//------------------------------// // Chapter Seven. // Story: Astral's Thunder // by Bolted Sky //------------------------------// The party was in full swing that day. Pinkie had really outdone herself with this Hearths Warming Eve party. The event was being held at Twilight's Castle, so I almost didn't get to attend. I entered into the castle, thinking that I would be allowed in this one time. Unfortunately, Twilight had other ideas. "Astral, I do believe I banned you from this place, did I not?" "Well, I thought it was an open invitation." I said. Honestly, I should have expected this. "I don't want you causing trouble, Astral! Now leave." She said, forcefully. "That was a year ago. Are we to understand Astral's banned for life?" Spike asked as he approached from the side. At this point, we had an audience. While there were a few awkward glances, most others were glaring at me. It seems that the guests were of the same mind as Twilight. Of course it didn't help that I was continually branded the town troublemaker. It was a title I had earned by "attacking" Varsity, "talking back" to my mom and stepdad, being "irresponsible" with magic, slacking off at school, and generally being the resident "bad seed", as they put it. Of course nobody cared about my side of the story. "Spike, I don't want him here." As she said that, I saw mom, who was already inside, trotting over. "Astral, what did you do this time?" Mom said with a scowl. "Exist, apparently." Twilight gave Spike the death glare for that comment. Twilight then turned back Mom, and explained what the issue was. "He isn't supposed to be here. I explained that much to him after the incident where he attacked your son with magic at school." "Twilight... Is there anyway you could overlook that, just this once? It's Hearts Warming after all." My mom asked. "I have a better idea." Spike then turned toward the crowd, and called out for the Cake twins and Flurry Heart, all of whom came front, and center. "Change of plans, guys! We're having hearths warming eve at Sugarcube Corner!" Spike announced. Twilight, realizing what a fopa the celebration was going to turn into, quickly changed her tune. "Okay, okay, fine! He can come... This once. But you better be on your best behavior, mister!" I didn't really say anything, and we all came into the castle. It had been a few days since the incident at the Sugarcube Corner. My bruises, and black eye had healed pretty good by that point, so nopony really noticed. It was fortunate for me that O&O had been canceled that night, and they simply forgot to tell me. Still, the fact that they found out about me being hurt was not good. When I left that night, they warned me not to provoke Field or Varsity, if I could help it. I tried to get them to promise not to tell anyone. After some convincing, they reluctantly agreed. But it felt like they were lying. Can't say I blame them, they are my friends. Anyway, back to the present... See what I did there? As I said, the party was in full swing, and the castle was filled with activity. Twilight, and Field decided I would be best suited serving drinks, and food to all the guests. Varsity, being the popular Pony he was, had a few friends who like to bully me as well. They thought it would be a great idea to mess with me while I carried the trays around. It was the usual, stupid gimmicks. A trip here, a shove there. Eventually, Pound showed up, and started blocking them at every opportunity. Pumpkin and Flurry Heart could be seen doing the same not too long after. Spike, who had been watching this all take place, eventually got tired of it, and told them to knock it off, albeit less politely. After that, I was able to carry on and peace. Well, it was peaceful, relatively speaking. Most ponies I was serving either gave me the stink eye or made some snarky comment, even Rarity. "You know, you could act more like a gentlecolt, Astral." That was nothing new, though. It certainly wasn't the worst I've heard. But coming from her, it kind of hurt. She wasn't always like that towards me. But most of the town wasn't, either... At least not until Field came into our lives. There were some, however, that decided to be nice to me. Fluttershy was obvious, that was a given. Aunt Applejack was with her, and was kind as well. She never had a mean thing to say. "Hello, Astral." She said softly. "Hi there, partner!" Said Applejack. They both seemed pretty happy to see me. "Hi, Fluttershy. Hi, Applejack." I said. Before I could say anything else, I felt the tray disappear from my hooves. "Astral, why are YOU doing this? Snacks are MY job." She bounced away, but then hopped back. "Happy Hearths Warming, Astral! Happy Hearths Warming, Applejack! Happy Hearths Warming, Fluttershy!" She then bounced away again. We all looked at each other, then had a chuckle. While Rarity, and Twilight were usually on my case about things, Aunt Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie we're always kind to me. I think they felt like there was more going on then what Mom was telling them. That's probably why they were nicer than usual to me after some of my issues began. Before anything else could be said, I heard my mom call out to everyone. "Hey, Everypony! We've got an announcement to make!" She yelled out, loud enough for everyone in attendance to hear. Field cleared his throat. "Dashie, Varsity and I I've been living together for a couple of years now. And let me tell you, we're as close as kin. Having said that, I asked Dashie a question the other night... And well, she said yes. For those of you wondering what the question was..." "He asked me to marry him!" Mom shouted, flying up, and squealing. I saw it coming, and yet that same sinking feeling was in my chest, that was there six months ago. What I didn't know was that the worst was yet to come. "Varsity, could you come up here, buddy?" Mom asked. He did as he was told, and mom pulled out a small gift. "I know it's not tradition to open gifts until morning, but... Go on, and open it up. I want everypony to see this." Varsity opened up the package, and pulled out a pendant, a gold lightning bolt. I recognized it right away. It belong to Grandpa Hothoof. Why was she giving it to him? "This belonged to my dad. It's a family heirloom, and I want to pass it on to you." Varsity stared at the pendant in astonishment. "Sweet Celestia, Rainbow. I don't know what to say." He said. "You can always start by calling me 'Mom', kid." A chorus of cooing and 'aww' could be heard from the crowd. "Thanks... Mom." Said Varsity. "Hey, at least I know YOU'LL make us proud." The jab from Mom couldn't have been more plain if she had spelled it out in giant, neon letters. It was obvious to the other guests, as well, based on the looks I was getting. "Your dad, and I love you, and we'll always be here for you." She ruffled his hair as she said that. During all of this, I began feeling sick to my stomach. My head began spinning, and I was feeling nauseous. The last thing I remembered was being on my back, on the floor, and being surrounded by my friends, faces full of fear. As I drifted into unconsciousness, a single phrase repeated in my head. "She doesn't love you, anymore. You're nothing but a mistake to her."