firefly looked at him worriedly.
“Are your wings injured?”
“No…I mean my mom says I can’t do anything until I help my aunts with…whatever they want me to do.”
“Can I help?” Firefly offered. Before Clay could answer Dash called out.
“Clay! Who’s at the door?” Firefly looked behind Clay.
“Is that your mom?” She asked.
“Yeah that’s her.” Clay said nervously.
“Well aren’t you going to introduce me?”
“Uh…I don’t know you might get surprised.” Firefly raised an eyebrow.
“Why would I be surprised?” Clay rubbed the back of his head.
“Well my mom has a reputation.”
“What is she one of the elements or something?” She chuckled. Clay said nothing. “Wait…is she one of the elements of harmony?”
“Yeah…” Firefly gasped.
“Who is she? Twilight Sparkle?” Clay shook his head “Fluttershy?” Again he shook his head “Pinkie Pie?” Clay chuckled at that one “Well it can’t be Applejack she lives on a farm. And Rarity lives in Canterlot most of the time so that leaves…” She stopped as the realization hit her “You…your Rainbow Dash’s colt?” Clay nodded. “No way! You’re just making…” She stopped again as Dash came into view.
“Are you two lovebirds going to stand at the door all day or do I have to kick you both out?” Firefly was absolutely speechless.
“It’s…It’s really…Rainbow Dash…” Without warning she fainted.
Firefly slowly opened her eyes and found herself on a couch being watched by Clay.
“Firefly are you ok? You fell pretty hard.” She looked at him confused.
“Was…was that really…”
“Yes that was Rainbow Dash and yes…she’s my mother.” Firefly stood up.
“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Clay looked to the ground.
“Because I was afraid…that if I told you that my mom was Rainbow Dash you’d only want to go out with me because of her.” Firefly gave him an understanding look.
“I guess that would be a good excuse.” They smiled at each other “Hey where is she? Is Rainbow Dash still here? I want to talk to her.”
“Yeah she’s still here.” Firefly began shaking with excitement.
“Oh my gosh I can’t believe I’m dating the son of Rainbow Dash! This is so awesome!” At that moment Rainbow walked in carrying Clay's Stanton hat.
“For when you’re working with Applejack.” Clay took his hat and placed it on his head.
“Thanks mom.” Clay replied as Firefly looked at Rainbow Dash barely containing her joy.
“Holy horse apples it’s really you! Rainbow Dash the captain of the Wonderbolts I can’t believe it!” Dash looked at Firefly nervously “I have so many questions for you like what’s your training routine like? How did you get into the Wonderbolts? Is it true that you did a double sonic rainboom once?” Clay started to leave to go out into Ponyville.
“Well I’d like to stay and chat, but I have some relatives to help.” Clay said smirking as he left the house.
Clay had made his way to Twilights library first. The walk was slow due to his injuries, but somehow he made it. Clay knocked on the door and was soon greeted by Spike.
“Hey Twilight! Clay’s here!” Twilight was busy reading in a fortress of books.
“I’ll be there in a minute Clay just sit somewhere.” Spike looked at Clay as he walked in.
“You look like hell.” Spike muttered.
“You should see the other guy.” Clay smirked.
“Oh Clay you look awful!” Twilight gasped as she trotted next to him and began using her magic to heal him.
“I’m fine Aunt Twilight *ow* really.” Twilight continued with her magic.
“Well I can’t have you helping me like this.” Within seconds Clay’s body was completely healed, and he began stretching his limbs.
“Have I ever told you how awesome your magic is?”
“Once or twice. Now your mother already told me about your punishment so you are going to do all of Spikes chores while he takes the day off.”
“About time I got a day off.” Spike muttered “See you around Clay.” With that Spike left the library.
Clay began sweeping the floor and alphabetizing all the books on her selves. Then he fed Owloysious and made sure Twilight's check list was ready. As he worked he saw Twilight looking at a picture of herself as a filly and Spike when he was a hatchling.
“Oh, he’s grown so much since I hatched him.” Twilight sighed sadly “Soon he’ll have to live with his own kind and…I’ll never see him again.” A tear began to fall from her violet eye.
“Well…you’ll always have me Aunt Twilight.” Clay said trying to comfort her.
“I know. And I’m very grateful to have a wonderful nephew like you Clay.” Clay gave Twilight a small hug “Thank you…um…I think you’re done here. You can go now.” Clay turned and headed for the door, but then stopped and looked back at Twilight.
“Are you going to be okay?” Twilight nodded still crying slightly. Clay nodded and left the library giving a sad sigh.
Clay spent the next few hours with his aunts. He helped feed the animals with Fluttershy. Put on a fashion show for Rarity which he detested. Helped Pinkie pie and the Cakes with a large order. And then finally stopping by sweet apple acres to buck all the apple orchards and help Big Mac with the plowing. Clay had just finished the last tree when Applejack trotted up to him.
“Why don’t you sit a spell Clay? Yah look plum awful tired.” Clay nodded and sat on his haunches whipping his brow. Applejack sat down as well relaxed from her own chores.
“Aunt Applejack…why were you upset with me having wings yesterday?” Applejack looked at Clay.
“I’m sorry Clay. I was just worried that those wings would go to yer head. You’re a good kid and ah just don’t want yah to get all high and mighty like that Sky Tearer.” She smiled at him “But ah can see that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Clay avoided his aunt’s gaze.
“Well it won’t matter. In a few hours I’ll just be Clay the earth pony again.” Clay’s face saddened.
“Now hold on. There aint nothin’ wrong with being an earth pony.”
“Why? What makes me so special? I can’t fly or use magic. The only thing I have is being strong. And that just means I’m only good for work.” Applejack trotted over to him and placed her hooves on his shoulders.
“Sugar cube. It aint just about being strong enough for bucking trees or pulling stuff. It’s about being strong here.” She placed a hoof over his heart “Earth ponies have to be strong in both body and heart to make up for not having wings or magic.” Clay didn’t seem convinced.
“When you went to Dinky to get what you wanted most even though you knew it wouldn’t last forever. That took a lot of heart to chase your dream. Not a lot of brains, but a lot of heart. And I’m proud of you for making your dream real. And ah know your momma is too.” Clay smiled and hugged Applejack who returned in kind.
“Thank you Aunt Applejack.”
“Anytime sugar cube.” They released each other and resumed talking “Ah guess it was silly of me tah think yah would get all self-absorbed about your wings like Rarity did. You aren’t as vane as she is.” Applejack chuckled, but Clay looked confused.
“Wait…what do you mean like Rarity did?”
“When she got her own wings so she could help yer mom with the best young flyers competition. Didn’t Rainbow tell yah that story?”
“Yeah, but she said that you all used a cloud walking spell.”
“Well me and the others did. But Rarity had a pair of butterfly wings to get to Cloudsdale thanks to your Aunt Twi.” Clay looked at Applejack startled.
“Wait you both knew about the flight spell? Mom knew about the flight spell?!” Applejacks face fell as she realized her mistake and saw Clays temper rising.
“Now take it easy Clay I’m sure she had her reasons for not telling you.” She said trying to defuse the situation.
“I…I can’t believe that mom lied to me! She lied to me about my dream!” Clay sat up and flew off into the sky angrily.
“Clay where are you going?!” Clay didn’t answer and flew off into the distance.
Clay was fuming as he saw his house come into view, and landed outside to see his mother and Firefly laughing and enjoying themselves. They spotted him and left to meet him.
“There you are! Man Clay why didn’t you tell me that your fillyfriend was such a daredevil? I would have…” Dash stopped when she saw his angered expression “Clay, what’s wrong?”
“You…lied to me.” He growled.
“What?”
“You knew about the flight spell and you lied to me!” Dash and Firefly looked at him startled.
“Clay what are you talking about?”
“Aunt Applejack told me the story of the best young flyers competition. The real story. The one where Aunt Rarity had her own set of wings!” Dash stared at him as his anger rose “Why didn’t you tell me there was a spell that would give me wings, huh? Did you just think I would never find it? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Clay glared at his mother as she tried to speak.
“I…I was…just trying to keep you safe.”
“Keep me safe, or keep me grounded?” Clay spat.
“Clay calm down we can talk about this.”
“What else aren’t you telling me huh? What other secrets are you hiding from me?”
“I’m not hiding anything from you Clay I promise.”
“Why should I believe you? You told me when I was little that there was no spell, and that I would never have wings. Well I have them now, so fess up! What aren’t you telling me?”
“Clay I…” She started but was cut off.
“Where did you find me huh? Did you really find me at your door step or was there more to it? I find it hard to believe that a pony like you would already be living in a home on the ground. Did you live in the sky and then move to the ground because of me? What about my real parents? Are they really dead or was that a lie too?”
“I said they might be dead.” Dash said trying to defend herself.
“So my parents could be out there right now looking for me? How can you not tell me that?”
“Clay what does it matter if your real parents are alive or not? You’re my son and I love you.”
“Do you love me mom? Or did you just keep me because you couldn’t get one of the others to take me? Tell me the truth mom! I want the truth!” Dash could only stare at Clay as tears began to fall from his eyes “How much of my life is a lie? Tell me mom I need to know!” Dash continued to say nothing as he ran up to her and began beating his hooves into her chest “Tell me! For Celestia’s sake tell me! Please tell me the truth damn it!” He sobbed uncontrollably as he left his head buried in her chest. Dash wrapped her forelegs around him and cried.
“I do love you Clay…that’s the truth.” Clay looked up at her and then shook his head.
“No…no I don’t believe you!” Clay pushed Dash away and backed up “You don't love me! I’m just some earth pony you just found!” Dash approached him reaching for his face as he cried.
“Clay please…you're breaking my heart.” Clay saw her hoof and backed away.
“Leave me alone! I…I need to think! And don’t follow me mom, or I swear I’ll never speak to you again!” With that Clay flew off leaving Dash devastated and heart broken.
“Rainbow what’s going on? I heard shouting.” Twilight asked as she galloped towards her.
“I…I’m losing him Twilight.” Dash sobbed. Twilight saw her friends distress and trotted over to Rainbow.
“What happened Rainbow?” Dash took a shaky inhale.
“He…he found out the truth about the young flyers competition and…he was…” Dash fell on her back legs and cried into her hooves. “He hates me.” Dash cried.
“He doesn't hate you Rainbow. He’s just upset.” Dash sniffled as Twilight wrapped a foreleg around her.
“I’ll talk to him Rainbow Dash.” Firefly offered. Rainbow nodded and Firefly flew into the air and began searching for Clay. Hoping that there was still a chance to fix this argument.