//------------------------------// // Meet The Team // Story: The Weather Team // by Maxis122 //------------------------------// The Weather Team Chapter 3 : Meet The Team ‘I did it!” Max thought to himself as he woke up the next morning. It felt like it was just a few minutes ago when he accepted into the team by Rainbow Dash. Feelings of pride and happiness spread across him as he lied in his bed. Max then turned his head to see what the time was. “Just seven in the morning” Max mumbled to himself as tried to fight the dazed feeling that he had. After shaking his head he fully opened his eyes and looked outside to see that the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. His first day - he was ready. Max jumped out of his bed and trotted over to the table where his goggles were sitting. He hung them on his neck so he had them - just in case he needed them. Even though it was still early and his work didn’t begin for another hour or so - he thought that it would be a good idea to get a head start on his day. So he quickly consumed the breakfast that was left out for him and made his way out of the house. Maybe he could have been a bit slower eating his food as he now felt a little sick, but that was his mistake. And he was hungry after all. His journey of flight took him into the main area of the town - where it was beginning to fill with life. It looked like it was the merchants getting their stalls ready to sell their goods. Maybe it was market day or something. And everypony wanted to claim their territory. When he came to land he landed in the middle of a cross roads, he found himself looking around for something to consume his time with. For a moment he had no idea what to do - after all he didn’t want to do something that would overrun his work. And being late on the first day of work would be horrible on his reputation. A idea then passed his head to maybe do some research into the clouds that he could be dealing with. Books normally had the second best information in them - then actually being taught by the experts was the best. He turned around once to come face to face with a house, which was shaped like a tree. He looked to the sign next to it and saw that it was the library. By pure luck he had stumbled upon it. He then trotted up to the door and knocked on it three times. There was a couple of seconds in silence before he saw the entire door get shrouded in a purple mist and pulled open. In the doorway was a purple unicorn. She seemed to be perfectly awake - was she was a early bird too? “Hi, I was hoping that I could find a book” Max asked with a cheerful tone in his voice. “Oh, yeah, sure” She answered. “Come in!” She then stepped back and invited Max inside. Max was now in the wake of a mass collection of books ranging from a variety of subjects. As the door closed behind Max the unicorn came back into view. “So, what are you looking for?” She asked. “I’m looking for a book on clouds” Max answered, “Preferably directed towards weather ponies”. The unicorn then nodded and began to levitate books from all over. Max could say that his mind was blown - but he guessed that most unicorns could do this. “So... are you new around here?” the unicorn asked as she searched her library. “You could say that” Max responded. “Live around here?” she pressed. “Sort of” Max said while turning his head away from the working unicorn. She raised an eyebrow to his statement but continued to look, regardless. Eventually she found what she was looking for, and she signalled this by letting out a “AH HA”. “Here you go” She said as she gave the book to Max. “Thanks!” Max exclaimed as he flicked through the book. “You can either stay here and read it. Or you can rent it out” the unicorn explained, Max then snapped out of the book and made his decision. “Is it ok, if I can stay here?” Max asked. “Course it is” the unicorn exclaimed. “Anyway, I’m Twilight Sparkle” She then smiled warmly at Max. “Hi, I’m Max Plasma. I believe I will be helping to maintain your skies for the foreseeable future” Max announced as he put a hoof to his chest and did a little bow. Twilight giggled as she watched Max bow. “Why, haven’t seen some pony do that to me in a long time” Twilight giggled. The thought then passed Max’s head for a second. “Where was that pony from?” Max asked intently. Twilight recoiled from the sudden question but then put a hoof to her head in thought. “I believe that colt was from Trottingham, or some place close to it” Twilight explained, “He was in Canterlot for the day, showing off his magical skills” Twilight then decided to do some pressing of her own. “What made you curious?” She pressed. “Well, I...” Max tried to think of the best way to avoid talking about his amnesia. ‘Come on, Max think!’ Max thought as a droplet fell from his forehead. “I just wanted to know where the pony that did that came from - just curious, really” Max managed. Twilight wasn’t really satisfied by his answer. “You’re gonna run on that?” She asked, unamused. “I guess I am” Max smirked. “Anyway, I have reading to do!” Max then walked over to a corner and sat down - opening the book in the process. Twilight shrugged and then walked back into the private bit of her library. Max then looked over the book and sighed in relief. ‘Few, that was a close one’ Max thought as he then turned his attention back to his book. ‘Right, a guild about clouds’ Max began to read in his mind. About fifty minutes had passed since Max began reading and now Max had a bit more knowledge about the many clouds in existence. Max glanced over his book again for the first time since he started reading and he looked at the clock. “Seven fifty five” Max read from the clock. Max then sat up and walked back into the middle of the room. “Hey, Twilight. Shall I leave the book on your table?” Max asked with the book in his mouth. “What?” Twilight asked as she trotted back into the room. Max let go of the book and tried again. “What shall I do with this book?” he asked again. “Oh, just leave it with me” Twilight answered as she held out her hoof. Max then gave the book back to Twilight and flapped his stiff wings. “I better get out there now” Max admitted as he stretched his wings out. “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle” Max said as he nodded and then trotted out of the library. “No problem” Twilight called after him as he exited the library. When Max left she then replaced the book back into the slot that it came from. Then she replayed certain points of her meeting with Max back in her mind. She began to think about how he acted - and when does a pegasus of his age not know much about clouds. It’s normally in their blood to like the sky, well - unless you are Fluttershy. Twilight just couldn’t put her hoof on how he was acting, it just seemed so... odd. She passed it along that it was early on in the morning, so that was probably how some ponies would act at that time. Twilight shrugged the thought off and continued her day. Max was soon at the place that he was told to go to by Rainbow Dash the day before. So far, when he arrived, the place seemed rather quiet. The building had some kind of large table spanning across the entire side of it - with varying items behind it. ‘This is a meeting point?’ Max thought as he looked around. After a couple of minutes Rainbow Dash finally appeared from the sky and landed next to Max, with her mane still being a little damp. Max smiled at the arrival of his leader. “You’re early” Rainbow pointed out as she walked into the meeting place. “Need to make a impression on my first day” Max stated as he followed Rainbow inside. They then came to a larger circular table - which had five chairs surrounding it. “We’re gonna need another chair, one moment” Rainbow observed as she wandered off in search of a extra chair. Max stood awkwardly beside the table as he waited for Rainbow to return with the chair. Rainbow Dash then gave him an odd look as she saw he was still there. “You gonna sit down?” She asked as she placed the chair down. “Oh, yeah” Max stuttered as he pulled out one of the chairs and sat on it.Rainbow continued to look at him in a odd way until she shrugged and sat next to him. “You ok?” She asked. “Fine, just fine” Max replied calmly. His expression maintained a calm look as he waited with Rainbow. A minute passed until Rainbow became bored of the silence and wanted to be a bit more social. “Cool goggles, where did you get them?” She asked, looking down to his chest - where his goggles were hanging. “Made them” Max said - he then processed what he said. Did he just remember something? He just thought it was a natural reaction but when he closed in on the thought - it was true. Suddenly he could recall crafting the frame and assembling the goggles. He could then remember cutting himself on his hoof, after the memory burst was over he looked down to his hoof and felt over the area that he could remember. There was evidence that he had been cut. “Oh, cool. Was it hard?” She continued. “Hurt myself in the process” Max admitted as he let his hoof fall back down. “Well, sometimes you need to give a little to get something” Rainbow quoted. “And my goggles wanted my blood” Max added. “Sure, cause that makes them yours by blood then” Rainbow concluded. “Yeah” Max chuckled as a smile grew across his face. Another small silence occurred after that, which was yet again broken by the talking rainbow. “Where do you come from?” She asked, looking at him with a smile. “Far away” Max answered swiftly, leaving no room for extra questions. He then looked away and rubbed the sore part of his neck. Still, not knowing where it came from. Thanks to this Rainbow was able to find another subject to press him on. “What did you do to your neck?” She asked as she lifted Max’s hair to get a better look at his injury. “It’s nothing” Max stuttered as he batted Rainbows hoof away. “Hey! What gives?” Rainbow pressed in a playful tone. “Well” Max replied as he paused for a second, “It’s something I would rather not talk about - to any pony” Rainbow took the hint and backed off the subject. “Morning Dash” called a voice from behind the two pegasi. They both turned to see the owner of the voice. Standing in the doorway was a white pegasus with light blue hair. She took off her goggles and swished her hair in the air - brilliant. The sun even emphasized her hair as it returned to its shape. “Morning Bolt” Rainbow replied as she waved at the pegasus. The pegasus then walked over to the table and sat opposite the two. She looked between the two, knowing one - and wanting to know about the other. “Who’s the new guy?” Bolt asked, maintaining her friendly face. “Oh, this is Max Plasma. Bolt - Max. Max - Lightning Bolt” Rainbow introduced. “He’s the new rookie” “Awesome, nice to meet you Max” Bolt exclaimed, offering a hoof out to shake. “Nice to meet you, Lightning Bolt” Max said, shaking the hoof in the process and letting out a smile of his own. “Just call me Bolt” Bolt giggled as she sat back in her seat. “So, you gonna be working with us for the future” “I believe so” Max answered. Bolt raised a eyebrow and put on a more mischievous smile. “Well, you better believe it. Or else this won't last” Bolt smirked. Rainbow then shot her a look, as if to say ‘Back off’. Bolt then rolled her eyes and sat back. “Anyway, don’t sweat. If Rainbow let you in - then you must be good” said Bolt assuringly. “Yeah, like she said” Rainbow agreed, still shooting looks at Bolt, resulting in funny reactions. “You got past me - so you’ll be fine” “Thanks” Max sighed as he lied back a little. “You still got to impress me though” jeered somepony from behind. Rainbow then revealed her most unamused face as she instantly recognised the voice. “Go water your peace lily Thunderlane!” Rainbow shouted back at the pegasus, who was now called Thunderlane. “Ha!” Thunderlane let out as he walked over to the table and patted Rainbow on the back. After she fought him away, he walked next to Bolt and sat on her left. She too was giving him looks of annoyance. Then again, from Thunderlanes first impressions - he was a little bit of a jackass. “I take it that you are the new guy?” Thunderlane smirked as he took his seat. “That’s me” Max admitted as smiled nervously, “Max Plasma” “Thunderlane, second in command of this group” Thunderlane announced. “More like, leader when Rainbow Dash is off” Bolt chanted, “And that’s, like, never” The two girls laughed, Thunderlane rolled his eyes and crossed his hoofs. “Chill out Thunderlane” Rainbow chuckled, she seemed to be getting some revenge from something that he did. Max tried to not play a part on this inside joke - since it could only go wrong for him. “How can I chill out with you two always in my hair” Thunderlane huffed. “Common, you know we’re just playing around” Bolt assured Thunderlane as she nudged him. “Yeah right” Thunderlane mumbled. The mare’s continued to think of new ways to attack their grudge against Thunderlane. But they were interrupted by the entrance of the final members of the team. “Heya everypony” one of them called out. Max and Rainbow turned around to see who had come in, even though Rainbow already knew who it was. “Hey Cloudchaser, hey Flitter” She called out to the two pegasi. They then came and sat to Max’s left - where the last spaces were. With Cloudchaser nearest to Max. Oh boy - here we go. “Who’s this guy?” one of them asked while pointing at Max and looking at the others. The other one sighed and pushed her hoof down. “You could just ask him, Flitter” Cloudchaser stated before returning to look at Max. She too probably wanted to know who he was. “Oh, right. Who are you?” Flitter asked in a more direct way this time. “I’m Max Plasma” Max answered with a slight grin on his face. “I’m Flitter, and this is my sister-” She began before being cut off by her sister, who put her hoof in front of her mouth. “Cloudchaser, it’s nice to meet you” Cloudchaser said while trying to keep Flitter quiet. “Cloudchaser, Flitter - it’s nice to meet you too” Max responded calmly. Rainbow Dash then looked around to confirm what she knew, then she began. “Now that everypony is here, here are the weather reports for today” Rainbow declared as she passed some sheets of paper out. When Max’s one came to him, he examined it for a second. It was pretty simple to understand - as it said what the weather should be during the day. And then it said what state to leave it in for the night. Today it was clear skies all day, followed by a shower over night. That meant that they would be getting rid of the clouds all day - and then getting rain clouds from Cloudsdale later. Simple enough. “Right - Cloudchaser, Flitter and Bolt - you can take the west and south sectors. Thunderlane and Max - you take the north sector. And I will take east” Rainbow announced. “Cool... wait what?” Thunderlane stuttered, “Why am I with the new guy?” “Because I said so” Rainbow smirked. “Oh fuck...” Thunderlane grunted as he dug his head into his hoofs. “Am I really giving you that impression” Max exclaimed, “I’ve only been on the team for a day you know” “It’s not that” Thunderlane sobbed, “It’s just that you will be asking questions all the time because you’re new and stuff”. Max rolled his eyes at the pathetic pegasus. “Trust me, I know what I’m doing” Max assured Thunderlane. “Whatever...” Thunderlane groaned. He then received a pat on the back from Lightning Bolt for being so pathetic. Deserved and earned. Rainbow, Bolt and Thunderlane then engaged in some more conversation - leaving Max to either try and join in. Or, more likely, talk with the others - who didn’t seem to be that bad. “So, why did you choose the weather team?” Cloudchaser asked. Decision taken. “Somepony suggested it to me, because it seemed like the thing I would enjoy” Max replied, letting of a slight smile at the end. “Alright, cool” Cloudchaser responded. Time for Max to be a bit more socal. “So, how is it on the weather team?” Max asked Cloudchaser. “Depends what’s going on. Sometimes it can be fun, tiring, or even plain old boring” Cloudchaser explained. “Normally, it’s a good workout though. Keeps us all in good shape” “Suppose” Max said. “Plus it gives you things to think about” “For example” Cloudchaser questioned looking over at Max suggestively. “Well, about how you are going to control all the different types of weather” Max replied. Cloudchaser giggled and rolled her eyes. “Not really, it becomes second nature when you do it for long enough” Cloudchaser explained. Max considered the idea, then saw it as realistic. Besides - these ponies had been working here longer than he could remember. Literally. “Right” Max replied. Cloudchaser then shuffled a little closer to Max. “How long are you planning to stay on the team?” She asked intently. “As long as I need to” Max stated. Cloudchaser then smiled and moved a little closer. “Good, cause then we can get to know each other a little better then” Cloudchaser said softly as she moved even closer. Max then turned his head to be almost face to face with Cloudchaser, who was smiling warmly at him. “Right...” Max managed as he leant back. Cloudchaser then smiled innocently and then turned away from Max to talk to Flitter. ‘Damn’ Max thought as he put two and two together. He then turned back to the group that he seemed to get along best with - without being made uncomfortable. Another few minutes of idle chit chat went on until Rainbow announced that it was time to get to work. And, with that in the air, the team began to split off. Max followed the group until he realised that he was leaving something behind. He turned to see the pathetic pegasus still sobbing in his seat. “Come on Thunderlane, he’s not all that bad - trust me” Rainbow called out before she then shot into the sky. “Fine!” Thunderlane puffed, he then stood up and walked over to Max. His eyes were still rather lifeless as he stood in front of Max. Max gave him a disapproving look as he then turned around and walked out of the door. When he was ready to go he looked back to the still rather lifeless pegasus. “Well, you coming?” Max asked. Thunderlane sighed and then walked over to Max again. After spreading his wings he looked up to the sky and took in some of the fresh air. “I hate being cooped up in there when i’m sober” Thunderlane stated as he stretched and then flapped his wings a couple of times to get them loose. “And you’re sober now?” Max asked sarcastically. “Ha ha... very funny” Thunderlane replied in a similar sarcastic tone. “Anyway, you’re under my wing today - so behave!” “I can behave” Max grunted as he too flapped his wings. “I’m glad we have an understanding” Thunderlane smirked as he shot into the sky, only to be closely followed by Max. Within a minute they arrived at their work area. It was covered in clouds from the last rainfall, lots of clouds. “Looks like we have our work cut out for us” Max admitted as he scanned the area. “Yup, clear skies are needed” Thunderlane agreed as he too looked around. “Better get to work” “How do you want to do this?” Max asked. Max then remembered why Thunderlane was so annoyed about working with him, so he quickly said “Oh, sorry about the question”. Thunderlane then gave Max a look and rolled his eyes. “It’s cool, really” Thunderlane chuckled. “I’ll take the north west, you take north east” “Right” Max responded. Max and Thunderlane then went to their separate sectors. The job seemed to be pretty simple - just buck every single cloud out of existence. Easy as pie. Because pie is easy- right? About five hours had passed since the team had began to work. Each of the separate sectors were maintained and kept clear. The weather was correct - and that made it a nice day. After all, with no clouds in the sky - the sun can flow through and create a cosy atmosphere. And since the work was mostly done the team decided to slow the work down a little and enjoy the sun. Each in different ways. Rainbow would normally take a nap on a leftover cloud. Others would sunbath in the clouds or just plain old relax. For Max and Thunderlane - they just found some leftover clouds and decided to float around aimlessly. The clouds soft texture made them comfortable to lay on, therefore they were able to relieve the stress of whoever was lying on them. It didn’t take long for Max to figure this out, as Thunderlane mentioned it numerous times as he got tired. “Hey, I’m just gonna take a minute off. Oh - these clouds are super relaxing” He would go on as they worked. Max, on the other hand just kept on working - even though he was told that he could break with Thunderlane. Eventually it came to that time when Max was totally worn out, and since the work was done the two took some time to relax. This was the great thing about being a pegasus - being able to use clouds as you please. Well, that was as long as you were on the weather team. Or you knew how to use them. “This is the life” Thunderlane exclaimed as he floated past Max. “Sure is” Max agreed as he seeped back into the cloud a little more. “I could almost say that I love this job” Thunderlane admitted as he bit his lip. “Well, why don’t don’t you marry it if you love it so much” Max suggested sarcastically. There was a long silence after Max made his last comment. This wasn’t the best silence that could happen, so Max sat up and looked at his colleague. “Thunderlane?” “What?” Thunderlane huffed. “What’s up?” Max asked as he walked over to Thunderlane’s cloud. “It’s nothing” Thunderlane grumbled. Max then raised an eyebrow at him. “What?” “If I said something to upset you - I’m sorry” Max apologised, letting his head drop. Thunderlane sighed and sat up. “It’s no problem mate” Thunderlane assured. “Just leave me be when I give you the silent treatment” “Alright” Max acknowledged as he then stood up and walked back onto his cloud. Then he dropped down onto his back again, relaxing again in the process. Exhaling the suspenseful air from his lungs - he returned to the relaxed state that he enjoyed. “I’ve got to admit” Thunderlane began, causing Max’s ears to lift up. “You’re not half bad” “You’re not half bad either” Max responded. “You never know, one day we might be friends” “Not for a while mate” Thunderlane chuckled. “Fair enough” Max replied, sustaining a slight smile on his face. Even though Thunderlane could be annoying, and a bit of a jackass. He still offered a character that Max would be happy to work with. Maybe not friends - but still working buddies. Or something like that. Another few minutes passed until the sun came to the point where it was time for the final part of the day. Shower time, for the land that is. Max jumped onto his feet and bucked the cloud that he was on to disintegrate it. Then he glided over to Thunderlane and he gave him a tap. “What?” Thunderlane groaned as he rolled over from his disturbed nap time. “Time for the overnight shower” Max stated. “Really?” Thunderlane said as he sat up and looked to see that time really had been on the move. “So it is” The two then flew over to Cloudsdale where the clouds for the shower were being pumped out. There already was Cloudchaser, Flitter and Bolt. They were waiting on the rest of the team to arrive. “Have you seen Rainbow?” Bolt asked as the two arrived. “No, have you?” Thunderlane replied, annoyed, as he flew past the group and waited near the clouds. Bolt rolled her eyes at him, knowing that he was still holding a grudge against Rainbow. She then turned her attention back to Max, who was waiting with them. “So, how are you finding it?” Bolt asked Max. “It’s great, better than I expected” Max replied happily as he continued to flutter in the air. “Good” Bolt smiled with relief. It was then when their attention turned to the multi coloured object flying towards them. “Finally” “Sorry I’m late guys, had a little problem back there” Rainbow apologised as she took a short break in the air. She then looked behind the group to see Thunderlane waiting. “He still like that?” “He was when he got here” Cloudchaser explained as she took a look back at Thunderlane. “I just think he’s a little tired after working today” Max suggested, as he had been working with him today. “Normally Thunderlane isn’t that put off” Rainbow stated as she shrugged. “Well, that’s Thunderlane for you” The team stuck to that and then flew over the the cloud mass. It was going to take a lot to move it, as there were so many clouds. But the idea was simple enough - take one, place it and repeat. Easy, right? Well, at least that was what Max thought.